The Skibbereen Food Company is serving up success after being named as a finalist in the Small Firms Association (SFA) Awards.

Founded by chef and entrepreneur Matthew Brownie, the company was recently nominated in the Innovation category of the national food industry award.

‘This is a significant recognition of the dedication, resilience, and innovation that has shaped the business over the past 12 years,’ said Matthew.

‘This achievement highlights not only the company’s commitment to quality Irish food but also its perseverance through challenging trading periods in recent years.’

The Skibbereen Food Company has steadily risen from its West Cork roots to become a key player in Ireland’s food industry and beyond.

One recipe for its success is its flagship product, Scratch My Pork, a gluten-free, high-protein pork crackling snack launched in 2014, ‘with a lot of hard work, a clear vision and sheer determination,’ said Matthew.

It subsequently teamed up with distributor Ampersand to build the brand, also focussing on the convenience and forecourt sector.

In recent years, The Skibbereen Food Company has launched a variety of high-protein snacks and is developing a chicken-based snack to meet growing consumer demand for healthier options.

This focus on innovation and responsiveness to market trends played a key role in the company being named a finalist at the SFA National Small Business Awards.

Earlier this year the company forged yet another exciting partnership teaming up with Rose Confectionery to launch a new snack range with the playful name Don’t Touch My Coconuts – a coconut and pineapple flavour cluster.

At the launch Matthew said it marked a ‘milestone’ for the brand and would help it scale faster, reach mo re consumers and build the Skibbereen brand on a national level,

Matthew, originally from New Zealand, first developed the idea for his unique snacks while studying Culinary Arts at Cork Institute of Technology in 2011.

Blending British, Irish, and Kiwi influences, he created high-protein snacks that are gluten, dairy, and MSG free.

Since then, Brownie has grown the company into a well-established brand exporting to the UK, Belgium, and Germany, opening new European markets.

He also regularly appears on Irish TV, sharing his expertise with a wider audience. The shortlisting highlights the firm’s strategic growth through new retail partnerships, enhanced distribution networks and increasing brand recognition nationwide.

The Small Firms Association (SFA) Small Business Awards 2026 will take place on March 5th 2026 at the RDS Concert Hall in Dublin.

Entering its 22nd year, the awards celebrate the innovation, excellence, and vital contributions of small businesses across Ireland.

The awards cover a range of categories such as Innovation, Manufacturing, Food and Drink, Sustainability, and more.

Finalists join a prize package valued at €50,000, featuring training, media exposure, and networking opportunities.

The event honours the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of small firms employing fewer than 50 people nationwide.

Matthew credits much of the company’s early development to the Musgrave Food Academy, a programme that provides mentorship, retail expertise and guidance.