Laois the new West Cork for small food and drink producers

Business was buzzing at the ploughing in the Laois Tastes tent, for Laois small companies and community groups.

The big tent held a range of interesting local ventures, including spicy sauces, pressed oils, home bakes and jams, children's books, coffee and beer, crafts and farm security systems.

The Laois Volunteer Centre stand was manned by yoga teacher Alice Carroll, manager Caitriona Ryan and outreach officer Storm Powell. 

"We recruit volunteers for the community and volunteer sector, there's no fees, we're like a go-between, giving the security that they are going the official route with Garda vetting required," Caitriona explained.

Surprisingly, they are getting enquiries from companies far from Laois.

"We got a query from a big finance company with bases in Cork and Dublin who want to get involved in Laois, to send corporate volunteers for a couple of days of volunteering.

"There is a lot of interest in supporting people tented in Stradbally. We are here to help but we can only send people through official organisations. We can help them to find volunteers.

"People are so enthusiastic and positive about volunteering, we are very fortunate that we get to hear that passion for giving back," the manager said.

Spicing Laois up are Portarlington couple Seamus and Mimo O'Flynn, founders of O'Mimo's, a range of spicy sauces cooked up at home.

"We got up and running in 2020 a week before Covid hit, we met Helen Gee and then Mark Clancy from LEO who propelled us into taking courses. We started as a thank you to Al's Fish Shop but we are also now in Solas and four SuperValu shops," Cork native Seamus said.

"There's no reason to go to West Cork for food now, it is fantastic in Laois for small producers, and I'm from Mallow," he said.

Connecticut native Mimo said new businesses don't get the same kind of support in the US.

"Here we get grants, support, mentors, training, the whole package. We are astounded at how kids embrace hot sauces now, the students here are the ploughing are daring each other, and I'm surprised at how much they buy," she said.

IN PICTURES: Laois Tastes tent buzzing with visitors at National Ploughing Championships

One of the most established businesses there is Corrig Hill Coffee, also from Portarlington.

Tom with customers Tony and Eamonn Conneely from Meath in the Laois Tastes Tent.

Tom Naughton roasts and also custom packages speciality blend coffees to supply cafés and companies, employing five people.

"It's fantastic here at Laois Tastes, the President even stopped by, I'm very happy," he said.

Brian Brennan is chairperson of Laois Tastes.

"The Laois Tastes tent is all about the small food and drinks producers in the county, to promote them and give them a place to shine. As a small producer you don't otherwise get to places like the ploughing. It's great to get this opportunity, and the producers get knowledge from each other as well. We are supported by Laois County Council and the business support unit LEo and Leader all help to get brands up and running," he said.