The expansion of the Kerry Food Hub will create over 160 jobs.
In addition, the Kerry Food Hub Innovation Centre will contribute an estimated €9 million to the local economy over the next three years.
Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Development, Farm Safety and New Market Development, Martin Heydon turned the sod on the site this afternoon.
The Kerry Food Hub is a not-for-profit community project and was the vision of local farmer David Gleeson; he founded a group of local social based entrepreneurs with the aim to enhance employment opportunities in the region.
The centre currently has four 1,000sq ft units employing 35 people, however through significant Enterprise Ireland investment it will grow to 14, 1,000sq ft units delivering 100 direct and a further 62 indirect local jobs.
The Kerry Food Hub’s purpose-built food production units provide start-up entrepreneurs and small food businesses the opportunity to expand and develop.
An online B2B Artisan Marketplace connecting hospitality providers with local Artisan producers was also launched; this will simplify the process of buying Hero Foods or ‘Food with a story’ and aligns and directly responds to an identified tourism industry need, the event heard.
Minister of State, Martin Heydon says today is another notable milestone as we move to a robust re-localised focus on food and the agriculture supply chain.
Chairman and Founder, David Gleeson says this major investment in the local economy signifies confidence within the indigenous Artisan industry of Ireland.
