BrandBite® – The Brand Acceleration Programme

Start date: 21 April 2026

Duration: Six live workshops

Location: Online

Programme overview

BrandBite - Building Brands Buyers Say Yes To

Application Deadline: Fri 10th April 2026
Programme Commencement Date: 21st April 2026
Duration: Six live workshops
Location: Online

Part I - The BrandBite Virtual Brand Academy

The BrandBite® Acceleration Programme is an industry expert-led brand strategy training programme. Upon successful completion, two companies will have the opportunity to secure one of two Brand Development Award places costed with a value of €20,000 each..

The programme delivers:

A structured 6-module Virtual Brand Academy for a national cohort of ambitious food and drink businesses
Practical brand frameworks and tools that can be immediately applied to your business
Interactive small-group learning encouraging discussion, peer learning and real-time feedback
Direct access to guest speakers from the food press and retail buying sector
Recorded sessions and practical templates to support implementation
A structured process to be in with a chance to receive one of two Brand Development Awards

The cost is €150, per company, for attendance at The BrandBite Virtual Brand Academy (6 sessions)

Who Is This Programme For?

This programme is designed for start-up, emerging and scaling food and drink businesses based in the Republic of Ireland who want to:

Build a clear, compelling brand that stands out in a competitive market
Understand how to position their product and communicate their unique story
Learn practical, cost-effective ways to research & understand their consumer
Develop stronger messaging, storytelling and brand communication
Gain insights into what buyers and journalists look for in successful brands
Become more confident approaching retailers, press and customers

Participants will leave with a clear brand roadmap, practical tools and expert insights they can immediately apply to their business.

Key Elements of the Programme

Core Programme Modules

1.Brand Foundations & Competitive Positioning
Define your brand’s onlyness and sharpen your positioning so your brand clearly stands apart in a crowded market.

2. Understanding Your Consumer
Learn practical and cost-effective ways to understand your ideal customer and uncover insights that inform better brand decisions.

3. Brand Storytelling, Messaging & Tone of Voice
Develop a compelling brand narrative and consistent messaging that connects emotionally with consumers.

4. Communicating with Impact Across Channels
Learn how to show up professionally and consistently across social media, PR and retail touchpoints, with insights from a food journalist.

5. Bringing Your Brand to Market – Getting Retailer Pitch Ready
Understand how to present your brand confidently to buyers, build a compelling pitch and prepare for retail conversations.

6. Reflection, Next Steps & Industry Fireside Chat
A closing on-line session bringing together programme learnings, next steps and insights from a leading food brand founder or industry buyer.

Part II - Brand Development Award

Following successful completion of the Virtual Brand Academy, all participants will have the opportunity to apply for significant funding to undertake the BrandBite Brand Development Award.

€20,000 Brand Development Package

Two businesses will be selected through an application and interview process to receive a comprehensive BrandBite brand development package.
Each selected business will receive:

► Full Brand Strategy Development
• Brand positioning
• Brand personality
• Core messaging framework
• Brand book

► Brand Identity & Packaging Design
• Development of brand identity
• Packaging design concepts
• Final artwork for one production-ready SKU

► Communications Activation
• Brand communications guidance
• Support preparing for launch or relaunch

► Professional Photography
• One-day professional photography shoot

► Expert Project Facilitation
• Strategic guidance and facilitation from the BrandBite team throughout the process

► Fees & Funding
• If successful, each participant will pay €5,000, which equates to 25% of the overall value of the Development Award. The 75% is funded by Taste 4 Success Skillnet.

Businesses must have completed the The BrandBite Virtual Brand Academy to be eligible.