Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, and Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Alan Coleman recently showed their support for the SME food sector when they attended Lynch’s Centra ‘Local and Artisan Producer Showcase’ in Crosshaven.
The event showcased twenty SME food producers from around the country, introducing customers to a wide variety of locally sourced products and an opportunity to meet the producers.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD welcomed the support retailer Bernard Lynch is giving to local food producers, saying, “It is an exciting time for us at home, with the food sector. We have great food producers and innovators who are ambitious to get bigger and grow or, alternatively, to stay small and specialise. In order for artisan companies to succeed, they need an outlet and retailer to work with. Being able to display products in a quality way and have shelf space to target consumers is important. It is evident today that Bernard Lynch is actively supporting this objective. He is passionate about promoting local and artisan producers, and is a strong supporter of the local community in Crosshaven”.
Speaking on the importance of supporting local producers, Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Alan Coleman said “As local and artisan producers grow it is important for us to support them locally. At local Government level I would encourage producers to talk to their Local Enterprise Office to see what support is available to them. Also, local retailers can play a central role in promoting local producers. There is no doubt that Bernard Lynch is a champion of supporting local. It is evident by the showcase today that Lynch’s Centra is responding to the public’s drive for good quality, locally sourced products”.
Bernard Lynch, Store Owner, and Monica Gajdzik, Fresh Food Manager In-store, have been working with over 50 suppliers to bring an exciting range of excellent quality, local and artisan products to their customers. The range of products available is varied and certainly would tempt the most discerning palates. Whether it is award winning Irish pates and terrines with a French touch to tantalising curries with an authentic Indian recipe or Dilisk, a seaweed which is an excellent source of protein and Vitamin B12 to the freshest of vegetables, grown in soils rich in calcium, iron and manganese; great for a healthy diet. Lynch’s Centra is sourcing the highest quality of products to promote.
Bernard Lynch, Store Owner, commented “My customers’ tastes are evolving and, as a store owner, I need to meet these needs. Locally sourced products are becoming more popular and I am fortunate to be working with some fantastic producers. Supporting small, local and artisan producers is very important. It is what makes us different from our competitors and makes us the destination shop for many customers. It’s all about local. I am very proud to be supporting local suppliers like Coolmore Honey, Griffins Potatoes, Finders Inn, Horizon Farm, On the Pigs Back and The Natural Larder Company.”