County Cork Businesses Meet Thousands of Buyers at Local Enterprise Showcase

a group of people with i.d badges

Businesses from County Cork had the opportunity to meet buyers from all over the world as part of the Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2023 in the RDS Dublin.  There were over 100 Local Enterprise Office supported businesses from across the country present at the event with 7 in attendance from the county.

Louise Moran of Flourish Emporium, Hanna Backmo of Hanna’s Bees, Mary O’ Donnell of Modart Studios, Paul Murphy of Mindful Maker, Suzette Demicoli of the Farrow Collection, Jason Hamilton-Foott of the Tranquil Candle Company and Patrick Murphy of CK53, were all exhibiting at the Local Enterprise Showcase, part of Showcase 2023, that saw over 4,000 buyers from retailers across the globe attend the three-day event in Dublin looking to secure new sales and partners for the year ahead.  Upwards of €20 million in business was expected to have been transacted across the three-day event.

Dara Calleary, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment officially opened Showcase 2023 at the RDS, Dublin. The show, which marked its 47th edition this year and ran until Tuesday 24th January, is one of Ireland’s largest and most important international trade fairs. Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide. 

Minister Calleary said “It’s great to be here and see some of the incredible products on display. Ireland is globally renowned for its craft and design, and Showcase is the international launchpad for so many Irish makers to achieve this recognition. Craft plays an integral part in Ireland’s economy, and I wish each maker the best of luck during Showcase.”

The companies were selected by Local Enterprise Offices in Cork to take part in this year’s Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2023.  They have been working closely with them in recent months to ensure they are in the best possible position to maximise their appearance at the event including sales technique, marketing materials and stand production.  Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Danny Collins said,

The Local Enterprise Offices in South Cork and Cork North and West are delighted to present local businesses with this wonderful opportunity to meet new buyers and explore new markets.  The show so far has proven very fruitful for Cork businesses, and we are extremely proud of all the hard work each exhibitor has put into their displays and brand awareness.

Rosemary Steen, CEO of Design and Crafts Council Ireland said “Showcase is now in its 48th year and we were delighted to welcome buyers from Ireland and all over the world who play a vital role in creating a stage for Irish craft and design. This year 380+ exhibitors joined us to highlight and grow their businesses. I want to thank the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Office, and of course the RDS for supporting such an important event in the Irish Design and Craft calendar.”

For more information on Local Enterprise Showcase 2023 and supports available to those operating in the design and crafts sector, log on to Local Enterprise and for more information on Showcase 2023, log on to Showcase Ireland.