Crust boss urges food startups to apply for Food Academy

The boss of a Westmeath-based company that specialises in gluten-free baked goods and baking mixes, is encouraging start-up and early-stage food and drink Irish businesses to apply for the Food Academy 2025.

Rosaleen Coates is at the helm of Crust, based in Coralstown, which describes its aim as being to help coeliacs and those with a gluten intolerance rediscover the joy of food.

She credits Food Academy with helping Crust grow:

“We started with baked goods, and in 2020, we identified a gap in the market for high-quality gluten-free mixes. Our Crust mixes won Blas na hEireann Silver and Bronze awards in 2024 and also FreeFrom Ireland Gold, Silver & Bronze Awards in 2024.

“Thanks to Food Academy, our product range has grown, and we’re excited to expand to retail shelves across Ireland as demand continues to grow.”

Applications for Food Academy 2025 are now open, which Rosaleen says, offers start-up and mid-stage food entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to take their products from concept to consumer, gaining expert mentorship, retail insight, and exposure.

Over the past 11 years, more than 1,000 producers from all 26 counties of Ireland have successfully completed the Food Academy programme which is supported by SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Office.

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.

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.

This year, the Food Academy has launched a 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 the Food Academy recruitment, Carmel Biggane, Food Academy manager, said: “The Food Academy is a fantastic collaboration between SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Office, growing stronger year after year since its inception 12 years ago.

This programme provides producers with invaluable experience, and the opportunity to get their products on SuperValu shelves, 52 weeks of the year, and helping them build their brand.

Supporting local and Irish producers is at the heart of what we do at SuperValu, and our involvement in Food Academy underscores our commitment to fostering homegrown talent in the food industry.

As consumer tastes continue to evolve, the Food Academy is paving the way for innovative food and drink producers to bring great-tasting products to the Irish market. We encourage all start-ups and mid-stage producers to apply today."

Apply for the Food Academy today through your Local Enterprise Office: https://www.localenterprise.ie/FoodSupports/Food-Academy-Programme.

The closing date for applications is April 4th, 2025.