Ireland West Distillery calls on Leitrim food and drink companies to consider Food Works programme

Food Works, Ireland’s leading investment accelerator programme for high-potential food and drink companies, is seeking applications from Leitrim food and drink companies for its 2025 line-up. Combining the resources of Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc, Food Works has been a fundamental driver of innovation in the food sector in the last decade.

Ireland West Distillery, based in Carrick-On-Shannon, is one of nine companies taking part in this year’s programme and founder Eamon McLoughlin is encouraging local companies to consider taking part. 

A passionate entrepreneur and founder of Ireland West Distillery, Eamon McLoughlin was driven to create the Shaker & Co. brand as a result of a personal journey to find a satisfying alcohol-free alternative in the Irish market. 

Eamon sought a great-tasting, convenient, and affordable option within the Ready-to-Drink category (RTD) that was zero-alcohol, having given up drinking alcohol during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

The innovative approach used in the creation of the Shaker & Co range involves distilling zero-alcohol spirits on-site in Carrick-on-Shannon and blending them with carefully selected flavours to create a range of refreshing and flavoursome beverages.    

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Commenting on the benefits of Food Works, Eamon McLoughlin said: “There is a demand for zero-alcohol choices that meet the need for great-tasting adult drinks suitable for all occasions.  

“I was overseas for thirteen years, so it was great to get on the Food Works Programme and reconnect with everything Irish and the Irish market. I suppose the main benefit for me has been working out a fantastic business plan.”

Food Works 2024 (Picture: Chris Bellew)

Shaker & Co.'s zero-alcohol ready to drink gin and tonics are distilled on-site at Ireland West Distillery. There will be four classic gins available in the product range: G&T Classic, G&T Sicilian Lemon, G&T Blood Orange and G&T Pretty in Pink.   

The stylish 250ml cans are not only visually appealing but also offer a convenient and portable way to enjoy a sophisticated drink without the alcohol. 

Food Works runs annually from February to November. Participating start-ups take part in workshops with national and international industry experts across various disciplines such as strategy, finance, manufacturing and marketing. 

Successful applicants are supported to get investor-ready by developing a comprehensive business plan focussed on scaling internationally. 

They also receive customised support from business advisors, facilitated peer-to-peer learning and may have the opportunity to receive feasibility grant funding of up to €30,000. 

The three state agencies, Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc, work jointly to deliver the Food Works programme.  

Bord Bia provides strategic insight and support, assisting participating companies in their understanding of consumers, competitors, trends, opportunities and both domestic and international markets.   

Enterprise Ireland focuses on helping entrepreneurs to start and grow their business internationally. It works collaboratively with the High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs) taking part in Food Works to develop a robust funding strategy to drive growth and supports them to prepare an investor ready business plan.  

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