Some 7 months ago, I joined a group of Artisan Producers on the Food Academy (a collaborative initiative between Local Enterprise Offices, Bord Bia and SuperValu).

Through a number of informative workshops and 1-2-1 mentoring, we were given the skills to develop our business further by focusing on key elements such as pricing, packaging and marketing. This followed with an opportunity to pitch to SuperValu and the chance to trial for a 12 week period in local SuperValu stores.

As a  result, the last few months have been pretty busy, scaling up production, visiting and meeting store managers while getting ready to launch on supermarket shelves.

A big piece of the 12 week trial is of course in-store tasting in local SuperValu stores introducing our products and engaging with shoppers. So far, this has been a hugely positive experience with great feedback from customers and a direct impact on helping our business to grow. Customers love to hear the story behind a product and are genuinely interested and happy to support local producers. I’ve had so many people wish me luck while Store Managers and staff have been so supportive and welcoming.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be a small part of something really big while support from the Local Enterprise Office, SuperValu and Bord Bia has been invaluable. Not only have 85 small producers been given a chance to go on shelves in over 130 SuperValu stores nationwide but when local produce (such as our products) is bought, 3 times more is spent in local economies.

Kitty O’Byrnes ‘Turf Sauce‘ is now available in SuperValu stores across Dublin including Balbriggan, Blackrock, Churchtown, Deansgrange, Donabate, Firhouse, Killester, Killiney, Lucan, Mount Merrion, Palmerstown, Skerries and Templeogue.

Turf Sauce is a versatile stout based glaze, baste, dipping sauce and flavour enhancer. Tangy and sweet, it is a great all rounder to have in the fridge and can take you from kitchen to table in so many different ways. My favourites, simply mix with Mayo for a tangy spread for burgers, sandwiches, prawn cocktail or dip. For a yummy Steak sauce, add cream to pan while steak is resting, add a dash of Turf, bring to boil and simmer for the perfect steak sauce.