Donegal start-up turning wild venison into clean Irish protein snacks

A new Donegal food company, Wild & Co, has nearly reached its Kickstarter target just five days after launch.

The campaign - from November 5 to December 5 - aims to fund the first production run of Ireland’s first wild venison protein snacks, a clean, savoury and sustainable alternative to ultra-processed protein bars.

Founded by Belfast native Laura McGoran, a food and fitness enthusiast, and John Duffy, from Glendowan - a regenerative farmer working to restore native woodlands in Donegal -  Wild & Co turns locally sourced 100% wild Irish venison into high-protein, low-calorie snacks with nothing artificial added. 

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The pair live in Churchill and are based at Magheroarty Pier. Developed and validated through the Foodovation Centre in Derry, the product has achieved a 12-month ambient shelf life without preservatives, a first for Irish wild game products.

Venison is naturally lean, tasty and nutrient-dense, providing high-quality protein with low saturated fat and rich levels of iron, zinc and B-vitamins that support muscle repair, immunity and energy metabolism. Wild & Co snacks are also lactose-free and sugar-free, offering the performance nutrition of real food without additives or fillers.

“Wild venison is one of Ireland’s most sustainable, underused resources,” says Laura McGoran, co-founder of Wild & Co. “We wanted to create a real food protein snack that fits modern life, something clean, tasty and genuinely good for you. Every pack helps make use of a local resource that’s both healthy and ecologically responsible.”

The new range launches with two bold flavours, Garlic & Black Pepper and Chilli & Garlic, designed for busy, health-conscious consumers who want quality nutrition without compromise. Each snack delivers strong protein content with fewer calories than typical bars or snacks, offering a convenient option for athletes, commuters and professionals alike.

Beyond nutrition, the brand’s mission runs deeper. By using wild venison from managed deer populations, Wild & Co supports efforts to restore balance to Ireland’s ecosystems, reduce browsing pressure on regenerating woodlands and create value within rural communities.

“Our story starts with the land,” adds John. “By managing deer responsibly and turning what was once a challenge into an opportunity, we’re building a food business that is good for people, for farmers and for the environment.”

Following the campaign’s rapid progress, Wild & Co has introduced a €10,000 stretch goal. If reached, the company will plant one native tree for every backer in partnership with local restoration projects; invite backers to vote on the next flavour in the Wild & Co range and welcome all backers to the official Wild & Co summer launch party in Donegal next year.

“Our community has brought this project to life faster than we ever imagined,” says Laura. “This stretch goal is our way of giving back to our supporters, to the landscape that inspires us, and to the wider regenerative movement growing across Ireland.”