Praline Pastry, an artisan food business based in Mitchelstown, has featured in the National Rural Network publication ‘LEADER Food Initiative Booklet’. 

Praline Pastry Shop and Café opened its doors in 2017 and also operates online at www.praline.ie where Praline sell cakes, chocolates, picnics, gifts and courses.

In 2020 Praline added handmade artisan chocolate truffles and bars to its offering. Praline secured funding under the LEADER Food Initiative firstly, to provide training for staff members in expert pastry skills in a school in Scotland, and secondly, to purchase specialised equipment for chocolate making as well as additional equipment required to increase pastry production in line with sales. With LEADER funding, the business has now grown to be able to expand into partnerships with retailers, to produce and sell specialist items. In 2022, Praline Pastry secured additional LEADER support to provide staff with follow-on artisan pastry and chocolate making skills training.

 

The National Rural Network Food Booklet showcases 12 food businesses and initiatives from across Ireland that have benefited from LEADER food Initiative investments. The booklet is available on the National Rural Network website and provides a range of examples of how small food companies have accessed and used the LEADER Food Initiative capital, training and feasibility supports from 2014-2020.

Download the National Rural Network Food Booklet

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If you have an idea for a new food business and would like support, please contact your local Ballyhoura Development Office for further information.

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