New Food Movement

The English Market was a hive of activity last evening for the launch of Ireland's new food movement, LocalMarkets.ie, but there was plenty more than honey on the menu. More than 200 guests were treated to delicious gourmet dishes, produce and wines from 25 award-winning Cork producers who are taking part in the new venture LocalMarkets.ie. The new web service sources the finest products and gourmet meals from producers in your local area, and allows you to them delivered to your door within 48 hours.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Michael O'Connell was on hand to launch the new initiative, along with TD Simon Coveney and author and personality Diarmuid O¹Drisceol. Mr Coveney called the new food movement a great undertaking for Irish producers, and all the speakers gave a nod to the many producers who have banded together to create the initiative to support local produce and local companies.

Speaking about the launch, LocalMarkets innovator Rory McCann said,We're not a supermarket, we're a movement and we want people to join the movement and celebrate and enjoy locally produced food. He went on to say that his hope is that this initiative will encourage people in Ireland not only to reconnect with their local producers but also to get cooking in their own homes. To help consumers connect with their local food community, the site ­ which was just shortlisted by the Irish Web Awards as one of Ireland's most innovative websites ­ is packed with info about the producers so consumers can learn where they came from and what they stand for.

It¹s really important for us to reconnect consumers with their local artisan and speciality food and drink producers and to strongly encourage local trade, Rory McCann said. There has been a lot of talk recently about reducing food miles and this is an easy way for consumers to incorporate that practice into their own lives ­ without having to give up their favourite fresh, seasonal and tasty food and drink.

If the enthusiastic response to the launch is anything to go by, Rory and his team are hopeful that this support will, in turn, help to retain jobs and benefit local communities throughout the country. It has become their mission to give consumers throughout the country access to the largest range of range of artisan food and drink in all categories from bakery to cheese to fish, meats and speciality foods.

TO read more about this event go to bibliocook.ie and http://blogs.ireland.com/thecorkfoodblog/