Deli Academy boosts sector in Ireland

A Deli Academy has been established to help delis in Northern Ireland develop skills in areas such as new product development that will enhance their services to customers.

The new academy is the brainchild of Montgomery Food Consulting which offers a broad range of professional training, skills development and business growth services to delis as well as butchers businesses and independent retailers in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The academy is an initiative in response to the growth in delis in both parts of Ireland as many consumers have been taking greater interest in the source of products and ingredients in food.

Rhonda Montgomery, the founder and chief executive of Montgomery Consulting, says: "In addition to an expansion of delis across Northern Ireland, especially those specialising in locally sourced food and drink, we are increasingly seeing established butchery businesses developing their own branded products and selling those from other local producers.

"Many butchers are now producing everything from steak to lasagne and convenience meals that have long been the speciality of the supermarkets.

"The developing interest in food from local sources gives them an opportunity to strengthen their competitiveness and win more business. We've developed five modules within the Deli Academy scheme during which our experts work with individual butchers and delis covering areas such as butchery, cooking, and product presentation skills.

"We also work with them in developing new products, revamping their counters to improve presentation for shoppers, and how best to price their products," she adds.

"We provide training for staff on how to sell the products effectively on building relationships with customers. Essential requirements such as health and safety, hygiene and consumer rights are key elements of the training programme,"

The training modules are delivered on the participating retailer's premises and lead to a recognised qualification. The company, based at Aughnacloy in county Tyrone, is registered to deliver SALSA, HACCP and quality and food safety management training.

Mrs Montgomery, an expert in food quality management with vast experience in meat processing, formed the business in 2010. She now runs the business with Sean Owens, one of Northern Ireland's most respected chefs and restaurant consultants, the managing directorof Montgomery Food Consultancy.

Pic Caption: Rhonda Montgomery, chief executive and Sean Owens managing director of Montgomery Food Consultancy.