Fish producer Union Hall secures SuperValu deal

Sean Nolan, MD of Union Hall, which was established by his father John in 1987

Smoked fish producer Union Hall is set to hit shelves in 85 SuperValu stores across Ireland, after successfully completing the retailer's Food Academy programme. The high-profile deal is said to be worth more than €900,000.

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Union Hall Secures €920,000 Deal With SuperValu Through Food Academy Programme

Union Hall, the West Cork-based producer of oak-smoked fish products, is set to hit shelves across the country after securing a nationwide distribution deal with SuperValu. The deal arose from the brand’s participation in SuperValu’s famed Food Academy programme.

Union Hall Smoked Fish was set up in 1987 by Elmar, and the recently deceased John Nolan. It is now run by their son Sean. Specialising in Smoked Salmon, Mackerel, Tuna, and Fish Pates, the Nolans brine the fish, then slowly oak smoke it in the centuries-old traditional manner in their bespoke artisan smoke house.

As part of  its participation in the Food Academy programme through Local Enterprise Office in Cork, Union Hall has cultivated a unique network of local suppliers, which also participated in the programme. This network is currently working together to help grow and develop the renowned west Cork style of food to drive tourism as well as local business. Union Hall has also benefitted from over €50,000 in funding that it was able to access through the L.E.O.

Sean Nolan, Managing Director, Union Hall said the deal with SuperValu was made possible due to its participation in the Food Academy programme. “Through that support,” Nolan said, “we have been able to invest throughout in our business, as well as in our top-class Artisan Smoke House. We now employ eight people, which has seen us reach new heights, including winning an award at the Blas na hÉireann awards in 2017.

Thanks tothe marketing and branding support of the Food Academy, Nolan decided to come together with fellow suppliers in the west Cork region. “We hope to forge strong ties within our particular business community,” he said.

Food Academy is a joint initiative between Bord Bia, the network of Local Enterprise Offices and SuperValu and was established to support early-stage Irish food businesses such as Union Hall. Participating companies gain access to expertise in branding, market research, business development and distribution, to allow them to scale up and secure listings with SuperValu.

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