Glenties-based company encourages entrepreneurs to apply for Food Academy
Supported by SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Office, Food Academy provides a launchpad for start-up to mid-stage food and drink producers, equipping them with the tools to thrive in the competitive retail landscape
A Glenties-based company is encouraging start-up and early-stage food and drink Irish businesses to apply for the Food Academy 2025.
Filligans, who specialises in high-quality jams, relishes, chutneys and oils, made the appeal with applications now open, start-up and mid-stage food entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to take their products from concept to consumer, gaining expert mentorship, retail insight, and exposure through this programme.
Supported by SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Office, Food Academy provides a launchpad for start-up to mid-stage food and drink producers, equipping them with the tools to thrive in the competitive retail landscape. With consumer interest in homegrown, innovative products at an all-time high, now is the perfect time for new producers to take the leap and apply.
Food Academy has surpassed €260 million in retail sales over the past 11 years, highlighting the programme’s significant impact. In 2025, Food Academy products are projected to generate €30 million in retail sales, reflecting strong consumer demand for local, high-quality, and sustainable Irish food. By fostering local entrepreneurship, SuperValu continues to drive economic growth and innovation in Ireland’s food and drink sector.
At the same time, changing consumer habits are shaping new opportunities for food producers. The latest trends emphasise an increasing demand for organic products, fermented foods and gut health products, as well as vegetarian, plant-based, and high-protein options, exemplified by Food Academy producers, including All Real, who specialise in protein bars that are handmade with 100% natural ingredients, and Thanks Plants who produce meatless meats out of whole food ingredients. This wave of innovation reflects the rapid speed of new product development across the Irish food sector.
This year, the Food Academy has launched an exciting new partnership with Technological University Dublin. Through this collaboration, Food Academy participants will benefit from an enhanced training programme at TU Dublin, complementing the ongoing training provided by the Food Academy, and offering participants an additional opportunity to enhance their business skills. Notably, the Food Academy is now the only accredited producer development programme, leading to a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from TU Dublin, which recognises and accredits the skills gained through this unique programme.
Speaking about his business and experience with Food Academy Willie Cremen, founder of Filligans, said, “Over the last 24 years the Filligans team have come together using their knowledge, skill and craft to consistently produce “the tastes of the good old times” as well as products for modern, contemporary tastes.
"It is a natural progression for us to work with Supervalu, a nationally recognised supporter of local producers. Food Academy has provided a structured programme where we can retain our identity while having extensive access to local customers. The benefit to the company in reaching out to local customers and meeting their need for ease of purchase is fundamental to the development of Filligans’ relationship with the customer.”
Over the past 11 years, more than 1,000 producers from all 26 counties of Ireland have successfully completed the Food Academy programme. This initiative has provided these entrepreneurs with a unique opportunity to showcase their innovative products on SuperValu shelves all year round. Since its inception in 2013, Food Academy producers have collectively generated €260 million in product sales within SuperValu, supporting 1,500 jobs in the economy.
Apply for the Food Academy today through your Local Enterprise Office here. The closing date for applications is April 5.