Special market showcases food producers business journey
Tue, March 22, 2016
Special market showcases food producers business journey
Eleven new food businesses have now completed the innovative ‘Journey to Market Programme’ thanks to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. The ground-breaking business development scheme was run by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
Now a special showcase event in the Diamond in Coleraine Town Centre on Saturday 26th March will give local people the chance to sample a range of delicious products created by our local producers.
The Mayor of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan said, “Journey to Market has been a very successful programme and this exciting showcase event is a great opportunity to come along and see what local people are creating right here in our community.
“There are some very innovative companies that have been established or are looking to expand, which is great for the future of our borough. I hope people will visit and support this free event and the wonderful food made in the heart of our community.”
The programme manager, business consultant Lara Goodall said. “Eleven businesses have now successfully completed the programme. They are now all up and running and we have got people trading in local markets and selling to local retailers and restaurants. This programme has helped develop their confidence and skills to build sustainable businesses.”
The food makers have developed a mouth-watering selection of products including speciality cakes gluten free and sugar free cakes, delicious meze and dips, authentic fresh pasta, the finest hot smoked salmon, luxurious dairy ice cream, premium jams and chutneys, Irish breads with a modern twist, wellness teas and melt in your mouth gourmet mallows.
Among the participants is Linda Christie from Ballinteer Quail Farm, who have recently established themselves as the first local farm producing quail eggs and meat in Northern Ireland. Linda who has now started to supply local restaurants, farm shops and supermarkets said the Journey to Market programme was invaluable in improving their business skills.She said, “I am a hands-on farmer, so Journey to Market has helped me focus on what I need to do to run a new business. We have had a great launch and now we have to look forward to growing our family business.”
The Journey to Market provided applicants with the support they needed to establish or grow their food business. This support included four days of expert mentoring and a series of seminars covering Innovation in Product Development, Marketing, Creating Experiences and Visual Merchandising.
Ms Goodall added: “This showcase event is the culmination of all of their hard work. The aim was to support local entrepreneurs to develop their idea and prepare them to bring their goods and services successfully to the local markets. I am very proud of all of the participants and what they have achieved.”
ENDS