Food Academy

Flavouritos

Growing up in a family where culinary traditions were woven into our daily lives, I, Marian Garcia Vivolo, owner and executive chef of Hastie Catering Services, developed a deep-rooted passion for food. My story is a tapestry of cultural flavors and traditions, and it's a journey I'm excited to share. I was born into an Italo-Venezuelan family in Venezuela, and my culinary adventure began early. I had the privilege of learning the art of cooking from my grandmother and great-grandmother, who owned and ran an authentic Italian restaurant. Their guidance and Italian techniques became the building blocks of my culinary journey. On the other side of my family, I absorbed the rich culinary traditions of my Venezuelan relatives, which further enriched my knowledge. 

In 2015, I followed my nature essence and graduated in Culinary Arts (Barquisimeto, Venezuela), setting the stage for my post-graduation journey. I explored this passion by working in renowned restaurants and eventually branching out to start my own venture, focusing on healthy and plant-based cuisine, offering weekend menus and practical solutions as meal preps to my clients. In 2017, conducting culinary classes was a significant part of my career, during which I customized courses to encompass a range of cuisines, including Italian delicacies and plant-based recipes. This approach aimed to assist those most affected by the economic situation in my hometown, emphasizing the benefits of plant-based cuisine and providing economic and healthy solutions for daily food consumption. 

However, due to various challenges in my home country, I decided to seek new opportunities. In 2018, I embarked on a new chapter by moving to Medellin, Colombia. This move allowed me to gain diverse culinary experiences and further enhance my skills with all the diversity in their native cuisine. In 2019, I briefly returned to Venezuela before making the life-changing decision to settle in Ireland. Ireland introduced me to a rich and diverse culinary culture, thanks to my sister, who had been living there for over six years. Exploring the fusion of different culinary traditions became a fascination. However, the year 2020 brought unexpected challenges. The impact of the Covid pandemic and the uncertainty in the hospitality industry led to the loss of my job. 

Despite this setback, I found solace and inspiration in my home kitchen. It was during this period that I started creating exquisite meals, capturing the process in delightful food videos shared on social media. The positive feedback and encouragement I received in 2021 inspired me to dream bigger and this business idea started taking shape. The year 2022 marked a significant turning point in my journey. It was the year we officially registered Hastie Catering Services, a milestone achieved with the support of Laura, who played a pivotal role in this endeavor. Our vision was straightforward: to share the rich flavors of our cultural heritage with the world. This vision was further fueled by the positive feedback we received for our Tequeños and Pastelitos, two bites that had become our signature offerings in our catering services. Introducing pre-cooked Pastelitos and Tequeños to the retail market was our next big step. These delightful trays, complemented by handcrafted side sauces, were designed with practicality in mind, making them a convenient choice for today's fast-paced lifestyles.

We are thrilled to announce our retail rebranding as 'Flavouritos.' After extensive market research and feedback from our brand designer, this name emerged as the most popular choice, with overwhelmingly positive feedback. We are excited to embrace this new chapter and continue offering our delicious and practical products under our fresh, vibrant identity. Our products, known for their deliciousness and practicality, will continue to offer the flexibility of reheating in the oven or microwave, providing a tasty and effortless meal experience for our consumers.

Moreover, sustainability is at the core of our values, and we take it seriously. We've embraced eco-friendly practices and sustainable packaging as part of our commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint. Our dedication to sustainability goes beyond buzzwords; it's an integral part of who we are. We believe that by sourcing local ingredients, we can ensure not only freshness but also promote a healthier planet. Supporting our local community is another way we contribute to a more sustainable future. It's about more than just great food; it's about being responsible stewards of the environment and nurturing our local relationships. We're proud to offer products that don't just taste great but also do good for our planet and our community.

The SuperValu and Food Academy has played a crucial role in our incredible journey, and it's not just a professional relationship – it's been like a trusted friend who's been with us every step of the way. When we were chosen for the Food Starter program, it felt like we'd hit the jackpot. It was a turning point in our culinary adventure, and we couldn't have gone this far without their mentorship and support. The Food Academy has been more than just a program; it's been a partner in our success story. Their guidance has been like a guiding light, helping us navigate the sometimes choppy waters of the food industry. With their help, we've gone from being a small home catering operation to a thriving business that's now ready to take on the retail market. They've not only opened doors for us but also paved the way for endless possibilities and innovation within our company. As we gear up to introduce our brand in the competitive retail market, the Food Academy's role in our journey remains a testament to the power of partnership and the spirit of growth. In summary, guided by their expertise, we've turned obstacles into opportunities, transforming my culinary dream into a thriving business. We are thrilled to bring the essence of Latin flavours to the world through our brand.