Food Academy

Melody's

I’ve developed a wholefood Snickers-style bar that I first introduced through my origin business, Melody’s Speciality Trailer in Louisburgh, west Mayo. I started my mission-driven brand by converting a horse-box after seeing a gap for a great coffee and a healthy snack for the hikers and bikers heading for Mweelrea.  

I launched the products in 2021 from a small kitchen and trailer base. My ethos has always been rooted in whole, raw, real ingredients - reflecting the elements of the land and sea. As a former biology and agricultural science teacher growing up on a small farm, I’ve always had a grounded connection to nature and food.  

My product range includes a wholefood bar made from dates, nuts and dark chocolate handmade in small batches using minimally processed ingredients. I keep the products clean and balanced, with no refined sugar or additives, small quantity production, strict quality control and zero food waste. I use compostable packaging where possible and continue to explore sustainable options.  

Beyond food, Melody’s has a community-driven purpose. After spending four winters in Europe, Latin America and North Africa, I noticed a theme where I sought out wholefood dishes and snacks. Surfing and ‘slow’ travelling, I invested time in learning about the plants that made up my ingredient list back in Mayo: coffee; Colombia, cacao; Guatemala, dates; Morocco and so on.  

While travelling, I easily connected with like-minded people but often returned home feeling disconnected, until 2024. This inspired me to create spaces for community, now hosting weekly surf socials, Pilates, yoga, sound baths, and gatherings on Cross Beach, alongside our sister business, Tine Sauna. I encourage people to travel west, move, sauna, and stay for wholesome food, coffee, and connection — a growing social movement rooted in food, movement, and community. 

 SuperValu Food Academy has given me the structure, mentorship and retail insight I needed to develop my products for the West of Ireland market. The programme has helped me refine the brand, understand the retail landscape and prepare to bring a community-led, nature-inspired food product onto shelves while staying true to my values.