Ireland launches the world’s first online food learning hub
THE world’s first online school just for Irish food entrepreneurs has been launched locally as an e-learning collaboration with support from retail enterprise and government.
Rolled out in Dublin in 2018, the Digital School of Food is now available across Ireland as a self-paced, online programme of up to three courses in six themes from business start-up through the growth phase.
Leading Irish retail consultant James Burke is involved with the Digital School of Food
The online learning hub is supported by Ireland’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO), Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland.
“It is a world first,” said leading retail consultant James Burke, who is involved in the project. “It is designed so you can use it at home and as you want to learn when and where it suits.”
The digital food school provides a platform for food entrepreneurs to gain expert advice and guidance from anywhere with a wireless connection.
The e-learning programme is supported with free, government-supported webinars along with contributions from supermarket trade buyers and successful food producers who took part in the initial phase of the project.
Food entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to see their products marketed at retail outlets
Irish Government Minister Heather Humphreys said: “Now more than ever it is vital that we support our food firms and particularly budding entrepreneurs with ambitions to start a new business. As needs have evolved, programmes have evolved, and the online Digital School of Food is testament to that. Aspiring food producers can now begin their journey from their own home.”
On completing the digital school, participants can move on to take part in the Food Starter programme offered by LEO and from there, to the Food Academy and the opportunity to see original products available for retail.
The Digital School of Food is online at https://www.digitalschooloffood.ie.
