This case study showcases a pioneering collaboration between Circular Food Co. and O'Donohue's Bakery in Tullamore, located just 2 km apart. The partnership aimed to create a new, healthy addition to O'Donohue's product range—a high-fibre penny loaf—while emphasising sustainability and nutrition.
Louise O'Donohue of O'Donohue's Bakery shared, "We're always on the lookout for
fresh solutions to keep innovating in our bakery. It's brilliant that Circular Food Co. is
just around the corner, and their upcycled ingredients are exactly what we need to
boost our business's sustainability."
Challenge
O'Donoghue's Bakery sought to expand their product line with a high-fibre penny loaf, but they needed a solution that would not only meet nutritional and taste standards but also align with their commitment to sustainable practices.
Solution
Leveraging their expertise in sustainable food innovation, the team at Circular Food Co. developed a prototype using their signature product, Fibre-Up. This ingredient (malted barley), a byproduct from an Irish craft brewery, offered a unique chance to upcycle while enhancing the nutritional profile. The Fibre-Up ingredient was pivotal in creating a loaf that perfectly balances taste, sustainability, and health benefits.
Results
The addition of the Fibre-Up ingredient, originally a byproduct of stout production, transformed the penny loaf into a high-fibre, nutritious product. This initiative not only prevented grain waste but also added significant value by reincorporating it into a delicious and healthy bakery item.
Impact on Circular Economy and Climate Change
This collaboration between two members of Bord Bia's Origin Green program exemplifies how local businesses can contribute to a circular economy in the Irish food sector. By upcycling a byproduct and creating a product with a reduced environmental impact, this partnership serves as a model for sustainable innovation in the food industry, actively contributing to the reduction of climate change effects.
Conclusion
The successful collaboration between Circular Food Co. and O'Donoghue's Bakery demonstrates the power of local partnerships in driving sustainable innovation. By integrating upcycled ingredients into mainstream food products, this project not only delivered high-quality, nutritious bread but also set a precedent for future sustainable practices in the Irish food industry.