On the 15th of June, I had the pleasure of taking part in the Annual Food and Drink Forum organised by Guaranteed Irish as one of five Irish food and drinks businesses showcasing our products at the event. June is designated as the Guaranteed Irish Food and Drinks month, and at this event it was revealed that recent surveys confirms Irish shoppers’ commitment to supporting local brands.
Hanna Backmo, Hanna’s Bees, at Guaranteed Irish Food and Drinks Forum. Pic. John Allen/Provision
Survey found Irish shoppers choose Irish produce
The event, called ‘Cracking Sustainability in the Face of Rising Costs’, held by Guaranteed Irish and sponsored by SuperValu and Centra. Speaking at the event, Fiona Twomey of Bord Bia, announced the results of their recent survey, which found Irish consumers remain committed to supporting locally produced food even post Covid. Almost two in three buy local produce on a weekly basis, and over half expect to increase their frequency of purchase of local produce in the next six months. Three recent independent surveys carried out by Guaranteed Irish, SuperValu, and Bord Bia show that the Irish public are consciously supporting local brands, which is good news for local business and the environment.
Maurice Gilbert (Ballyhoura Apple Farm), Leonie Lynch (Juspy), Brid O’Connell (CEO Guaranteed Irish), Hanna Backmo (Hanna’s Bees), Colette Twomey (Clonakilty) & Kate Dempsey (Kinsale Mead) Pic. John Allen/Provision
As a very new member, I did not know what to expect, so I scrubbed up as best I could, brought my sweet honey and showed up.
And I was blown away by the response! There is so much interest in Irish produce, and everyone I met really understood the importance of honest labeling for honey. Especially with honey being one of the most adulterated foods in the world, usually in claiming third spot of the most faked foods after Whiskey and Olive oil!
What does it mean to be a Guaranteed Irish Member?
Since becoming a member of Guaranteed Irish, I have been asked several times: Is it really worth the effort? And I can honestly say that it is. Being able to proudly display the Guaranteed Irish G on my products takes some of the guesswork away from my customers, who want to make the right choices when it comes to their food and where it comes from. And, it puts me and my little artisan business in the same league as so many other inspirational, ground breaking and hard working Irish food producers like those in the picture. So, the next time you see a G, know that choosing that product, you also chose to support a small local business like mine and keep the Irish economy going by supporting local jobs! Now, isn’t that a win-win?
The event concluded with Brid O’Connell, CEO Guaranteed Irish, welcoming the result of all three surveys, which each highlighted the importance of collectively promoting provenance with pride.
Brid O’Connell, CEO Guaranteed Irish & Hanna Backmo, Hanna’s Bees Pic. John Allen/Provision
Ever wondered what gives soft set honey its irresistible texture and unique flavors? In this blog, we’ll demystify the process behind this delectable delight, from the role of glucose and fructose sugars in natural granulation to the distinct nuances of spring set, summer set, and Ivy honey varieties. I’ll even tell you how to make…
What an incredible night the Irish Made Awards was! Hanna’s Bees won the Sustainability Category, and made the shortlist in the Gift Category. Thank you to Irish Country Magazine and all the Sponsors for a truly magical evening at the stunning Killashee Hotel. Sponsors for the Sustainability Category was Irish Wellness and Beauty brand Seabody,…
It is really straight forward to make syrup. Beginners often think it is complicated, because we’re talking about ratios and different sugars and different feeders. But it is dead simple.
All honeybee colonies must have adequate stores to last them over winter. Navigating the delicate balance between overfeeding and underfeeding during the pivotal autumn season can be tricky for beginner beekeepers. This guide provides a compass for novice beekeepers for if and how to feed bees in autumn so they can survive the challenges of…
I am buzzing with excitement to announce that Hanna’s Bees has been named the Best Small Business in Cork! The award was given at the inaugural Best in Cork Awards organised by Cork County Council. The award was presented by The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn and Chief Executive of Cork …
Speaking at Guaranteed Irish Annual Food & Drink Forum
On the 15th of June, I had the pleasure of taking part in the Annual Food and Drink Forum organised by Guaranteed Irish as one of five Irish food and drinks businesses showcasing our products at the event. June is designated as the Guaranteed Irish Food and Drinks month, and at this event it was revealed that recent surveys confirms Irish shoppers’ commitment to supporting local brands.
Survey found Irish shoppers choose Irish produce
The event, called ‘Cracking Sustainability in the Face of Rising Costs’, held by Guaranteed Irish and sponsored by SuperValu and Centra. Speaking at the event, Fiona Twomey of Bord Bia, announced the results of their recent survey, which found Irish consumers remain committed to supporting locally produced food even post Covid. Almost two in three buy local produce on a weekly basis, and over half expect to increase their frequency of purchase of local produce in the next six months. Three recent independent surveys carried out by Guaranteed Irish, SuperValu, and Bord Bia show that the Irish public are consciously supporting local brands, which is good news for local business and the environment.
Showcasing our products
At the event some of Corks’ most innovative food and drink suppliers showcased and sampled their products. These included Kate Dempsey (Kinsale Mead), Leonie Lynch (Juspy), Maurice Gilbert (Ballyhoura Apple Farm), Colette Twomey (Clonakilty Blackpudding) and Hanna Backmo (Hanna’s Bees).
As a very new member, I did not know what to expect, so I scrubbed up as best I could, brought my sweet honey and showed up.
And I was blown away by the response! There is so much interest in Irish produce, and everyone I met really understood the importance of honest labeling for honey. Especially with honey being one of the most adulterated foods in the world, usually in claiming third spot of the most faked foods after Whiskey and Olive oil!
What does it mean to be a Guaranteed Irish Member?
Since becoming a member of Guaranteed Irish, I have been asked several times: Is it really worth the effort? And I can honestly say that it is. Being able to proudly display the Guaranteed Irish G on my products takes some of the guesswork away from my customers, who want to make the right choices when it comes to their food and where it comes from. And, it puts me and my little artisan business in the same league as so many other inspirational, ground breaking and hard working Irish food producers like those in the picture. So, the next time you see a G, know that choosing that product, you also chose to support a small local business like mine and keep the Irish economy going by supporting local jobs! Now, isn’t that a win-win?
The event concluded with Brid O’Connell, CEO Guaranteed Irish, welcoming the result of all three surveys, which each highlighted the importance of collectively promoting provenance with pride.
See also:
Soft Set Honey – What is it & How is it Made?
Ever wondered what gives soft set honey its irresistible texture and unique flavors? In this blog, we’ll demystify the process behind this delectable delight, from the role of glucose and fructose sugars in natural granulation to the distinct nuances of spring set, summer set, and Ivy honey varieties. I’ll even tell you how to make…
Hanna’s Bees Win at Irish Made Awards 2024
What an incredible night the Irish Made Awards was! Hanna’s Bees won the Sustainability Category, and made the shortlist in the Gift Category. Thank you to Irish Country Magazine and all the Sponsors for a truly magical evening at the stunning Killashee Hotel. Sponsors for the Sustainability Category was Irish Wellness and Beauty brand Seabody,…
BEEKEEPING TIP: How to Make Syrup for Bees
It is really straight forward to make syrup. Beginners often think it is complicated, because we’re talking about ratios and different sugars and different feeders. But it is dead simple.
How to Feed Bees in Autumn – Beginner’s Guide
All honeybee colonies must have adequate stores to last them over winter. Navigating the delicate balance between overfeeding and underfeeding during the pivotal autumn season can be tricky for beginner beekeepers. This guide provides a compass for novice beekeepers for if and how to feed bees in autumn so they can survive the challenges of…
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