ENTREPRENEUR Aoife O’Driscoll has fused her love of great Irish food and knowledge of the nation’s tourism scene to start a business designed to champion the best producers to be found across the country.
The married mother-of-two launched Ireland’s Artisan Pantry in 2020, after a 15-year career spent promoting Ireland at home and abroad.
It offers a monthly subscription box, which brings a “slice of Ireland” to customers and includes delicious food products from a range of Irish producers.
The firm also offers one-off gift hampers, full of tasty Irish treats.
“I was inspired to start my company because of my twin passions in life – good food and Ireland’s incredible tourism scene,” Ms O’Driscoll explains.
“I spent an enjoyable 15 years promoting Ireland abroad and at home; from teaching Irish culture in Italy to working with the Irish tourist board in Canada and Dublin, sharing why Ireland is such a fantastic country to visit.
“I have worked at some of the biggest tourism attractions in Ireland, a pure joy and I now know Ireland’s hidden foodie gems like the back of my hand.”
Ms O’Driscoll explains the moment of inspiration behind the business.
“I had a ‘lightbulb’ moment when I received a gift from an Irish hamper company with over 10 products and not one of them was made in Ireland.
“I felt there had to be a way to create a more authentic Irish gift using the amazing array of Irish produce on my doorstep.
“I set up my business because I believe in Ireland’s independent food producers and I feel their quality products deserve to be seen and appreciated on a much wider scale.”
Aoife O'Driscoll, founder of Ireland's Artisan PantrySince its launch in 2020, Ireland’s Artisan Pantry has showcased more than 70 small-batch food producers from across the island of Ireland to its global fanbase.
The firm is already shipping subscription boxes to customers in Ireland, Australia, the US and Germany.
“I offer a slice of Ireland through my monthly subscription box,” Ms O’Driscoll explains.
“Think of it as the opportunity to virtually visit a different farmer’s market in Ireland every month and experience its colour and character.
“Each box will allow you to meet seven makers from a particular Irish region, taste their products, read their stories, and get recipes and top travel tips for their area.”
She adds: “I also offer over 20 once-off hampers such as ‘Welcome to Wicklow’ or ‘Home Sweet Cork’ that you can gift to anyone around the world and share a taste of Ireland at any time.
“Whether you are missing home or wish to experience a taste of your ancestral county, we would love to bring Ireland to you.”
For further information click here.
