From kitchen counter to supermarket shelves, the rise of Ballymaloe Foods

First up on this episode of Inside Business, a family firm that has become one of Ireland’s best-known food brands. Maxine Hyde’s grandmother - Ballymaloe founder Myrtle Allen - began making relish in the kitchen of their family run hotel. Today, Ballymaloe Foods has a range of products sold in supermarkets nationally, and a turnover of €15m. Host Ciaran Hancock gives their signature relish a taste, and asks what it takes to grow a food business in a market dominated by multinational brands. How have changing consumer tastes shaped the company’s strategy? And can a premium Irish food producer continue to thrive as households keep a close eye on spending? Also in this episode, we put one of the most talked-about gadgets of the year under the microscope. Dyson’s latest electric toothbrush comes with a price tag of €479, making it one of the most expensive brushes on the market. But does it actually deliver a better clean? Who is it designed for? And can any toothbrush really justify costing more than some smartphones? Irish Times business and technology reporter Ciara O’Brien has been putting the device to the test. Brought to you in association with EY. Produced by John Casey, JJ Vernon and Andrew McNair. * * * Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.