Gaeilge
Huge congratulations to the the five students from Coláiste na Carraige who have triumphed to win the overall European Youth Start Entrepreneurship Award in Budapest on Saturday 7th November with their project called ‘Milseog na Mara’ (Desserts of the Sea) which is the production of tasty treats using seaweed (Carrageen Moss). As well as achieving such a high honor, they also take home a cool €1000.
Let’s meet Europe’s official Young Entrepreneurs. They are from left to right Paddy Mc Shane, Aimee Byrne, Rebecca Mc Shane, Mary Kate Carr and Ronan O’Hare.
‘Milseog na Mara’ (Desserts of the Sea) offers healthy alternatives to jellies and chocolate mousse using a type of locally sourced seaweed – Carrageen Moss – as the main ingredient. “Our idea came to us when I got sick and my family made me a cold remedy using Carrageen Moss. Not only did I get over the cold quickly but I realised this jelly like substance could be used in alternative ways to make chilled deserts and jellies,” said Carr.
Market Research carried out by the group found that the only other Carrageen Moss product available was dried seaweed and as such there was a gap in the market for their products. “We realised that our target market could be segmented into people who have a keen interest in health food and unique, quirky artisan products,” said Carr. The group used Facebook and Twitter to promote their business and also met with celebrity chef Clodagh McKenna who gave her seal of approval to their products. The jars of jellies and chocolate mousse cost €3 and are available at select country markets.
Well done to all on this remarkable achievement.