From Ireland with love!

Recent research shows 81% of people think it is important to buy Irish products, with 64% making a conscious decision in the past years to buy more Irish and local products. Thankfully, due to the excellent quality standards of Irish produce, there’s no sacrifice involved, and Irish brands are more than proactive on the innovation front as these pages aptly demonstrate, writes Gillian Hamill

Brand Central

20 October 2022

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It’s never been more important to support homegrown Irish brands. Fortunately, the taste credentials, quality standards and continual innovation by Irish brands make supporting them a no-brainer. Since the pandemic began, Irish consumers have been making a conscious effort to support local convenience stores, and supermarkets and buying the Irish products they stock in huge numbers.

SuperValu and its Food Academy Programme conducted research as part of their ‘Taste of Local’ initiative earlier this year, which showed 81% of people think it is important to buy Irish products*. The research revealed that the main reasons people buy Irish is to support local jobs (59%) and Irish businesses (54%). More than three-quarters of respondents (77%) said they agreed that the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of buying more Irish products. Some 77% of respondents said they prefer to buy local whenever possible, while nearly two-thirds (64%) said they have made a conscious decision in the past 12 months to buy more Irish and local products.

In September, Ifac, Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm, has published its fifth annual Food and Agribusiness Report 2022 titled ‘The big SME squeeze’ – the only report focused exclusively on the pulse of Irish food and agribusiness SMEs.

The report, conducted once again by Amarach Research during June and July 2022, includes the views of those that run some of the most innovative agritech companies and many of the food brands that Irish consumers love – all a vital part of our rural and regional economies.

After living through a global pandemic and following the onset of a war in Ukraine, resulting in the highest levels of inflation for nearly 40 years, the level of optimism among Irish food and agribusiness SMEs has plummeted to a five-year low. This is a drop of 23 percentage points and a significant departure from last year’s findings, which showed a marked rebound in optimism levels in 2021 to a four-year high of 77%.

The findings of this report cement what businesses and consumers are now feeling – that the coming year will be much more difficult. Again, this research also shows the importance of supporting Irish brands and by extension, Irish jobs and livelihoods. There are several key factors why Irish food and agribusiness SMEs are disillusioned including 36% of businesses have experienced a 21% or higher increase in input costs (84% reported an increase in costs this year). In addition, the cost of stock management has risen dramatically because of disrupted supply chains. Also, salary expectations are increasingly becoming a barrier, with two in three businesses finding it difficult to recruit the right people. Brexit likewise continues to impact them with travel disruption, tariffs, regulatory changes and reduced access to raw materials from the UK, as well as lead times and cost increases.

Despite the vast list of challenges, Ifac’s report also tells the story of the responsiveness and resilience of many of our food and agribusinesses, as 82% of companies have maintained or increased their turnover in the past 12 months. Many companies focused on the future and the huge potential for the sector are proactively managing these turbulent times by taking cost-saving steps, implementing price increases, managing contracts with both buyers and suppliers and actively focusing on cash flow management.

*(Source: The local and Irish survey was conducted by ShopTalk in April 2022. A total of 444 people responded to the survey)

Oat so wonderful!

The Happy Pear’s organic oats drink range are available in both Organic Oat and Organic Barista varieties

Wicklow-based twin brothers, The Happy Pear have just launched organic oat drinks range in partnership with Musgrave. The new range consists of two new organic oat drinks and marks the Irish company’s entrance into the plant-based non-dairy milk market. Given the growing demand for non-dairy products in Ireland with Kantar Worldpanel reporting a 40% increase in sales of plant-based milk alternatives, the choice of a local brand should appeal to consumer’s purchasing behaviours over global alternatives.

The new organic oat drinks range is available in two varieties – Organic Oat and Organic Barista. All products are plant-based, vegan-friendly, made with 100% organic oats and have no added sugar. They’re part of a wider range of 70 award-winning products across multiple categories which suit an expanse of consumer shopping occasions for all day parts including snacking.

The Happy Pear’s drinks shown above are made with 100% organic oats and have no added sugar

“We want more people to experience our healthy foods and Musgrave is a like-minded partner with a team of retailers who believe in helping people to live healthier lives,” say founders Dave and Steve Flynn.

The Happy Pear range of retail food products is available in SuperValu, Centra and select high end independent stores across Ireland.

Fabulous fruit treats

Made with 96% fruit, The Happy Pear Fruit Bites have under 100 calories per pack

At this time of year, families are looking for easy and healthy snacking options to load up kids’ lunchboxes or for a mid-day treat to get through the workday. Eating well and making good choices should be easy and accessible for everyone and The Happy Pear is always looking for simple ways to incorporate more plant-based goodness into peoples’ diets. Their new Fruit Bites are the perfect grab-and-go option when shoppers are craving something sweet.

The Happy Pear make food that’s good for you and its new Fruit Bites are no exception.

The Happy Pear Fruit Bites are full of fibre, made from all natural ingredients and have no added sugar – ideal as guilt-free treats for little ones. Made with 96% fruit, each pack comes in under 100 calories and like all The Happy Pear range, are plant-based and delicious. In fact, each pack of Fruit Bites contains one of an individual’s five-a-day.

They’re available in two tasty flavours, Blueberry & Raspberry and Strawberry & Beetroot.

“At The Happy Pear, we’re passionate about making delicious plant-based food easy and accessible for everyone,” say founders Dave and Steve Flynn. “We love a treat as much as the next person and wanted to create something that was a quick, easy option to reach for, for the whole family. Our new Fruit Bites are a wonderful snack when you want something sweet, and as 1 of your 5-a-day, they’re the ideal choice for loading up lunch boxes.”

The Happy Pear Fruit Bites are available in a single 30g pouch, (RRP: €1.20) and four-packs, (RRP: €3.29), available exclusively in SuperValu and Centra stores nationwide.

For more information, visit Instagram: @supervalu_irl @centra_irl @thehappypear #TheHappyPear #eatwellfeelgoodlivebetter.

Q&A with… Russell Walsh and Garrett Walsh, co-founders of VivaGreen

Russell and Garrett Walsh

Q: With sustainability becoming an even greater concern for consumers in recent years, how has this impacted your range? How have you grown your number of stockists?

A: Consumers know sustainability is the right thing to do and are driving the green movement. We see a significant increase in consumer demand for our eco-friendly refill range and consumers are contacting us directly to stock product in their local stores. Our Tru Eco range of Irish-made refillable, eco-friendly laundry and household cleaning products is stocked in all SuperValu stores and over 70 Health Stores and Eco Shops throughout Ireland. Dunnes Stores is also trialling the product in two flagship stores. We predict a strong growth of Tru Eco stockists in 2023 to meet the rising consumer demand and we are working with our distribution partners in Ireland, the UK, and Europe in response to this.

The Tru Eco range of Irish-made refillable, eco-friendly laundry and household cleaning products has achieved strong growth

Q: What achievement(s) are you most proud of in 2022 so far and why?

A: VivaGreen won the Home, Beauty & Lifestyle Award at the inaugural Guaranteed Irish Business Awards. We were shortlisted at the Small Firms Association Awards, and the Green Awards events as well as proud finalists at the recent Circular Economy Leadership Award category at the IMR Manufacturing and Supply Chain Awards. These award nominations demonstrate our dedication, innovation, and commitment in creating a circular economy range of products. The greatest reward for us is seeing consumers buying into the circular economy and receiving the calls directly from customers actively looking to purchase our products and pursuing a more sustainable lifestyle.

Q: How are you continuing to support Irish jobs and fly the flag for Ireland’s green credentials?

A: VivaGreen is committed to being involved in local community and helping local projects drive the message of sustainability and building a circular economy. Research with customers, communities, and environmental experts is vital to us as this uncovers problem areas sparking the development of new, green solutions. We also partner with local eco stores, such as ‘Small Changes’ in Dublin for e-bike deliveries. We are actively looking at new ways to develop circular economy communities around the country. For us, it is important to look at legislation, such as the EU’s 2030 Climate Target Plan, to drive innovation leadership and sustainable production development to fight climate change and help put Ireland on the map for innovative sustainable solutions. Our award-winning Moss Off Chemical Free product is the first of its kind in the world.

Q: How has the brand grown within the export sector?

A SuperValu Refill Station which allows customers to refill their Tru Eco products in-store to save money and resources by reusing packaging

A: In 2022, VivaGreen exhibited at three of the largest trade shows in the UK, France, and Germany and received significant interest in the Tru Eco range. Key distribution partners have been selected to represent VivaGreen in these countries. New Anti-Waste legislation in France has led to retailers needing innovative solutions such as Tru Eco.

Q: How have you marketed the Tru Eco range and any plans for the coming year?

A: Marketing is key to the success of any product. A targeted PR and digital media plan led to robust editorial coverage in national and local print, broadcast, and digital channels, including The Irish Times, Irish Examiner, Irish Daily Star, RTÉ 1 television’s Today show, and Newstalk FM’s Down to Business radio show. Digital and social media also plays a key role, achieving coverage in Mummypages,ie, MyKidsTime.ie, the RTÉ Guide, Evoke.ie, Her.ie, and SHEmazing.ie. We continue developing our PR plans to promote the existing VivaGreen range and to launch new products with plans to work with a well-known TV broadcaster for the launch of the new Tru Eco range in 2023.

For more information about VivaGreen’s full range of eco products and bespoke Tru Eco refill stations visit vivagreen.ie or call Sean O’Haire on (01) 9059909.

Liquid gold

Your shoppers can give the gift of pure, Dublin born liquid gold to the whiskey lover in their life this Christmas from the award-winning Teeling Whiskey collection. It’s available at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, teelingdistillery.com, SuperValu, Dunnes, Tesco, O’Briens, Molloys and select independents nationwide. Gift vouchers for a distillery tour of the award-winning Teeling Distillery are also available online at teelingwhiskey.com.

The Teeling Trinity gift pack (RRP: €18) consists of three expressions of the Teeling award- winning whiskeys, each with their own personality created through innovative maturation techniques that impart extra flavour making them unique within Irish whiskey. This pack contains three 50ml mini bottles of the Teeling Small Batch, Single Grain and Single Malt whiskeys, each of which are bottled at 46% with no chill filtration.

Other gifting options include:

Teeling Small Batch gift pack (RRP: €40)
Teeling Wonders of Wood Single Pot Still Portuguese Oak (RRP: €80, launching November 2022)
Teeling Blackpitts Peated Single Malt (RRP: €60)
Rising Reserve Series 1 (RRP: €225, launching November 2022)
Teeling 30-Year-Old Single Malt (RRP: €925)

Sunshine in every drop!

MiWadi is a truly iconic Irish brand and continues to grow from strength to strength in the marketplace. From humble beginnings in 1927, MiWadi has been a fruity and flavoursome part of childhood in Ireland for 94 years and has always remained relevant to Irish families with a wide range of flavours in Regular, No Added Sugar, 0% Sugar and Drops ranges. MiWadi is still produced in Dublin to this day and is a proud member of Love Irish Food.

This summer, MiWadi was delighted to announce that its single concentrate and double concentrate ranges are now fortified with Vitamin D which supports the immune system*.

Vitamin D is very important in our diet to help support every family’s general health, growth and development but it can be difficult to achieve the recommended daily intake of 5 µg. It has been reported that Vitamin D deficiency is very prevalent in Ireland**.

MiWadi makes the water that everyone needs to drink each day extra delicious and refreshing. To enjoy all the thirst-quenching tastiness of MiWadi at its best, just add water.

MiWadi continues to grow year-on-year maintaining its number one position in the squash category***.

*(Excludes MiWadi Regular Blackcurrant 1L)

**(Source: Department of Health Article Reporting on Vitamin D Deficiency in Ireland, April 2020)

***(Source: Nielsen Value Share MAT Total Squash Category Sept 2022)

(Vitamin D contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system and maintenance of normal bones and teeth)

Go-to thickening agent

Chef Kwanghi Chan champions Irish Potato Starch by Meade Farm

Exciting chef and restauranteur Kwanghi Chan, a devotee of Irish ingredients, has been named as a Brand Ambassador for the new Irish Potato Starch by Meade Farm.

The winner of the Irish Quality Food Gold Award in 2022, Irish Quality Foodservice Product of the Year Award 2021 and numerous sustainable supply chain awards, the potato starch is now available in a 250g resealable pack in selected Tesco stores, Evergreen stores and evergreen.ie. It is a gluten free, sustainable, Irish alternative to imported corn starch/flour.

“I enjoy using wholesome Irish ingredients to make Asian-inspired dishes,” says Kwanghi Chan. “Potato starch is the go-to thickening agent and frying medium for Asian cuisine, myself and many other chefs use it every day.”

Made using surplus potatoes from Meade’s growing and packing business, the starch is extracted at the Meade family farm and food production facility using renewable energy, further adding to its sustainability credentials.

With a higher viscosity than corn starch, consumers can use less for the same effect when it comes to thickening sauces, soups and stews. Similar to corn starch, you make a paste with a little cold water and blend it in at the end of the cooking process to produce instant thickening.

Potato starch features throughout Kwanghi Chan’s forthcoming Blasta Books cookbook Wok, due out in November.

“Once consumers try it, I’m confident they will be repeat customers because it’s so easy to use and versatile,” adds Chan.

For more information about a retail listing, contact clionacostello@meadefarm.ie.

Made with respect

Goodfella’s Mini Pizzas have tapped into consumer needs by providing a quick and tasty lunchtime solution

The folks at Goodfella’s Pizza continue to feed the nation with tasty pizza. The homegrown Irish brand which boasts the branded market leader position in Ireland* bolsters a strong portfolio with its range of thin, deep pan, snacking, dietary and takeaway pizzas, that take pride of place in every household freezer.

In the wake of the past unprecedented year where flexible work models and working from home have become the norm, Goodfella’s has tapped into consumer needs by providing a quick and tasty lunchtime solution. This has come in the form of its Mini Pizzas which successfully launched last year.

Goodfella’s Pizza continues to have something for everyone and is always ‘Made with respect!’

*(Source: YTD YoY Value % share: Nielsen Total Scantrack Data to 11 Sept 2022)

More fruit, less sugar

The Jam People’s Cherry Jam received a Blas na h’Éireann Gold Award 2022

The Jam People’s Cherry Jam was awarded a Blas na h’Éireann Gold Award 2022, making its jam the best in the category this year. Why? By using more actual fruit than any other brand, The Jam People get the most intense flavour into every jar of jam.

The Jam People only started making and selling jams, marmalades and spreads in January 2022, so the award means a huge amount to the business. The Jam People are convinced that using less sugar not only is better for you but also improves the taste experience. Unlike other brands, it doesn’t substitute sugar with (concentrated) fruit juices or artificial sweeteners. Instead, it simply uses more fruit. In fact, its jams are made with up to 90% fruit, which seems to be one of the highest actual fruit contents of jams and spreads in Ireland and Europe. All the jams are handmade in Killinick, Co Wexford. Bursting with fruit, the jams are perfect on bread, porridge, pancakes, waffles, and ice cream – and even straight from the spoon as they are so incredibly fruity.

For more information, telephone 087 2763434 or email hello@thejampeople.ie.

Certified quality

Hale e-liquids are the only vaping brand to carry the Guaranteed Irish symbol of quality

Hale has been to the forefront of the vaping industry since 2016. Hale e-liquids are the only vaping brand to carry the Guaranteed Irish symbol of quality. Now Hale is Ireland’s number one vaping brand by volume*.

Made with the Irish consumer and Irish tastes in mind, manufactured locally in Carlow. All of Hale’s e-liquid are manufactured using only four core ingredients, all of which carry full CoA (certification of analysis) and QA certification. These core ingredients are sourced only from certified and approved ISO suppliers. Hale e-liquids are fully TPD and HSE compliant, the result is simply better liquids for the consumer.

All Hale e-liquids are fully TPD and HSE compliant

A much lower carbon footprint than many of its imported rivals, Hale has reduced its carbon impact by manufacturing here in Ireland and our packaging comes from ethically sourced raw materials that have low environmental impact.

A smoother more local supply chain ensures Hale products offer the highest margin available in the e-cigarette category. The company’s nationwide team of representatives are available to provide support, information, point of sale material, and to organise stock replenishment.

Hale’s expert team have helped tens of thousands of people make the change and continue to do so year-on-year.

*(Source: Nielsen June 2022)

Curious Mind in California

New gin features exotic layers of fresh citrus, oriental botanicals and gunpowder tea with added subtle hints of California orange citrus

The drinks industry was out in force for the global unveiling on 27 September of the latest curious creation from Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin at Nolita Dublin.

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with California Orange Citrus didn’t fail to surprise and delight and guests were thrilled to meet the world-famous mixology stars and TikTok sensations, Johnny Drinks, who flew in especially from New York for the occasion.

A host of well-known faces from the world of Irish media, social media and special guests from the top bars and venues across the country turned out for the celebrations hosted by The Shed Distillery and Dalcassian Wines and Spirits.

Denise Rigney, John Rondi (Senior) Patrick Rigney and John Rondi (Junior) pictured at the global launch of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with California Orange Citrus at Nolita Dublin

PJ Rigney, the Curious Mind behind Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin and The Shed Distillery brands made a rare appearance with wife Denise (co-founder and owner of the family business) with daughters Roisin and Maeve and their son Brian.

The Shed Distillery mixology team travelled up from Drumshanbo to create very special Curious Cocktails featuring the new Gunpowder Orange Citrus Gin, including a ‘Golden State of Mind’ Gin & Tonic, the Curious Cosmo with fresh lime juice and cranberries and the Gunpowder Margherita featuring Tequila Reposado and cracked sea salt.

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin with California Orange Citrus is the result of the Curious Mind’s journey through California and features exotic layers of fresh citrus, oriental botanicals and gunpowder tea with added subtle hints of California Orange citrus.

Bags full of potential

Flahavan’s Progress Oatlets will feature an on-pack promotion running in stores, with 15 weekly €1,000 prizes to be won

Flahavan’s doesn’t just pack every bag with the highest quality locally sourced wholegrain oats, it packs every bag full of potential…the potential to be breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. The potential to provide healthy and nutritious meals to families every day.

This month, Flahavan’s is celebrating the versatility of oats with its ‘Bags Full of Potential’ campaign showcasing all the wonderful ways to incorporate wholesome Irish oats into every family’s weekly meal plans, such as cinnamon oat pancakes or a savoury oatsotto.

With a strong support campaign planned incorporating video on demand (VOD), radio and out-of-home (OOH), as well as digital and social advertising, the campaign encourages consumers to re-assess how they use Flahavan’s Progress Oatlets and explore new ways to enjoy oats.

There will also be an on-pack promotion running in stores, with 15 weekly €1,000 prizes to be won in promotional packs of Flahavan’s Progress Oatlets until 22 January 2023. ‘Bags Full of Potential’ floorstands and POS will be utilised in store to bring the campaign to life.

Flahavan’s is Ireland’s favourite porridge brand, with more than three million portions consumed each week across the country. The Waterford-based family food business sources all of its conventional oats from within a 60-mile radius of its Mill in Kilmacthomas and it sources all of its Organic Oats from within Ireland since harvest 2021. The company employs more than 100 in its Mill and Bakery, while it has a network of more than 250 farmers supplying the business each harvest.

Flahavan’s is a proud member of Love Irish Food and was recently awarded Gold Member status by Origin Green, for the second year in a row, for its sustainability achievements.

Learn more at Flahavans.ie.

Whiskey falling into a glass

Fercullen Falls is Powerscourt Distillery’s first blended whiskey containing malt distilled on-site in Powerscourt

Powerscourt Distillery recently announced a brand-new release, Fercullen Falls, which is a blend of malt and grain whiskeys. Fercullen Falls has a high malt content highlighting the unique style of the Powerscourt Distillery. The malt whiskey has matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels, and the grain is in a combination of ex-bourbon and new heavy char oak casks, making it an excellent 50/50 blend (RRP: €38).

“With this release, The Powerscourt Distillery is heralding the start of a new era for the distillery with the inclusion of malt whiskey distilled right here in Powerscourt,” said head of whiskey for the distillery, John Cashman.

“The 50% malt content in the blend adds to the complexity and depth of flavour, which is very different to what other blended Irish whiskeys are offering,” added Powerscourt Distillery’s Paul Corbett, head distiller and blender.

Drawing from its unique location, the name refers to the Powerscourt waterfall, Ireland’s highest waterfall at 121 metres. Its contemporary design evokes thoughts of whiskey falling into a glass and shared amongst friends.

The whiskey is bottled at 43% ABV, and with its higher than standard malt whiskey blend, it’s perfect for enjoying straight or as a base for a favourite cocktail.

Follow Fercullen Falls on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Catch of the day

Donegal Catch’s Chunky Irish Hake Fillets are made with 100% Irish hake and responsibly caught in Irish waters

Donegal Catch, Ireland’s leading frozen fish brand and family favourite for over 30 years, has launched new Chunky Irish Hake Fillets. Made with 100% Irish hake and responsibly caught in Irish waters, the new chunky hake fillets are perfect for tasty midweek dinners and help families eat the recommended two portions of fish per week.

Donegal Catch works closely with Irish fish suppliers and supports local communities to bring great tasting fish such as haddock, whiting and now hake to Irish households across the country. The company procures 100% of its Irish haddock, whiting and hake from Irish co-ops and fishermen who are members of the Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) backed Fishery Improvement Project (FIP), which focuses on improving the sustainability of Irish fisheries.

“As part of our ongoing new product development and extension of our Irish fish range, we have recently launched a Chunky Hake product across the Irish market,” says Aisling Twomey, Donegal Catch marketing manager. “We are also thrilled that our Salt & Vinegar Irish Haddock Bites, won silver at the Irish Quality Food & Drink awards which is testament to the quality of the Irish fish we use in our Donegal Catch range.”

Joy of life’s simple pleasures

Denny’s new ad campaign is a beautiful portrayal of a new grandad trying to find his place in the whirlwind of a new baby’s arrival home

Iconic food brand Denny has been at the heart of Irish family homes for more than 200 years. The brand’s new campaign ‘Grand, Dad’ reminds us that, sometimes, the most comfort is derived from comforting others – particularly when they need it most.

The emotive campaign is a beautiful portrayal of a new grandad trying to find his place in the whirlwind of a new baby’s arrival home beautifully illustrates how the simplest of things can be just what you, or indeed someone else needs, in that moment.

By using strong and emotional storytelling, this new campaign aims to help us all rediscover the joy and comfort of life’s simple pleasures. And what’s simpler and more pleasurable than a delicious ham and cheese toastie.

“Denny is the first campaign launch under our new owners Pilgrims Food Masters. Our emotive ‘Only Denny Will Do’ platform campaign has been created through the pursuit of the best for the Denny brand by Droga5 Dublin, part of Accenture Song,” said Julie Ann Twomey, marketing & innovation controller at Pilgrims Food Masters.

Survey results

Spurred on to find out what makes the ultimate toastie, Denny conducted a survey which revealed that 38% of people think ham & cheese is number one combination when it comes to toasted sandwich fillings, followed closely by ham, cheese, tomato & onion.

70% of people chose white bread over brown bread, with 57% of people always enjoying their toastie with a packet of crisps.

A toasted sandwich maker is the preferred method of making the perfect toastie (46%), followed by popping it under the grill (28%), frying it on the pan (26%) and finally, using a regular toaster (10%).

58% of people enjoy their toasties between 1pm and 4pm, with only 3% choosing to have one after midnight as a snack.

Treating yourself to a toastie after a long day at work was a top choice (62%) when people were asked the ideal time/moment they’d like to be handed a toastie. This was followed by returning from living abroad (16%), and as portrayed in Denny’s new ad, bringing home a new baby (8%).

Ireland’s freshest spring water

Ishka Irish Spring Water’s EcoBottles are made from 100% recycled plastic

Ishka Irish Spring Water, the Limerick-based bottled spring water company, is constantly looking for new ways to innovate and stay one step ahead of a rapidly changing retail environment.

The Ishka team are committed to protecting the environment around them, the home of their natural-source water, and ensuring that everything they do is helping to build a sustainable future. Ishka Spring Water filters naturally through the Ballyneety landscape at a pace that only nature can set. It is as refreshing and invigorating for the mind, body and soul as spending time in the wild outdoors of County Limerick itself.

As well as their water itself, the team also put just as much care and consideration into the packaging of it and the ways in which consumers can purchase and enjoy it. All plastic bottles are 100% recyclable and their EcoBottles are made from 100% recycled plastic. Ishka also has been a pioneer in introducing tamper-proof tethered caps, three years ahead of an EU deadline, becoming the first bottled water company in Ireland to implement such a measure. It is one of several ways in which it argues that a strong business model can co-exist with environmental responsibility.

Now a strong, recognisable brand on the retail landscape, family-run Ishka continues to increase its market share, largely because it can lay claim to being Ireland’s freshest spring water – bottled from five, 200m-deep certified wells, untouched by human contact and not stored prior to bottling. Last year it saw growth of 32% year on year. And the company is gearing up for more growth. Ishka is working towards commissioning a new glass bottle line in the fourth quarter so it can move into the foodservice and on-trade market from next year. The company is also exploring flavoured water product next year, as well as a new water energy drink.

Trade enquiries welcome to info@irishspringwater.com or by calling 061 450 705.

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