Speakers

Mr Martin Heydon, TD

Minister of State for Research and Development, Farm Safety, and New Market Development

Minister Heydon is the Department of Agriculture Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Development, Farm Safety, and New Market Development and was appointed on 2nd July 2020.

Tara McCarthy

CEO, Bord Bia – The Irish Food Board

Tara McCarthy is CEO of Bord Bia - The Irish Food Board, an agency of the Irish Government Department of Agriculture. With an international network of 15 offices, Bord Bia supports Irish food exporters in unlocking sustainable business partnerships around the world.

Grace Binchy

Insights and Trends Specialist Bord Bia

Grace Binchy works as an Insight & Innovation Specialist with Bord Bia and works with food and drinks companies from start-ups to well established companies, helping them understand the importance of the consumer and develop their brand positioning for the market place.

Laura Harper

Buying and CSR Director  

Laura Harper joined the Aldi team in 2009, she is a Buying and CSR Director with Aldi Ireland and also led the introduction of Aldi's retailer program Grow with Aldi.

Karen Tyner

Senior Business Manager, Bord Bia

Karen is senior manager for prepared consumer food and drink companies and small businesses working with them to identify new business opportunities.

David McKernan

Founder of Java Republic and Partner at Biavest

David McKernan founded Java Republic Roasting Company in 1999. It quickly became one of Ireland’s most successful brands and one of Europe’s leading coffee companies. He has since sold that brand to Cafento, a wonderful family business run by people who share his values. In 2021 David set up BiaVest with Hilliard Lombard. As Ireland’s only dedicated food investment vehicle BiaVest is dedicated to building a diversified portfolio of food and food-related brands with potential for both domestic and international growth.

Karen O’Neill

Founder of Beekon Batches 

A new clean honey based alcohol product.

Karen is founder of BeeKon Batches. BeeKon is a newly created category of alcohol called ‘honey refresher’ that is targeting conscientious consumers who seek cleaner products in their lives.

www.beekonbatches.com 

Gillian Willis

Gillian is Small Business Development Manager for Bord Bia's Small Business clients working to to support them in the area of capability building and to help them maximise their business potential.