Food Academy Start Programme

Local Enterprise Office Louth partners with Bord Bia, SuperValu to deliver the Local Enterprise Offices Regional Food Academy Start Programme.

At the final workshop, participants will get the opportunity to present their product to a panel for SuperValu and, if successful, can participate in a trial based in local shops, which in the right circumstances, could progress over time to a national listing with SuperValu.

Applications for the 2021 Food Academy programme will open in May 2021

**Please note, in order to take part in Food Academy, you must have completed a Food Starter programme or online Digital School of food programme https://www.digitalschooloffood.ie/  **

For more information or to register an expression of interest, email sarah.mallon@leo.louthcoco

 The Programme consists of four workshops covering 6 modules

Module 1: Market Background & Understanding Consumers

•  Understanding Consumers
•  Market Background
•  Research and Data
•  Marketing Strategy & Segmentation
•  Description: Module One will see participants develop an in-depth knowledge of the tools which can be used to assess the market background (target consumers, routes to market) and how to develop an effective marketing strategy for their products.

Module 2: Technical Issues

•  Introduction to Finance
•  Pricing
•  New Product Development
•  Food Safety and Food Labelling
•  Packaging
•  Managing Human Resources

Participants will come to understand the core technical issues facing food and drink business. The module will focus on how to run a business correctly and legally to maintain effective management and growth.

Module 3 & 4: Growing sales

•  Branding and Pack Design
•  Routes to Market
•  Buyer Meetings
•  Marketing Plans
•  Promoting with Confidence
•  Public Relations

These modules will look at further elements of the marketing mix. Participants will gain a good understanding of the different elements of the marketing mix and how the use of better packaging and branding will drive profitable sales.

View the programme brochure here.