Taste of Westmeath baking up new plan for food producers

Food and drink producers in Westmeath are to get the chance to showcase their work under the revived Taste of Westmeath banner, which will officially launch at Killua Castle this week.

The initiative, which began as the Westmeath Food Network in 2011, has been re-established under the 2023–2027 LEADER programme. It already has 13 members and aims to grow further as more local businesses come on board.

Andrea Corroon of Westmeath Community Development, who is coordinating the project, told members of Westmeath County Council’s Economic Development, Enterprise, Agriculture and Tourism SPC at their quarterly meeting in Mullingar last week the relaunch would give local producers greater visibility and strength in numbers.

“Producers are often working full-time while running food and drink businesses on the side, so it can be difficult for them to find the time and resources to promote themselves. Taste of Westmeath is about bringing them together, providing training and opportunities, and giving them a stronger platform to trade under a shared identity,” she explained.

The official launch takes place at Killua Castle on Sunday, September 28, from 11am to 4pm, when around 25 stalls are expected, including local craft makers.

The family fun day will also feature a raffle, with prizes including a week’s accommodation in Majorca.

Training and support for producers has already been provided through LEADER, ranging from food photography and videography to multimedia and website development.

Looking ahead, the network plans to host a Meet the Producer event early next year, designed to connect local businesses with hospitality, retail and gifting outlets, and to explore opportunities such as hamper collaborations and Food Academy partnerships.

Ms Corroon said the relaunch is only the beginning: “We’re hoping this really takes off and attracts more members.

The more producers work together, the stronger the sector will be, not just for themselves, but for the wider Westmeath economy.”