Donal Skehan and Diarmuid Gavin join a panel of sustainability experts at Cork on a Fork Fest Business Networking Breakfast

Start your day with Purpose

Cork City’s food and business communities will come together for an inspiring morning on Friday 15th August at the Cork on a Fork Fest Business Networking, in partnership with Cork Business Association (CBA) and Network Cork. Taking place in the new Dunnes Stores Food Hall on St Patrick’s Street and hosted by Dunnes Stores, the event offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and champion sustainable food practices.

Attendees will enjoy complimentary tastings from a variety of artisan food stalls who are part of the new Food Hall, as well as sampling opportunities from some of the local artisan food producers who are part of the Dunnes Stores Simply Better Collection — perfect for breakfast on the go. The event will also include a live cooking demo by Head Chef Kate Lawlor from K O’Connell Fishmongers.

The morning also includes a panel discussion on food sustainability, hosted by food writer Kate Ryan of Flavour.ie. The panel features Ailis Crowley from FASH Forward, who will give practical insights for reducing food waste in your business; Maria Young from Green Spaces Cork on the impact of community gardens and growing local; Virginia O’Gara from My Goodness / Cork Urban Soil Project on circular food systems and composting; Diarmuid Gavin – Irish Garden Designer & Creator of Dunnes Stores “Outer Spaces”, and Chef Donal Skehan, a Dunnes Stores Ambassador.

Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or community changemaker, this is your chance to be inspired, build connections, and learn how your business can be part of a more sustainable future.

On hosting the event, Eric Foley, Grocery Manager, Dunnes Stores Patrick Street stated “We are so proud to be supporting the Cork on a Fork Festival, which celebrates the very best of Cork hospitality and food. In particular we love the idea of hosting this event where local businesses will come together to discuss sustainability and we are delighted that we will have some of our local food producers present to join in on the conversations and networking.”

Cork Business Association is also supporting a number of Coffee House Lates events during Cork on a Fork Fest, in partnership with Cork City Council’s night-time economy advisor.

Now in its fourth year, Cork on a Fork Fest spotlights the businesses, farmers, producers, chefs, and culinary innovators that shape the region’s vibrant food scene. This year’s programme will feature almost 100 events across the city — including pop-up dining experiences, chef collaborations, street feasts, food trails, cooking demos, and family-friendly fun.

Cork on a Fork Fest is organised by Cork City Council in partnership with local hospitality businesses. The festival is supported by stakeholders including Fáilte Ireland, Pure Cork, Cork Business Association, IHF Cork Branch, MTU, Cork Airport, and festival sponsors.  Visit www.corkonaforkfest.ie or follow @corkonaforkfest on social media.

The Business Networking Breakfast at the Dunnes Stores Food Hall takes place on Friday 15th August from 7.30am-9.15am.  It’s  FREE for CBA and Network Cork members, and open to other businesses to book.  Register at Eventbrite Link.   Proudly sponsored by Dunnes Stores.