New stallholders are being sought for Cork's English Market

IRELAND’S oldest food market, Cork’s English Market is seeking food businesses for a short-term let at the newly renovated start-up stall.

Innovative products or produce, that won’t be a direct competitor of an existing business in the market, will most favourably be considered.

Food businesses with a commitment to low ‘food miles’, selling local, seasonal, nutritious and healthy foods are also particularly desirable.

This opportunity will afford small businesses the chance to gain experience trading in a busy city centre location, avail of a ready to go unit, avoiding expensive capital investment and get a good insight into customer demand.

As well as this, new businesses can learn from more experienced traders in the market and will be considered if a stall becomes available on a permanent basis in the future.

The start-up stall is not kitted out for hot food vendors or cafes and Cork City Council note: “The culture of the market is such that ‘trading’ takes precedence overproduction and so all cooking and 90% of the processing / production must be carried out off-site.”

“The vibrancy and life of traders’ interaction with their customers is of prime importance to the English Market,” the Council added. “In keeping with this ethos, we are looking for applicants who commit to manning their stall at all times and who can demonstrate a passion for, and knowledge of, their product.”

Interested applicants can fill out an application form on the Cork City Council website or email englishmarket@corkcity.ie for further information.