PICS: Last Night’s AIB Start-Up Academy In Killarney Was A Foodie’s Dream

The AIB Start-Up Academy is in full swing, and this week's food-themed event took place in the Killarney Plaza Hotel in the Kingdom.  With presentations from a number of established food entrepreneurs, the night offered a great insight into the state of the Irish food industry, as well as the marketing and business opportunities for food entrepreneurs in Ireland. Brian Nolan co-founder of healthy ice cream brand, Nobó, Brigitta Curtain from the Burren Smokehouse, and Colm Healy, owner of Skelligs Chocolate each presented their inspirational business stories, and answered questions from the packed room.  The event also saw two budding entrepreneurs Ruth Ormiston from Cornude Popcorn, and Seamus Tighe of Everest Granola showcasing their products and sharing their business ideas. Check out some of the best tweets from the night below. We're already looking forward to the next event!

Treats on fleek here at the AIB Start-Up Academy? #backedbyAIB pic.twitter.com/mDi0tfup9t

— Her.ie (@Herdotie) October 14, 2015

It's starting to fill up here for the food themed Killarney AIB Startup Academy! #backedbyAIB pic.twitter.com/lmQdbLpAb9 — AIB Business (@AIBBiz) October 14, 2015

Great atmosphere @AIBBiz & @IrishTimes Start up academy night opened by Aidan Andrews Regional Manager #backedbyAIB pic.twitter.com/PfELOzPjaZ

— John Doyle (@DoyleJohnn) October 14, 2015

An impressive start-up story from @CornudePopcorn founder (and popcorn lover) Ruth Ormiston #backedbyAIB pic.twitter.com/wGyBJkejT7 — Her.ie (@Herdotie) October 14, 2015

Seamus Tighe, second pitcher & 2014 AIB Start-Up Academy finalist speaking about the roots of the business. pic.twitter.com/L9NUtzvwrI

— JOE.ie (@JOEdotie) October 14, 2015

Branding is vital for any product development & @_nobo_ was in the right place @ the right time #backedbyAIB pic.twitter.com/4WshkE6XPO — AIB Business (@AIBBiz) October 14, 2015

Inspiring presentation from Brian Nolan, founder of healthy (and tasty!) ice cream brand @_nobo_ ? #backedbyAIB pic.twitter.com/kphumfyiny

— Her.ie (@Herdotie) October 14, 2015

Very interesting to hear the third speaker of the evenings perspective on success and failure #backedbyAIB pic.twitter.com/BF9xgkXIDX — JOE.ie (@JOEdotie) October 14, 2015

Advice from @skelligschoc when faced with challenges see the opportunity, ask a mentor, take a fresh, positive outlook @AIBBiz #backedbyAIB

— Blas na hEireann (@BlasNahEireann) October 14, 2015

We'd happily travel to the middle of nowhere for some @skelligschoc ?? Super talk from Colm Healy #backedbyAIB pic.twitter.com/iRXeb5Mu9I — Her.ie (@Herdotie) October 14, 2015

We heard about cash flow and marketing but Colm Healy reminds the audience of one simple fact... #backedbyAIB pic.twitter.com/4yAA05wb0x

— JOE.ie (@JOEdotie) October 14, 2015

One of the stand-out quotes from tonight's @AIBBiz Start-Up Academy event in Killarney comes from Colm Healy.... ? pic.twitter.com/WAPaKY4ndN — Her.ie (@Herdotie) October 14, 2015

Really impressed with @_nobo_ this evening! Great brand and idea looking forward to trying some amazing it's in Dubai! #backedbyAIB

— ✨ Jenn ✨ (@Jennn_macC) October 14, 2015

A fabulous foodie evening here in the @KillarneyPlaza for the latest @AIBBiz Start-Up Academy event ?? pic.twitter.com/nyrm6Zvxcz — Emma Lahiffe (@lahiffemma) October 14, 2015

Fantastic, Positive and Inspiring night in Killarney thanks to @backedbyAIB #backedbyAIB pic.twitter.com/s2Rli7GcFu

— Lily MacMonagle (@lilsypops) October 14, 2015

Q&A session for the @AIBBiz Start-Up Academy event in Killarney was brilliant. Personal highlight; 'Q: How do you break up with a mentor'

— Jeanne Spillane (@jeannespillan) October 14, 2015