A new event co-hosted by the Wexford Food Producers Network and The Food Studio @ GreentechHQ – In Association with Wexford County Council & Local Enterprise Office Wexford, entitled the ‘Business of Wexford Food’ launches its first edition this week, aimed at supporting Wexford’s Food & Drinks producers, tourism & hospitality and agri-food sectors. While targeting existing Wexford food producers of all sizes, the ‘Business of Wexford Food’ series is also designed to engage with new and emerging food producers, food business owners, chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers, and the agri-food sector.
Wexford’s Food & Drinks producers, tourism and hospitality and agri-food sectors face major problems from soaring input/labour costs, retailer margin squeeze, food security threats (climate, supply chain), and fierce competition, alongside needing tech investment for new EU rules (plastics, traceability) and digital skills, while consumer spending habits shift due to menu price inflation, straining producers, hospitality, and farmers, threatening national food self-sufficiency despite strong exports. To address some of these issues, the ‘Business of Wexford Food’ will present a series of speakers to address key issues facing these sectors. They will share their experience, knowledge and expertise, focusing on important areas such as sustainability, innovation, local food systems and technology.
The opening presentation will be delivered by Michael Murphy, Executive Business Coach, Agri Food Consultant, former Interim CEO of Bord Bia and Honorary President of the Wexford Food Producers Network. Michael Murphy will present the new member led strategy – Scaling Wexford Food and Drink – Driving Operational Growth and Brand Recognition 2026–2028’ which has just been launched by the Wexford Food Producers Network.
A key focus in the strategy is contributing to Wexford’s economic well being particularly in terms of Wexford’s tourism and hospitality sectors in key areas such as experience and identity.These will be achieved through engagement with Fáilte Ireland and Visit Wexford through the new DEDP Plan for County Wexford. Attracting future generations to establish food production businesses in County Wexford and the positioning of County Wexford as an attractive option for prospective employees are also key features of the new strategy.
A new Diploma in Speciality and Artisan Food Enterprises at University College Cork will be launched at The Food Studio @GreentechHQ as part of this inaugural event on Thursday 7th May. This new Level 7 University Diploma, delivered by UCC’s Food Industry Training Unit, is being highlighted as a strategic education and capability‐building pillar for the region’s rapidly growing artisan and speciality food sector.
Ciarán MacGann, AIB’s Head of Manufacturing, Food & Fishing joins the line up for this event and he has over twenty years in the financial services sector to share. Ciarán is passionate about supporting SME’s and has provided numerous businesses to secure financial solutions to drive growth and success. A strong advocate for sustainable finance, Ciarán has served as the Sustainability Champion for Business Banking at AIB. Ciarán completed a Level 9 Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Finance and ESG Reporting at UCD, reinforcing his commitment to integrating sustainability into financial strategies.
Tracie Daly is an award-winning entrepreneur with extensive experience in both the food and education sectors. From the very beginning, food has been the cornerstone of Tracie Daly’s life. Her progression to becoming a food business coach was a natural evolution of this lifelong passion. Her unique blend of culinary knowledge and business acumen allows her to design and execute bespoke food business models, empowering food business owners to transform and grow their enterprises.
Tracie Daly is a qualified executive business coach, chef, and food safety advisor. Tracie is also a regular on Ireland’s national food festival circuit, appearing on stage at leading events such as the Waterford Festival of Food, Ballymaloe Festival of Food, Sligo Food Festival and Savour Kilkenny. Tracie works with Darina Allen and Rory O’Connell at Ballymaloe Country House & Cookery School and with their Ballymaloe Foods brand.
Greentech HQ is Ireland’s first Sustainability Innovation hub, founded in 2022 and is based in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, Ireland. It acts as an Incubation Hub (with office and event spaces) for local and inward investment businesses by providing a range of programmes, mentoring and support services. GreentechHQ’s big focus is on being a collaborative centre of excellence for businesses working on products, services and solutions in creating a sustainable future that conserves the earth’s natural resources and provides a sustainable future for generations ahead.
The Food Studio @ GreentechHQ was launched in 2025 and was established as a collaborative space for food entrepreneurs, producers, and innovators across the Southeast, with the aim of supporting sustainable food production, promoting Southeast regional excellence, and fostering opportunities for innovation, food marketing, testing, and collaboration. The Food Studio has been co-funded by a LEADER grant through Wexford Local Development and serves as a platform for promoting the region’s food producers while opening the door to innovation kitchens, testing labs, and export opportunities. It also plays a role in supporting education and mentoring for emerging food businesses.
GreentechHQ currently hosts the Business Advantage & Sustainability South East (B.A.S.S.E) Scheme, which is a comprehensive multi-year support programme designed to empower ambitious SMEs in Ireland’s South East. The BASSE Scheme programme represents a strategic initiative to drive sustainable growth, innovation, and economic development among regional businesses. GreenTechHQ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.
The Wexford Food Producers Network provides a centralised member led and member representative organisation with a core remit to promote and support the business of Wexford food. The organisation has approximately fifty members who are Wexford based Micro Enterprises, SME’s and large companies. Their continued aim is to support Wexford Food and Drink producers, to build a sustainable food industry and to contribute significantly to the Irish economy on a local, regional and national level.
The Wexford Food Producers Network is recognised and supported by Wexford County Council, Wexford Local Enterprise Office and Wexford Local Development.
For further event information and registration, please visit GreentechHQ website: https://www.greentechhq.com/event-details/business-of-wexford-food