Making Donegal famous for food

Alastair Dobson, A Taste of Arran, to visit Donegal for Donegal Business Week

A Taste of Arran in Donegal Business Week with the objective of ‘Making Donegal Famous For Food’

As part of Donegal Business Week, Donegal’s Local Enterprise Office is hosting a unique event for those working in the food sector in Donegal. ‘Making Donegal Famous For Food’ is open to anyone working in food related businesses in the county, including producers, chefs, restaurants, cafes, hotels and accommodation providers. Taking place on Wednesday, 9th March, in The Donegal Brewing Co., Dicey Reilly’s, Ballyshannon, the event runs from 10.30am – 1.30pm, with registration at 10am.

‘Making Donegal Famous For Food’ is an opportunity for Donegal’s food sector to come together to learn how, working collaboratively, they can develop their food reputation and benefit their businesses. Guest speaker Alastair Dobson from A Taste of Arran, in Scotland, will share his experience of working collaboratively with other partners to develop his business and enhance the food reputation of the island.

Business Executive at Donegal’s LEO, Eve-Anne McCarron, looks after the implementation of the Donegal Food Strategy and is looking forward to welcoming Alastair Dobson to Donegal: “A Taste of Arran was created in 2001, when a number of small producers on the island came together in order to “export” their produce to mainland Scotland. The partnership proved phenomenally successful and we’re delighted that anyone working in the food sector in Donegal can now benefit and learn from Alastair’s experience”. 

Eve-Anne continued: “The growth of the food sector in Donegal, together with the new interest created by the Wild Atlantic Way, offers an opportunity for food businesses in the county to work collaboratively to make a statement about the food we offer and the impression it creates of Donegal. We promise attendees will leave with plenty of food for thought about the role they, and their peers, can play in making Donegal famous for food”.

Following Alastair Dobson’s talk, Eve-Anne McCarron will present ‘The Food Coast – Donegal’s Good Food Initiative’. Key points include the growth of the Food Coast network and developing the brand as a mark of origin for Donegal food businesses; and how this can help promote the county and its members. The Food Coast initiative was developed by the Local Enterprise Office to support the development, growth and awareness of Donegal’s food sector and acts as a central platform for establishing Donegal as a “Food County” – a place with a vibrant food culture and food economy. Following the talks, there will be a display of local producers and products, as well as an opportunity to tour the Donegal Brewing Co. facility.

Other food focused events happening during Donegal Business Week include ‘Make Food Your Business!’ which takes place at The Counter, Canal Road, Letterkenny on Wednesday, 9th March from 6.30pm. Key speakers include food entrepreneur and advisor, Declan Droney, Karl Bonnar of Irish Fish Canners, Linda McLean of Mallow Mia and Richard Finney of The Counter.

Running from Monday, 7th to Friday, 11th March, Donegal Business Week is a great opportunity for Donegal businesses and start-ups to learn from, listen to and network with leaders in their field. The week culminates with the 20th Donegal Business Awards, which take place on Friday, 11th March at 12.30pm in the Villa Rose Hotel, Ballybofey. This event is open to the public and the guest speaker is Padraig O’Ceidigh, the Connemara man synonymous with Aer Arann.

Places at the week’s events are strictly limited, so check out the range of events and register now at www.localenterprise.ie/donegal  or contact LEO on 074 91 60735.

Local Enterprise Office Donegal is supported through co-funding from the Irish Government and the European Regional Development Fund 2014 – 2020