By Business & Finance 
John Casey, CEO and co-founder of Galmere Foods, found inspiration for his on-the-go Soop product on a Ryanair flight.
By Héloïse Chaudot
What inspired you to start your company?
I had worked in the food industry throughout my career and always had an interest in food manufacturing. In 2012, an opportunity came to invest in the food production industry; we raised capital and acquired two small food businesses, later merging them. We saw an opportunity to build a business of greater scale with deeper competencies to meet the growing needs of retailers and consumers.
What are your main priorities and goals in your role?
Our main priorities are to continue building the strength of our business by innovating in the chilled food marketplace, creating products that consumers want to purchase, and growing our team with the business, securing Irish food jobs.
How do you keep your team/staff motivated?
We focus on selecting the right people for the team and empowering them to fulfil their potential. We try to be open with our team so that they understand the objectives of the business and their part in it. We provide opportunities to enhance and refine their skills by providing an interesting, exciting environment with opportunities for career development.
What are the challenges facing the industry going forward?
The main challenges facing the food industry going forward are rising input costs, in particular the high cost of energy in Ireland, the increasing price of raw materials and the constant challenge to recruit great people. As a problem solver, evaluating the best course of action through these challenges makes my job interesting and dynamic.
Are there any major changes you would like to see in your sector?
Ireland is a major food producer, but exports of prepared consumer foods don’t meet the potential of the industry. We think there’s an opportunity to grow businesses of greater scale and sell more fantastic Irish produce to retailers across Europe and the wider world. This requires an investment and enterprise environment to support growth in the sector, allowing it to fulfil its potential.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given in business?
Always remember that it’s about having a great team of people who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo.
What advice would you give to others starting in business?
Never let fear stifle innovation.
What have been your highlights in business over the past year?
We completed the development of the SOOP Mug, which is our new single-serve, ready-to-heat-and-eat soup on the go solution. It was inspired by a Ryanair flight to London in 2020, where I had a cup of Lavazza coffee with a spill-free spout. After four years’ research and innovation, we now have a great brand to bring to market. Over the last year, we have finalised the design and production of the Mug – all the packaging is made here in Ireland using 65% recycled materials, and it’s 100% recyclable. We’ve crafted enticing flavours and already won awards from Blas na hÉireann and the Great Taste Awards. Social media campaigns early on have driven demand for this product in Ireland and overseas. SOOP launches across Maxol forecourts at the end of September.
What is the best book you’ve ever read (non-business) and why?
The best book I’ve ever read is The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan. It provides a completely different take on history than the Eurocentric version we are often taught in school. It taught me the importance of perspective, as his outlook introduced me to a completely different way of thinking about history and the world we live in. History often repeats itself, which makes it continuously important to re-read, re-learn and re-evaluate the events of the past to see what lessons can be learned.
What is your favourite hobby and why?
I love to go mountain walking at the weekends. It’s a great rigorous exercise and enables me to clear my head after a busy week. It also allows me to spend some time in Ireland’s beautiful countryside.
What is your mantra for life?
Small steps lead to big changes.
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