Two Tipperary food producers selected to take part in this year’s Food Academy
Almost three-quarters (72%) of Irish people feel a greater sense of loyalty to local food products, according to a new survey carried out by SuperValu. This sentiment is particularly timely with the launch of this year’s Food Academy producers, emphasising the profound connection Irish people have with locally sourced food. Two Tipperary based producers, Nancy’s Fancies and May’s & Kay’s Kitchen have been selected to take part in this year’s programme.
Pictured as part of the launch of the 2024 Food Academy producers is participant Kay McGonigle of May’s & Kay’s. Research conducted by SuperValu shows that almost three-quarters (72%) of Irish people feel a greater sense of loyalty to local food products, underscoring the deep connection between Irish consumers and locally sourced food products. Now in its 11th year, 21 new Food Academy producers will participate in the 2024 programme and see their products stocked on their local SuperValu shelves. To date, Food Academy producers have sold over €230 million worth of Irish food and drinks products in SuperValu stores.
The Food Academy programme, a unique and tailored business development initiative for start-up and early-stage food and drink producers, was developed by SuperValu over a decade ago, in collaboration with the Local Enterprise Office. Since its inception, 11 years ago, more than 1,000 producers from all 26 counties of Ireland have successfully completed the Food Academy programme.
Pictured as part of the launch of the 2024 Food Academy producers is participant Jennifer Simpson of Nancy’s Fancies. Research conducted by SuperValu shows that almost three-quarters (72%) of Irish people feel a greater sense of loyalty to local food products, underscoring the deep connection between Irish consumers and locally sourced food products. Now in its 11th year, 21 new Food Academy producers will participate in the 2024 programme and see their products stocked on their local SuperValu shelves. To date, Food Academy producers have sold over €230 million worth of Irish food and drinks products in SuperValu stores.
The two new Tipperary Food Academy producers have launched their products on the shelves of their local SuperValu stores. Recent findings reveal that access to locally sourced and produced food holds significant importance for nearly three-quarters (73%) of Irish people. These findings further highlight the significance of initiatives like Food Academy, which focuses on offering the best of local and Irish products to consumers, throughout Ireland. The two Tipperary food producers, Nancy’s Fancies and May’s & Kay’s Kitchen are both baking-focused, with both of their careers having stemmed from their grandparents’ interest in baking. It presents an exciting opportunity for customers to experience these new creations from a remarkable group of producers right in their local stores.
The Food Academy is a significant contributor to the overall growth and sustainability of the Irish food industry. Food Academy producers have sold a combined €230 million of products in SuperValu since 2013, supporting 1,500 jobs in the economy. The programme serves as a platform for showcasing quality Irish products and the innovative spirit of food and drink producers across the nation.
Speaking about the launch of this year’s Food Academy producers, Ciara McClafferty, Trading Director at SuperValu said: “At SuperValu, we have supported the Food Academy programme for over a decade now, and it is wonderful to see that talent and innovation continues to grow in this industry. We are always blown away by the level of applications each year and choosing the successful producers to come onto the programme is never an easy task – which in itself is a testament to the calibre of producers in our country.
I would like to congratulate Nancy’s Fancies and May’s & Kay’s Kitchen who are beginning their journey with the Food Academy this year.”
Speaking about starting her business and her experience so far with Food Academy, Jennifer Simpson, founder of Nancy’s Fancies based in Co. Tipperary said: “Being chosen for the Food Academy programme has truly been a career-defining moment for me! My innovative take on Nancy’s classic bakes, featuring delights like raspberry & white chocolate blondies and hazelnut cream brownies, are all about pure homemade goodness – no preservatives or chemicals, just deliciousness. Crafting these gems in small batches in Cahir, adds that extra touch of authenticity. Baking has always been my passion, instilled in me by my grandmother Nancy, to whom I am eternally grateful. The Food Academy programme has been incredibly helpful in elevating my brand, offering valuable guidance every step of the way. Seeing Nancy’s Fancies on my local SuperValu shelves for the first time will be an unforgettable moment.”
Speaking about her business journey and experience with Food Academy, Kay McGonigle, founder of May’s & Kay’s Kitchen, said: “My interest in baking was fostered by my grandmother and mother. I always had a keen interest in qualifying as a chef during my time in secondary school. My husband Shane and I have worked tirelessly to build this business and it continues to go from strength to strength. The Food Academy has provided us with the necessary tools to be able to bring our products to the retail sector in Ireland. Having our products exposed to such a large audience is something we are very grateful for.”
List of Tipperary Food Academy Producers
| Producer Name | Product | Location |
| Nancy’s Fancies | Baked Treats | Tipperary |
| May’s & Kay’s Kitchen | Free-From Cakes | Tipperary |
Research:
Research was conducted through an online survey across a nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults aged 18+ between April 22nd and April 25th, 2024, by Empathy Research.
About SuperValu
SuperValu serves over 2.9 million customers every week and has 221 stores nationwide. Together with its retail partners, SuperValu employs approximately 16,000 colleagues, making it one of the State’s largest private-sector employers. SuperValu continues to source locally wherever possible which helps to sustain 30,000 jobs in the Irish economy. SuperValu sources 100% of it is fresh meat and poultry from Bord Bia approved farms and over 1,800 Irish suppliers.
About Food Academy
Food Academy is a unique food business development programme between SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). Participants in the programme receive training in market research and branding, food safety, marketing, finance, and business development. Food Academy producers have sold a combined €230 million of products in SuperValu since 2013, supporting 1,500 jobs in the economy. Over the past 11 years, more than 1,000 producers from all 26 counties of Ireland have successfully completed the Food Academy programme.
