Lorcan Bannon

Vegan Sandwich Co was just getting traction at farmers’ markets when Covid hit. Its home delivery fall-back rescue plan is now just one of many channels for Sam Pearson’s business, which is raising funds for the next steps of its growth.

When you look at the headline reports, global investments in the food and ag-tech sector tell a very positive story but the experience for many Irish start-ups in this space reflects a very different narrative.

The French food consumer brand “C’est qui le patron?” or “Who is the boss?” has experienced phenomenal growth and is rapidly expanding internationally. Lorcan Bannon asks its co-founder and CEO Nicolas Chabanne about the secrets to its success and his plans for Ireland.

Is a French retail revolution brewing? A consumer-led brand of staple foods has been taking over the aisles in the country and in nine other markets, offering lessons for Ireland’s agri-food industry.

The low-key draft investment agreement between the EU and China is not a free trade deal, but if confirmed, it could remove barriers for Irish companies looking to move into the EU's largest trading partner.

From new market entrants to the multiple challenges of online sales and higher expectations in the year of Covid-19, the Christmas tree market is not exempt from change… Or is it?

My friend was raising money for a start-up. I was seeking funds for a house. Neither have been easy but along the two different journeys, there have been a lot of similarities worth noting.

After hosting a discussion with Glanbia, Bord Bia and UCD, ifac Accountant’s Lorcan Bannon shows where opportunities lie for Irish food businesses in China – and how to seize them.

From the rise of on-demand grocery deliveries to the diversification of routes to market, the food industry has been radically altered as a result of the pandemic. So, what lessons can the industry take from the changing market?

As a food and drinks business specialist with ifac and a council member of the Ireland China Business Association, Lorcan Bannon has spent some time speaking with industry experts in China to get a perspective on what Irish food and drinks businesses can expect post the initial surge of Covid-19.