The world of food is evolving, with an increasing demand for unique, high-quality products that stand out in a market saturated with mass-produced items. This shift has opened new opportunities for artisan food producers, home-based culinary artists, and farming families.
In response to this growing trend, the part-time Diploma in Speciality and Artisan Food Enterprises promises to be a game-changer, fostering the skills and knowledge required to thrive in this niche market.
Artisan food producers often possess an inherent passion for creating exceptional products, whether it’s a unique cheese, handcrafted chocolate, or organic preserves. However, transforming this into a successful business requires more than just a passion for food.
The Diploma in Speciality and Artisan Food Enterprises is tailored to equip these producers with the essential skills needed to scale their operations, enhance their products, and reach broader markets.
Farming families have long been the backbone of food production, but the changing economic landscape requires innovative approaches to remain sustainable. Diversifying into speciality and artisan food production offers farming families a way to add value to their primary produce, creating additional income streams and enhancing the resilience of their operations.
The part-time Diploma in Speciality and Artisan Food Enterprises runs from October 2024 to May 2025 and provides essential scientific background in the field of food science and technology, including elements of food microbiology, food safety, food chemistry, process technologies, nutrition and sensory food science. Traditional methods of food manufacture are also covered during the course.
The programme also includes an introduction to small business management & financing. The programme’s flexible structure allows participants to balance their studies with existing commitments, making it accessible for those looking to make a gradual shift into the professional realm.
The Diploma programme content fits within the scope of the Agri Food Strategy – Food Vision 2030 which also notes that insight, innovation, and product differentiation and developing opportunities at home and abroad are further important elements in adding value. Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will provide funding as bursaries (64% of the fee) to eligible applicants.
For Further information please contact Clair Hoare: clairhoare@ucc.ie
