The Clare food and drink producer showcased its products to 243,000 visitors at the event after being selected to represent the county at the Local Enterprise Village.
Founded by Ellen Quinn and Alex Falco, Hurst Botanicals produces naturally fermented premium kombucha and is Ireland’s only Fairtrade certified drinks producer. The company is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, innovation and local production of high-quality food and beverages.
The Local Enterprise Village featured 30 small businesses supported by the Local Enterprise Office from across Ireland, presenting products and services in areas including clothing, crafts, artisan foods, bovine genetics and woodworking machinery.
Clare Local Business Office Business Advisor, Deirdre Keating saying,
“The National Plowing Championship provides an excellent platform for small businesses to reach new customers, make valuable connections and raise their profile. Hurst Botanicals were a fantastic ambassador for Clare, showcasing the quality and innovation within our local business sector.”
The Local Enterprise Village also included a Business Advisory Centre, where aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners received guidance from specialist advisors on financing, sustainability, digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
Google AI experts were on hand to help visitors explore how AI could support their businesses, while the Enterprise Europe Network provided advice to companies interested in entering EU markets and establishing international connections.
Local Enterprise Village will return to the 2027 National Plowing Championships in Rathangan, Co. Kildare, from 21-23 September 2027. Small businesses interested in taking part are encouraged to contact their Local Enterprise Office.
The Clare Local Enterprise Office, a function of Clare County Council, provides mentoring, training, expert advice and financial support to entrepreneurs and small businesses across the county. The Local Enterprise Office network is funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.