NWRC Foodovation client receives a ‘kickstart’ from Lidl
By Aoife Curran
North West Regional College (NWRC) Foodovation Centre client, Lo & Slo, has been chosen to showcase their award-winning products in 200 Lidl stores throughout Ireland this year as part of the Lidl ‘Kickstart Supplier Development’ programme.
The Derry food company who recently won Silver and Bronze at the Blas na hEireann awards for its ‘sweet & smokey barbecue sauce’ and ‘sweet & spicy vinegar mop’ will display their signature sauces in Lidl supermarkets for a limited time only.
Owner of Lo & Slo, Emily McCorkell, explained how the Lidl collaboration came about: ‘’Since I launched at the Derry Slow Food Festival in September 2018, I’ve kept the attitude of saying yes to any opportunity that comes my way, so long as it’s not morally or physically impossible. So when a friend in the food industry suggested I apply, I said yes and lo and behold, I was accepted with both of my sauces. I feel humbled and honoured at every success as I’m so new in the business and I’m especially thankful for every individual and business that has chosen to support me.
‘’I pride myself on using quality ingredients that are lovingly cooked to make simple and delicious sauces from my homemade recipes. I aim to make the most of every ingredient so that you can taste each and every ingredient listed on the label. I’m also proud of all my products, not only the two sauces for Lidl, but my new Screaming Banshee range and dishes from my food truck which are also free from nasties, additives, and synthetic ingredients. My food is definitely feel-good treats, but I try to use natural, local, raw ingredients whenever possible.’’
NWRC Foodovation Centre Manager, Stella Graham, added: ’’We’re absolutely thrilled that Emily’s sauces have been recognised by Lidl Ireland’s Kickstarter programme and will be hitting shelves soon. She approached Foodovation for support to develop her two signature sauces and worked with our technical consultants to help bring them to market using both the Department for the Economy InnovateUs programme and Invest Northern Ireland Innovation Voucher scheme. We will continue to support her on her innovation journey and look forward to what she cooks up next.’’
Lidl’s Kick Start Supplier Development Programme is specifically designed to provide small and medium-sized suppliers with the support they need to grow their brand and build their supply network.
For more information about Lo & Slo visit, https://www.lo-slo.co.uk/ or if you are interested in working with North West Regional College’s Foodovation Centre call 02871276408
