This year, we are teaming up with the SuperValu Food Academy to bring the best of Irish producers straight to you. Today, we chat to Isabelle Sheridan from On the Pig’s Back.
Can you tell us a bit about your product?
Our award winning pâtés and perrines are made in Cork since 1995. They are made with local, fresh ingredients such as pork and free range eggs for the terrines, and chicken or duck livers with creamy Irish butter for the liver pâtés.
What inspired you to create your product?
In France, they very often have pâtés or terrines for starters. It’s also delicious on sandwiches and for picnics. I missed this when I came to Ireland nearly 30 years ago. When I started my business in the English Market in Cork, I asked my mother and grandmother to share their recipes with me. From there I began to develop my own recipes. Pork is a very versatile meat, from the basic pâté de champagne to venison terrine with raisins and ginger, you can make so much. Since joining the SuperValu Food Academy we have gone from strength to strength and have really been able to produce what we know the Irish consumer wants. SuperValu Food Academy has been a great asset to our business in terms of consumer insight and accessing that consumer.
How has your product evolved since it has launched?
Our products haven’t changed much since we’ve gotten them into supermarkets, and it is the same product I am selling in the English Market. However, we are pushing into more retail markets since joining the SuperValu Food Academy.
Who is your customer?
Pâté lovers, gourmets and gourmands!
What tips would you give to someone who is starting out and wants to launch a food-related product/business?
Get feedback for your product directly from customers by selling in markets and food fairs. Built up your reputation and your brand. Then, begin to research Irish programmes for start-up food businesses such as the SuperValu Food Academy, and you can expand your business from there.
Where can you buy this product and how much will it cost?
Our pâtés and terrines are available from SuperValu stores nationwide. We are also selling in the English Market, and in our cafe-deli in Douglas, Co. Cork. Those from our café-deli are freshly cut in front of you and are sold by weight so you can have a little or a lot if you like.
What does the future hold for your business?
With the help of the SuperValu Food Academy; expanding and renewing the range of homemade products, increasing our customer base, and adding a new range of ‘On The Pigs Back’ branded charcuterie products. We also hope to begin exporting to the UK and France.
