From a humble shed in County Cork, Ireland, a remarkable story of entrepreneurial spirit and community support has blossomed. Folláin, a jam and preserves business, began in the 1980s with a simple idea – and a family recipe for gooseberry marmalade. Today, the company is a thriving enterprise, employing 60 people and supplying retailers across Ireland and the UK, a testament to the vision of its founders, Máirín Uí Lionáird and Eithne Uí Shiadhail. The success of Folláin demonstrates how a commitment to quality, local sourcing, and a strong sense of place can build a lasting business, even when the initial product – gooseberry marmalade – seemed an unlikely hit.
The origins of Folláin are rooted in a previous venture. Máirín and Eithne had previously worked together at Mil an tSuláin, a honey-making business in Cúl Aodh. When that business closed, they turned their attention to preserving fruit, utilizing a gooseberry marmalade recipe passed down through Eithne’s family. Initially, the operation was compact-scale, but the two women quickly recognized an opportunity to create something special. Their business acumen, combined with Máirín’s passion for the food industry, proved to be a winning formula. This story of Folláin’s growth highlights the power of local enterprise and the enduring appeal of traditional Irish food products.
The early days involved supplying local shops, with Máirín’s husband, Peadar, taking on the role of salesman, driving throughout County Cork to promote their jams and marmalades. A pivotal moment came in 1986 when Quinnsworth (now SuperValu) approached them about stocking their products. This national exposure dramatically expanded their reach and necessitated a move from Máirín’s kitchen to a portable building behind their home. As demand grew, so did their workforce, relying heavily on the support of the local community.
From Shed to State-of-the-Art Facility
The growth of Folláin wasn’t simply about scaling production; it was about building a sustainable business deeply connected to its surroundings. From the initial portable building, the company moved to a facility in Ballymakeera operated by Údarás na Gaeltachta, an organization dedicated to the economic and social development of Irish-speaking regions. In 2017, they completed the construction of a purpose-built factory in Ballyvourney, designed with a streamlined, one-way system for efficient production. This investment underscores their commitment to long-term growth and their dedication to the local economy.
Today, Folláin prioritizes sourcing ingredients responsibly. Whereas oranges and lemons are imported from Spain, the company is committed to using Irish-grown fruit whenever possible, including blackberries, apples, gooseberries, and strawberries. Even the onions used in their relishes come from Waterfall in Cork. They maintain a strict policy of sourcing all raw materials within the European Union, further emphasizing their commitment to quality and traceability. Distribution is handled by Christy Lucey Transport, a local company with whom they have a strong, collaborative relationship.
A New Generation and Sustainable Practices
The company has transitioned to a new generation of leadership. Máirín Uí Lionáird retired in 2020, followed by her husband, Peadar, this year. Now, their son, Mícheál Ó Lionáird, along with his siblings, owns and manages Folláin. Mícheál is focused on innovation and sustainability, evidenced by the recent launch of “Spoonfuls,” a fruit-based topping for porridge and pancakes. This new product, cooked for a shorter time to preserve the fruit’s integrity, is already proving popular with consumers.
Folláin also demonstrates a commitment to giving back to the community. In a recent initiative, 50% of the profits from their “12 Days of Christmas” preserves were donated to the Simon Community, a charity working to prevent and alleviate homelessness, totaling €31,676. The company is also actively addressing rising costs, particularly energy expenses, by investing in solar panels.
Navigating Challenges and Future Growth
Despite its success, Folláin faces ongoing challenges, including the economic impacts of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine. Rising energy costs are a significant concern, as the boiling pans operate at 105 degrees Celsius throughout the day. Mícheál Ó Lionáird expressed worry about the broader food industry, noting that the closure of other businesses could impact suppliers and customers alike. “All businesses are trying to keep their heads above water. We’re doing everything to avoid putting the costs onto our customers,” he said.
Looking ahead, Folláin is exploring opportunities for expansion. With a purpose-built factory capable of increased production, the company is considering extending its reach beyond Ireland and the UK, potentially into European markets. Their products are currently available in major Irish supermarkets like Dunnes, Tesco, and Supervalu, as well as Selfridges in the UK, and through their online store. The company’s commitment to using glass bottles, even for smaller jars, reflects a dedication to sustainability and aesthetic appeal, a detail chosen by Máirín Uí Lionáird.
Folláin’s best-selling product remains their no-sugar strawberry jam, catering to consumers seeking healthier options. The company credits support from organizations like the IDA, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and Enterprise Ireland with playing a crucial role in their success. Customers consistently praise the fresh, seasonal taste of their products and the absence of artificial additives. The story of Folláin is a compelling example of how a small, family-run business can thrive by staying true to its values and prioritizing quality and community.
Folláin will continue to monitor market trends and consumer preferences as they evaluate potential expansion into new European markets. The company is also focused on optimizing production within their existing facility to meet growing demand.
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