A cornucopia of Atlantic Way food promised at Féasta Bia

A FEAST of foodie fun is set to take place across Clare and along the West coast this month when Féasta Bia celebrates the culinary delights of the Atlantic Way.

Showcasing the wide variety of artisan food along the western coast, Féasta Bia will take place on October 15 and 16 with highlights including exciting food trails across Clare, Galway, Kerry, Limerick and Mayo. There will be food activities for all the family throughout the weekend.
Recently, over 200 producers, entrepreneurs, retailers and representatives from the food and tourism industry in the Atlantic Way region came together for the inaugural Atlantic Way and Bord Bia Regional Food Event in Thomond Park, Limerick.
The innovative conference, organised by the Atlantic Way and Bord Bia is the first of its kind in the region and all food producers from counties Clare, Limerick and Galway were invited to attend the free event. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, officially addressed the conference and Brian O’Connell, chairperson of Atlantic Way Food Pillar, addressed the necessity for co-ordinated forward planning and a comprehensive strategic plan to grow a strong business hub of artisan food production along the Atlantic Way.
Bobby Kerr, of Insomnia Coffee Company and Dragons Den investor shared his business knowledge with attendees, Helen McDaid manager of Food and Hospitality Innovation with Fáilte Ireland outlined the substantial potential of food tourism in the region and Dr Gerard Barry, Food Industry Development Department with Teagasc described ‘the big return to farming’ at third level. 
Before and after the speeches, retailers and foodservice buyers had an opportunity to meet some of the most innovative artisan producers in the region, while they in turn met leading players in the food industry, as well as marketing experts. The objective of the event was to create opportunities for producers to meet and network with potential buyers and for people and businesses who have an interest in buying local food, to see and taste the very best on offer. A substantial number of new business opportunities were directly secured at the showcase.
In addition to the showcase and guest speakers, specialist workshops, outlining the practical steps necessary to get a business started in apple growing, honey production and organic foods were hosted by experts in crop-production and buyers of food products and provided essential information and advice regarding start-up business for new entrepreneurs.
In his speech, Brian O’Connell instanced how a regrafted indigenous industry could have a major economic impact. “At present, €80 million worth of apples are consumed in Ireland annually but only €2m worth are grown here, leaving an imports imbalance of €78m. If only an extra 100 acres of orchards were planted this year and the land in the western coastal region is ideal for growing apples, we could significantly reverse the level of apple imports and begin the fight-back to reclaim market share,” he said.
Plans are already underway to ensure the Atlantic Way and Bord Bia Regional Food Event becomes an annual conference. The next big event organised by the Atlantic Way Food Pillar will be Féasta Bia. For further details, visit www.feastabia.com.