O’Hanlon’s Herbs Host Wicklow Naturally Members Networking Evening

The Wicklow food and drinks network ,Wicklow Naturally, held a members networking evening at the premises of O’Hanlon’s Herbs in Glenealy,  last Tuesday 9th August. The network regularly holds networking meetings for its members, with the aim of fostering connections between food and drinks producers and providers based in Co Wicklow.

Members were greeted on arrival by Tom O’Hanlon of O’Hanlon Herbs who invited his guests to take part in a guided tour of the herb growing facility . During the fascinating tour the visitors were guided through the impressive glasshouses by the very knowledgeable team from O’Hanlon’s. The tour included all stages of the process,  from germination to  growing  to packaging, with the use of technology and innovation contributing greatly to sustainable production.

The evening continued with refreshments in the adjoining reception area which  is surrounded by beautiful and fragrant herbs and plants. This special setting reminds visitors that although this  business is a highly efficient and successful food producer, it remains close to nature in the middle of the Wicklow countryside. Tom O’Hanlon gave a brief history of this herb growing business which now comprises 2 acres under glass and produces over 3 million potted herbs and over 5 million cut herb packets per year to all the main retailers as well as independent stores and food service. The business is a member of Origin Green with a strong commitment to sustainable production and clever packaging including compostable and recyclable pots.

Refreshments included herb flavoured drinks,  and food was provided by Wicklow caterer Tadgh Byrne of Críoch Catering. Tadgh, a Wicklow Naturally member, Board Member and producer of the film Dinner 2050,  is committed to using local and sustainably sourced ingredients. He created a delicious menu of Wicklow Canapes with ingredients from Le Paysan, Ballynerrin Eggs, Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese and Coolattin Cheddar, Old MacDonnell’s Farm and Janet’s Country Fayre, all garnished and flavoured with freshly picked O’Hanlon’s Herbs.

Celebrity Chef Catherine Fulvio was in attendance along with many members of the Wicklow Naturally Network. Catherine’s Ballyknocken Cookery School is a Wicklow Naturally member,  and event coordinator Santina Kennedy thanked Catherine for her ongoing support for Wicklow Naturally through her media work and in her cookery courses.

Wicklow Naturally Board member John Cashman of Powerscourt Distillery thanked Tom O’Hanlon for his generous hospitality. He also thanked members for their participation, which  contributes to fostering a strong and vibrant food and drinks network. Board member Paul Smith welcomed two new members ‘Maidin Catering’ and ‘With Love – Baby and Toddler Food’.

Following updates from Santina Kennedy about current network activities including participation in the upcoming Tinahely Show and plans for October Feast, Fred Verdier Tourism Officer for Wicklow County Council advised members of funding from Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, secured by Wicklow Naturally, which will contribute to the creation of promotional videos and imagery for member businesses. Santina Kennedy also introduced the new social media coordinator Lisa Lundberg and thanked Lisa for the excellent quality of work on the Wicklow Naturally social media pages.

Guests left with a goodie bag of a generous selection of O’Hanlon Herbs which will no doubt be put to great use by the creative members of Wicklow Naturally, who are already renowned for their innovative collaborations.

For more updates on Wicklow Naturally please see wicklownaturally.ie