Success Stories

“Surf Seeds are tasty, chocolate coated seed mixes with ‘way past cool’ packaging to catch the eye,” said Tim, who manufactures his mixes from a state of the art food production facility in Drumshambo.

Tim Rooney came up with the idea for Surf Seeds when he developed a range of breads for the Superquinn chain of stores. Having used seeds in his new bread products, he become acutely aware of their health benefits, including Omega 3 and Omega 6 and essential oils.

With an eye to developing new markets, North and South, Tim’s company was one of 60 companies which attended the recent MicroTrade Food & Beverage Power House in Limerick, organised by InterTradeIreland, Enterprise Northern Ireland and the County & City Enterprise Boards.

Tim said: “I was given great support in the form of both funding and business consultancy services from Leitrim Enterprise Board and Enterprise Ireland. When you have a range of organisations such as these and InterTradeIreland behind you, it really encourages support from other organisations such as banks and potential customers.”

Breanndan Casey, InterTradeIreland’s MicroTrade programme manager, said: “Micro enterprises in the food and beverage sector have a tough job to get their products on the shelves.  Our event gave them the inside track on what multiples are looking for and how to get their distribution right, as well as learning from other companies which have been in their shoes.”

The Surf Seeds product range currently includes a Sunflower & Blueberry Seed Mix and a Sunflower & Pumpkin Seed Mix, both containing 25% chocolate-coated seeds.

The company’s aim is to reduce the percentage of chocolate coated seeds in the mix over time, to enhance the product’s health benefits even further. Plans are also in train to develop a variety of pack sizes and a range of festive treats, including santa seeds and snow seeds!

Surf Seeds will be available in all Superquinn stores this summer, as well as a range of independent stores, coastal gift shops and surf shops. They will be launched in the UK at the beginning of next year but they have already been nominated for the UK’s Great Taste Awards, so watch this space!

   Pictured: Tim Rooney, owner of Surf Seeds, at the Microtrade Food & Beverage Power House 08 in Limerick.