Tipperary Food Producers Network (TFPN)
Published on 12 September 2018
Ireland
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
TFPN was established in 2008 by a group of Tipperary artisan SME producers who recognised the potential in working together as a group to develop their businesses. The objective of the Network is to showcase the best of Tipperary Food and to scale to international markets in UK, Europe and USA.
Members meet regularly to discuss all matters relating to food, to innovate, and to plan and organise Network initiatives, such as:
• adoption and implementation of a County Food Strategy
• Hosting Long Table Dinner
• Tipperary Food Connect Programme – a pioneering initiative delivered to schools
• Collaborative marketing initiatives through strategic partnerships e.g. Tipperary Pop-Up Food Boutique
• Developing the profile of the Network through targeted media relationships resulting in coverage by leading food media
• Raising the profile of Tipperary as a premium sustainable culinary destination
• Artisan SME food producers supported to promote products at international food fairs e.g. London Fine Food Fair; Anuga, Cologne; Sial, Paris.
• Development of a signature "Tipperary Breakfast" based on members’ products
• Publication of a children’s book entitled the ‘Tipperary Food Tour’ and associated educational programme for children
• Currently undertaking a sustainability initiative to drive food SME tourism in the County
Members meet regularly to discuss all matters relating to food, to innovate, and to plan and organise Network initiatives, such as:
• adoption and implementation of a County Food Strategy
• Hosting Long Table Dinner
• Tipperary Food Connect Programme – a pioneering initiative delivered to schools
• Collaborative marketing initiatives through strategic partnerships e.g. Tipperary Pop-Up Food Boutique
• Developing the profile of the Network through targeted media relationships resulting in coverage by leading food media
• Raising the profile of Tipperary as a premium sustainable culinary destination
• Artisan SME food producers supported to promote products at international food fairs e.g. London Fine Food Fair; Anuga, Cologne; Sial, Paris.
• Development of a signature "Tipperary Breakfast" based on members’ products
• Publication of a children’s book entitled the ‘Tipperary Food Tour’ and associated educational programme for children
• Currently undertaking a sustainability initiative to drive food SME tourism in the County
Expert opinion
The good practice shows how network structures can reinforce its members’ visibility and competitiveness. Tipperary Food Producers Network (TFPN) is a network of 32 artisan food producers who are combining forces to strengthen their brand images and develop their businesses. As pointed out in the good practice, the food network has achieved many initiatives such as a County Food Strategy, participating in international food fairs, educational programs, signature Tipperary Breakfast, etc…
Some insights from the good practice:
-The good practice highlights that bottom-up food networks can be powerful tools to promote local food artisan producers and to help them scale-up their businesses.
-Food networks are even more powerful when combined with European Union schemes of geographical indications and traditional specialties such as protected designation of origin (PDO), protected geographical indication (PGI), and traditional specialties guaranteed (TSG).
-Bottom-up food networks can be replicated in cities around the European Union that have a strong food heritage and artisan food producers.
-Policymakers can play a role in supporting the creation of artisan food producer networks through empowering local food artisan producers and co-financing/sponsoring activities.
Some insights from the good practice:
-The good practice highlights that bottom-up food networks can be powerful tools to promote local food artisan producers and to help them scale-up their businesses.
-Food networks are even more powerful when combined with European Union schemes of geographical indications and traditional specialties such as protected designation of origin (PDO), protected geographical indication (PGI), and traditional specialties guaranteed (TSG).
-Bottom-up food networks can be replicated in cities around the European Union that have a strong food heritage and artisan food producers.
-Policymakers can play a role in supporting the creation of artisan food producer networks through empowering local food artisan producers and co-financing/sponsoring activities.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
- Financial and Human Resources - approx. €10k
- Mentoring and Advice - peer to peer networking, mentoring and advice
- Strategic direction - approx. €3 - 4k
- Mentoring and Advice - peer to peer networking, mentoring and advice
- Strategic direction - approx. €3 - 4k
Evidence of success
TFPN has helped the members with:
Knowledge transfer/ mentoring among SMEs
Enhanced profile and shared marketing and PR opportunities
Innovation in eco sustainable production practices and quality standards through participation in Origin Green, Ireland’s Food and Drink Sustainability Programme
32 members accredited or working towards accreditation
7 attending trade fairs in Germany and UK in 2019
Knowledge transfer/ mentoring among SMEs
Enhanced profile and shared marketing and PR opportunities
Innovation in eco sustainable production practices and quality standards through participation in Origin Green, Ireland’s Food and Drink Sustainability Programme
32 members accredited or working towards accreditation
7 attending trade fairs in Germany and UK in 2019
Potential for learning or transfer
The Tipperary Food Producers Network has evolved into a strong community of SMEs that support and complement each other through sharing ideas, experiences and opportunities; as well as working collectively to raise the profile of Tipperary as a producer of eco-friendly foods.
The Network’s main strength is its SME members who actively drive, participate and lend their expertise to the Network’s activities and initiatives. The Network has also provided valuable opportunities for individual business growth and cross-selling among members, as well as the sharing of business contacts, supports and resources.
The Network’s main strength is its SME members who actively drive, participate and lend their expertise to the Network’s activities and initiatives. The Network has also provided valuable opportunities for individual business growth and cross-selling among members, as well as the sharing of business contacts, supports and resources.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
TIPPERARY COUNTY COUNCIL
Ireland
Contact
Agence Web