A Laois food business will have the opportunity to showcase its products to almost 300,000 visitors at the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Co. Offaly, from 15 to 17 September as part of the Local Enterprise Village.

Supported by Local Enterprise Office Laois, Le Skinny Chef Limited is a Portlaoise-based producer of premium, 100% plant-based foods, including its award-winning pesto spreads, dips, sauces and concentrated soups. Founded by French chef Aymar Gourdet, the company supplies retail, online, food service, private label and export markets, with plans to further expand across the UK and Europe. For more information, visit www.leskinnychef.com.

The Local Enterprise Village, an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, will feature over 30 small businesses from across Ireland, showcasing the best of Irish entrepreneurship across sectors including food, craft, retail, manufacturing and agri-business.

This year, visitors can also avail of support and advice through the new Business Advice Hub, where Local Enterprise Office specialists will be available to discuss business start-up, funding, sustainability, digitalisation and AI opportunities.

Following its successful debut in 2025, Google AI will return to the Village with an interactive space demonstrating how artificial intelligence can help businesses become more productive and competitive. The Enterprise Europe Network will also be present for the first time, offering guidance to businesses exploring opportunities in European markets.

Lisa Molloy, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, Laois County Council, said: "Le Skinny Chef is a fantastic example of the innovation and quality emerging from Laois' food sector. We are delighted to see Aymar and his business representing the county at the National Ploughing Championships and wish them every success at this year's event." With close to 300,000 visitors expected over the three days, the Local Enterprise Village provides participating businesses with unparalleled exposure to new customers, buyers and potential business partners.

Anna May McHugh, Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association, said: “The Local Enterprise Village is such a valuable part of the Ploughing, giving small Irish businesses from across the country the opportunity to showcase what they do to the huge crowds that attend each year. We are delighted to welcome the 31 businesses selected this year and it’s great to see them have the opportunity to reach new customers and showcase their products & services to such a large audience.

It’s great to welcome Google back for a second year, alongside the Local Enterprise Offices who will be on hand offering advice and support. It's great to see such valuable supports available to small businesses and budding entrepreneurs.”

The Local Enterprise Offices, funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland, support entrepreneurs and small businesses through mentoring, training, expert advice and financial assistance. Since 2014, they have helped create over 80,000 jobs across Ireland.

For more information, visit www.LocalEnterprise.ie.