Dr Angela Sheehan, Programme Manager of the Diploma in Speciality and Artisan Food Enterprises and students at a workshop during this year’s course.

New name for UCC’s food production diploma course

Ireland’s food scene is booming and at the heart of it are many new artisan enterprises. But starting a food business is a complicated undertaking.

UCC’s Diploma in Speciality and Artisan Food Enterprises is for people who are starting a speciality food business and also for otheres involved in this sector including producers, retailers, culinary specialists, buyers, food designers and journalists.

Previously known as the Diploma in Speciality Food Production, it was developed to provide a broad understanding of the growing differentiation of the food market in which a significant segment of consumers are most interested in taste, traceability, quality, sustainability and proximity.

The diploma provides an insight into the challenges of creating a small food enterprise and the skills required to make a successful business. It 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 and marketing.

The Diploma in Speciality and Artisan Food Enterprises is the new name for the long running and very successful Diploma in Speciality Food Production. Almost 300 graduates have completed the diploma since inception, many of whom have gone on to develop successful small food businesses.

The new name reflects the evolution of the course content to meet change. UCC considers it a timely change that fits with the current lines of thought that innovation is fundamental to achieving sustainability in all its forms.

This course is delivered using a blend of face-to-face and online methods. The next course will start on 10 October.