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TASTE OF WICKLOW GROWS IN POPULARITY AS 4TH ANNUAL EVENT TAKES PLACE

The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Andrew Doyle T.D. today [Sunday] addressed the 4th annual ‘Taste of Wicklow’ event in Wicklow Town.

Speaking in advance of the event Minister Doyle noted;
“I’d like to commend the organisers of this important annual event which showcases the best of Wicklow food produce. The FoodWise 2025 strategy recognises the value of the artisan sector and its potential for development and employment. It recommends actions to help the sector to realise its potential, including events like the ‘Taste of Wicklow’. Growth prospects are positive overall, driven by increased consumer interest in the provenance of food, and a desire to support the local economy”.

Minister Doyle also talked about the importance of the Supervalu / Bord Bia Food Academy and the number of artisan producers present who had benefited from this valuable mentoring service. “Food Academy now supports more than 600 local suppliers. By the end of 2015, Food Academy had led to the support of over 900 new jobs and retail sales of around €13m. By the end of 2016 we are hoping to increase this to over €20m in sales and over 1,000 jobs” said Minister Doyle.

With a total of 30 artisan and small food producers from all around the county taking part, the 2016 Taste of Wicklow promises to surpass the success of the last number of years with a fusion of local food as well as some local and celebrity chefs including Neven Maguire and Rory Morahan due to participate.

"It should be a great family day out with artisan food producers, music, performers, children’s games, face painting and lots more to entertain all ages all set against the wonderful backdrop of the Abbey Grounds. The event coincides with the Round Ireland Sailfest event which will no doubt add to the atmosphere and crowd.” the Minister concluded.

ENDS


Note for Editors

The ‘Taste of Wicklow’ takes place in Wicklow Town on Sunday 19th June at 12pm

Food Academy is a joint initiative by SuperValu, Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Network designed to harness and nurture the energy and passion of entrepreneurial food producers from all over Ireland. The programme, through its mentoring and hands on approach, equips small food companies with invaluable support from the outset. This initiative is unique in that it facilitates the development and promotion of dynamic entrepreneurs in every county in Ireland. It opens doors and assists start-up food producers to bring their business idea to life and get their product on the shelves of their local SuperValu store.

Artisan food has established a new importance with the publication last year of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s Guidance Note 29 on Food Marketing Terms which sets out for the first time an industry wide definition of artisan food and drink products”

Link to FSAI Guidance Note on Food Marketing Terms

( https://www.fsai.ie/publications_food_marketing-terms/ )