Cork and Kerry Producing the Goods for Largest Artisan Food Market Event

More than 5,000 People to Attend Ireland’s Largest Artisan Food Market

A survey of more than 400 people carried out by  the Local Enterprise Offices in Cork and Kerry has found that 75% of people believe that locally made Irish food and drink products are better for your health and wellbeing. The survey which was compiled to mark the launch of the Cork and Kerry Food Market event in Cork City Hall on November 4th also found that 97% of people are happy to support food businesses which contribute to the local economy and create employment.

The event which takes the place of the previously named Cork and Kerry Food Forum is aimed at consumers and will feature more than 60 artisan food and drink producers as well as cookery demonstrations from celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon and The Happy Pear brothers, David and Stephen Flynn.

Of those surveyed, 88% said they make an effort to buy Irish food and drink products with 69% saying that they consider where a product is made when doing their grocery shopping. 30% said they shop on a day to day basis with 42% saying they use a shopping list to do their weekly shop. 90% also said they were more likely to buy a brand when they know the story behind it and 88% said they buy more local artisan produce at Christmas time.

Supported by a partnership including the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) Cork and Kerry, Taste Cork, Taste Kerry, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Kerry County Council, SuperValu and Bord Bia, the unique food market event will be free and take place from 10am to 6pm on November 4th, showcasing the best products to add to the Christmas shopping list this year.

                                                    Speaking of the event, Joe Burke, Local Enterprise Office South Cork said, “In the five year period between 2012 and 2017, Cork and Kerry Local Enterprise Offices have  grant aided more than 150 food projects, and provided specific food training and mentoring to hundreds of people, proving that our local food industry continues to soar with Irish retailers choosing more locally produced produce. The artisan and speciality food sector in Ireland is important for creating employment and when consumers decide to buy local they are not only supporting these brave business owners but also helping to create employment which is what the food market event is all about.”

Also speaking of the food market event, Kenneth O’Connor, Food Academy Project Manager, SuperValu said, “Supervalu has always sought out the best local producers to give our customers the very best of what Ireland has to offer, which is why we run the SuperValu Food Academy programme. Consumers are more aware than ever that when they buy local they are not only investing in a high quality product but also helping to create local jobs. In the run up to Christmas we

want our customers to be more mindful of this fact and to make a conscious effort to seek out new artisan products to fall in love with.”