Skillnet Ireland Strengthening SME and Artisan Food Producers Through Targeted Upskilling

Skillnet Ireland is continuing to play a vital role in supporting Ireland’s SME food and artisanal food sector through a wide range of industry-led upskilling and reskilling initiatives delivered nationwide. 

As the national workforce development agency, Skillnet Ireland provides training programmes through its Skillnet Business Networks and National Talent Initiatives. Within the food sector, specialist networks such as Taste4Success Skillnet, Rural Food Skillnet and Food Drink Ireland Skillnet are at the forefront of delivering tailored supports to artisan and craft food producers, helping businesses build capability, innovate and scale. 

Taste4Success Skillnet has supported the artisan food sector for over a decade, developing bespoke programmes that address the evolving needs of small producers. These include the network’s CPD-accredited Sustainable Food Tourism Experience Development programme, which equips participants to create sustainable, food-led tourism offerings, and BrandBite, a brand acceleration programme designed to help artisan producers stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace. 

One SME that has benefited from the BrandBite programme is Co Mayo company Achill Island Sea Salt, which recently launched its newly redeveloped visitor experience and ‘Sáile’ wellness range. The event was attended by Dara Calleary, Minister for Social Protection, Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Bridie Corrigan Matthews, Taste4Success Skillnet Network Manager, explained that the programme supports companies like Achill Island Sea Salt to develop a powerful brand identity that reflects the owner’s passion and their business offering. 

 “The whole purpose of the programme is to assist micro-SME artisan producers to understand the power of their brand, their brand story and its uniqueness,” Bridie said. “The programme addresses a gap by supporting a key target audience of micro artisan producers who are looking to scale up, who are serious about their brand, and who are committed to investing in upskilling to develop their brand identity.” 

“The feedback from participants has been fantastic. The mentoring aspect of the programme and the access it provides to leading brand experts that these businesses would not be exposed to otherwise, is always highlighted by our learners,” she added. 

Rural Food Skillnet continues to deliver hands-on, specialist training across the country. Recent programmes include an Advanced Pastry Techniques course at the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry, Co Galway, delivered by leading pastry chefs and food business owners. 

Meanwhile, Food Drink Ireland Skillnet offers a number of master's level programmes in areas such as MSc in Food and Drink Regulatory Affairs and MSc in Sustainable Food Systems. 

In addition to sector-specific supports, artisan food businesses can benefit from Skillnet Ireland’s National Talent Initiatives. The award-winning MentorsWork programme connects SME owners with experienced mentors to address challenges such as strategic planning, financial management and digital transformation. Businesses can also access sustainability-focused training through the Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, including micro-credentials such as the Sustainability Leaders programme. 

Demand for training across the food production sector, particularly among artisan producers, continues to grow. With its strong industry partnerships and proven track record, Skillnet Ireland is committed to support the continued growth and resilience of Ireland’s artisan and craft food sector through targeted upskilling and workforce development. 

Further information about the programmes and supports available for business operating in the Irish food and beverage sector are available on the Skillnet Ireland sectors page: www.skillnetireland.ie/sectors/food-beverage.