We had a fascinating time last week (24 April 2026) attending the Food Sparks symposium, which explored how food producers can work closely with SETU’s Department of Land Sciences, Department of Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, and Dungarvan Enterprise Centre, to grow their business through research, innovation and talent development.
The day, supported by the Waterford Festival of Food, started with a welcome from Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU.
We then heard from Professor Helen Hughes, Rachel O’Dowd, and Dr Ultan McCarthy on SETU’s support for producers.
Eunice Power, Waterford Festival of Food CEO, spoke about the food and drink community, and festival starting that weekend.
Mary Houlihan, Regional Tourism Development Manager of Fáilte Ireland, gave an insight into tourism opportunities for agri-food.
Srishti Kishore, Head of Brand Development & Innovation & Client Insight at Bord Bia, held a talk on key developments and opportunities in the food and artisan food sector.
An armchair discussion then followed with Georgina Campbell and local food producers including David Currid – Grantstown Nurseries, David Dennison – Viking Irish Drinks, Siobhán Hubbard – Newbard Farm, and Liam Maher – Slow and Steady Eats.
And Edward Hayden of SETU was on stage to help launch the new Knockanore Mozzarella Cheese with Eamon Lonergan.
And the perfect way to end the event was with a Waterford Kitchen Table Artisan Lunch in The Gallery.
We wanted to say congratulations on a successful symposium, and look forward to a close working relationship.
For further information and how SETU can support food producers, email: Helen Hughes – helen.hughes@setu.ie
