Kildare brewing company recognised by World Coffee Innovation Awards

GoodBrew, the Irish cold brew coffee company with a new manufacturing facility in Rathangan, has been shortlisted in the prestigious World Coffee Innovation Awards. The company, which is currently undertaking the Food Works programme, was founded by Husband and wife, Dee and Jeff Schroeder who traded in careers in finance and journalism to start the business after moving home from Washington, D.C., and realising they couldn’t find their favourite icy cold brew coffee in Irish stores.  

GoodBrew is one of seven companies taking part in Food Works, Ireland’s leading accelerator programme for high potential food, drink, ingredients, food science and technology companies. Combining the resources of Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc, Food Works has been a fundamental driver of innovation in the food sector in the last decade. The programme is currently seeking applications from Kildare-based food and drink companies for its 2024 programme.  

Co-founder of GoodBrew, Jeff Schroeder, commented on Food Works, “It’s such an incredible programme for new food and beverage businesses because of its funding, mentors, coaching and an extensive networking opportunity. We are in a better place and on a better path thanks to Food Works programme.” 

GoodBrew makes plant-based cold brew coffee drinks using clean ingredients and extra vitamins for optimum taste, energy and nutrition on the go. The range includes a cold brew coffee concentrate and three ready to drink flavours -mocha, vanilla, caramel – which are on sale in Super Valu; Centra; Fresh Market and a number of independent retail outlets. 

They have recently invested in their own specialist manufacturing facility in Rathangan as the alternative would have been to outsource manufacturing to either Spain or the Netherlands. They have secured EI PSSF funding and are working on new product developments including a product focussing on gut health with added probiotics and a new product with a longer shelf-life. 

Food Works runs annually from February to November. Participating start-ups take part in workshops with national and international industry experts across various disciplines such as strategy, finance, manufacturing and marketing. Successful applicants are supported to get investor-ready by developing a comprehensive business plan focussed on scaling internationally. They also receive customised support from business advisors, facilitated peer-to-peer learning and may have the opportunity to receive feasibility grant funding of up to €35,000. 

The three state agencies, Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc, work jointly to deliver the Food Works programme. 

Bord Bia provides strategic insight and support, assisting participating companies in their understanding of consumers, competitors, trends, opportunities and both domestic and international markets.   

Enterprise Ireland focuses on helping entrepreneurs to start and grow their business internationally. It works collaboratively with the High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs) taking part in Food Works to develop a robust funding strategy to drive growth and supports them to prepare an investor ready business plan.  

Teagasc provides technical support to companies in the development of high-quality, sustainable products, processes and packaging solutions.  State-of-the-art food centres in Dublin and Cork provide participants with access to facilities, equipment, and specialist expertise. 

The closing date for applications for the 2024 programme is December 1, 2023. Full details and an application form are available at FoodWorksIreland.ie