Food producers gather at The Mayo Table
MEMBERS of the Mayo Food and Drink Network packed out Café Rua in Castlebar for the networking event entitled The Mayo Table - Mayo on the Menu.
The name was chosen to reflect the specially prepared menu showcasing many of the high quality producers within the county. The event was completely sold out and bodes well for the future of the network.
The Mayo Table menu featured Glasraí summer salad leaves served with beets pickled in Wildwood Balasamic Vinegar, Ardarl Farm ham hock croquettes, ‘Humbert Bread’ with Dozio Barr Rua cheese, Cabot’s Achill smoked mackerel pate served on dilisk soda bread, Achill Sea Salt crackers, Rua Labneh drizzled with Moylurg Honey, Velvet Cloud yoghurt cake, Noo Chocolates and Croagh Patrick Seafoods Oysters.
Drinks included Fior Uisce water and Rua’s own rhubarb cordial. It was a feast fit for a king and thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
One option being considered by the Mayo Food and Drink Network is Mayo Hampers and two sample hampers were raffled along with some other products generously donated by members. As well as the producers featured on the menu, products from Mescan Brewery, Kelly’s Artisan Butchers, Lough Mask Distillery and Devour Bakery all featured.
Guest speakers Marie Brouder (Brouder Marketing) and Simon O’Hara (Coopershill House) spoke about their experience with the Sligo Food Trail, sharing learning and information which should help the Mayo network with their evolution.
Marie Brouder described the approach taken and some of the highlights achieved since Sligo Food Trail was set up in 2016.
Simon O’Hara, who is a member of Sligo Food Trail and of Ireland’s Blue Book as well as a venison producer, talked about how being part of a food trail has benefitted his business hugely for a very small investment.
The next network event is a Mayo Food & Drink Showcase and Meet The Buyer event which takes place on Wednesday, June 23, in Breaffy House Hotel. It is expected to be equally popular and advance booking is essential.
The Mayo Food and Drink Programme is a LEADER funded response to the challenges and opportunities identified in the Mayo Food & Drink Strategy 2025. It puts into action the specific priorities identified by producers and is totally food and drink focused. A training programme runs until July and consists of free training, mentoring, and networking events which are designed for and available exclusively to Mayo food and drink businesses. Booking for these free courses is through www.mayofood.ie or Eventbrite, with links on social media (@mayofoodanddrink).
The Mayo Food and Drink Networking and Training Programme is supported by South West Mayo Development Company and Local Enterprise Office Mayo.