A Cork-based jam and preserves business, Folláin, is experiencing a period of growth fueled by both tradition and innovation, according to managing director Mícheál Ó Lionáird. The company, founded in 1983, has expanded from a small kitchen operation to a purpose-built factory employing 60 people, while maintaining a commitment to locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices.
The origins of Folláin lie in the collaboration between Máirín Uí Lionáird and Eithne Uí Shiadhail, who began crafting gooseberry marmalade in a shed after the closure of a honey-making business, Mil an tSuláin, in Cúl Aodh. The pair, originally from Dublin, utilized a century-vintage grapefruit marmalade recipe passed down through Eithne’s family. Despite initial skepticism about the market for gooseberry marmalade in 1980s Ireland, their venture proved successful. Máirín’s husband, Peadar, played a crucial role in the early days, driving throughout County Cork to promote and sell their products to local shops.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1986 when Quinnsworth (now SuperValu) agreed to stock Folláin’s preserves, propelling the business onto a national stage. From Máirín’s kitchen, production moved to a portable building at the Lionáird home, and then to a facility in Ballymakeera, before settling in a purpose-built factory in Ballyvourney in 2017. The factory operates on a four-day week, Monday through Thursday, with a focus on efficiency – raw materials enter on one side, and finished products exit on the other.
Folláin prioritizes sourcing ingredients within the European Union, with a strong preference for Irish produce. Oranges and lemons are imported from Spain, while blackberries, apples, gooseberries, and strawberries are sourced domestically. Even the onions used in their relishes come from Waterfall in County Cork. Distribution is handled by Christy Lucey Transport, a local company praised by Ó Lionáird for its responsiveness and reliability.
The company recently launched a latest product line, “Spoonfuls,” designed as a topping for breakfast foods like porridge and pancakes. This innovation, which preserves the fruit’s integrity and adds seeds, has been well-received by consumers. Folláin also demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility, donating 50% of the profits from its “12 Days of Christmas” preserves to the Simon Community, resulting in a contribution of €31,676.
Despite its success, Folláin faces ongoing challenges, including rising energy costs and the broader economic uncertainties stemming from events like Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine. The company has invested in solar panels to mitigate energy expenses. Ó Lionáird expressed concern about the potential impact of economic pressures on the hospitality sector, a key customer base for Folláin.
Sustainability is also a priority for Folláin, leading them to opt for glass jars over cheaper plastic alternatives, even for smaller sizes. The aesthetic appeal of the packaging, including the jar lids, was a deliberate choice made by Máirín Uí Lionáird. Currently, the company’s best-selling product is its no-sugar strawberry jam, reflecting a growing consumer demand for healthier options.
Folláin has received support from state agencies, including the IDA, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and Enterprise Ireland, which Ó Lionáird credits as essential to the company’s growth. The company’s products are available in Dunnes, Tesco, and Supervalu stores across Ireland, as well as through independent retailers and online. Customers consistently praise the seasonal flavor of the fruit and the natural, ethically sourced ingredients.
Looking ahead, Folláin is considering expanding production capacity within its existing facility and exploring potential export opportunities, including expansion into European markets. The company currently supplies Selfridges in the UK.
