Healy News #45

Welcome to the latest edition of Healy News!

From entering new markets and advancing key projects to celebrating a well-earned retirement, this edition is packed with company news, industry insights, expert articles, team updates, charitable activities, and a look at the career journeys of our former placement students.

 

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Opening Statement from our CFO & HR Director

Anthony Healy

As we move into the second half of 2026, one thing is certain – change isn't waiting for anyone. Technology continues to evolve, information arrives at us faster than ever, and some days it feels like there's enough emails in the inbox to keep us busy until Christmas! Yet amongst all this change, one thing remains constant at Healy Group: our people are our greatest asset.

At Healy Group, we have always believed that success starts with investing in our team. Skills can be developed, technology can be upgraded, and processes can be improved, but it is the dedication, experience, and commitment of our people that truly drives our business forward. Developing our team remains a top priority as we continue to grow, adapt, and meet the changing needs of our customers.

Over the past six months, we have been working hard behind the scenes to improve the way we operate. From streamlining processes to embracing new technologies, our focus has been on ensuring we continue to deliver the highest standards of service. In a world where information overload has become the norm and everything seems urgent; we are constantly looking for smarter ways to work while staying focused on what matters most.

 

One area generating significant discussion is Artificial Intelligence. For some, AI can feel exciting; for others, it may feel a little uncertain. The reality is that AI is not here to replace great people — it is here to support them. Think of it as an extra team member that's available 24 hours a day, never drinks all the tea, and doesn't complain about Monday mornings! While AI can help us become more efficient, it can never replace human judgement, relationships, creativity, or the personal touch that our customers value.

As we continue exploring AI and other innovations, our approach remains simple: use technology to give our people more time to focus on the work that makes the biggest difference. By embracing change rather than fearing it, we create opportunities to learn, improve, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive environment.

Looking ahead, we have an exciting six months in front of us. There are new initiatives, opportunities for development, and continued investment in both our people and our business. As always, our guiding principle remains “Where Your Needs Become Our Focus." That commitment applies not only to our customers but also to the way we support, develop, and empower our team. Together, we continue to build a stronger, smarter, and more innovative business.

I hope you enjoy reading the rest of this newsletter and learning more about the achievements, developments, and exciting plans that lie ahead.

 

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FEATURED SUPPLIER ARTICLE

Elevating Potato-Based Snacks with Protein and Fibre

Discover how Emsland Group is helping manufacturers develop protein- and fibre-enriched potato snacks for health-conscious consumers.
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MARKET INSIGHTS

ICYMI: Our 2026 Food & Beverage Trends

Roni explores the key trends driving change across the food and beverage industry, and what that means for future product development.
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EVENT REFLECTION

Taking Sodium Reduction Beyond the Supermarket Shelf

Read Sam’s insights into the challenges and opportunities driving sodium reduction in foodservice and beyond.

INDUSTRIES WE SERVE

'Feeding' Growth: Expanding Our Role in UK & Ireland Pet Nutrition 

Discover how Healy Group is expanding its support for innovation and growth in pet nutrition across the UK & Ireland.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Day In The Life of Our Applications Specialist

Ever wondered what life as an Applications Specialist looks like? Read Genna’s behind-the-scenes look at turning ingredient concepts into real-world solutions.

 

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CAREER REFLECTION

Paul Sheldrake Steps Into Semi-Retirement

Inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s Sunscreen, Paul looks back on his career and the experiences that helped define it, in light of his semi-retirement announcement.
 
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PLACEMENT STUDENTS

Our Placement Students: Where Are They Now?

Catch up with two former placement students (Bea and Rebecca) as they reflect on their journeys from placement year to professional success in the food industry.

 

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FEBRUARY - The Breadth of Possibility, Sourdough Workshop

Alongside Bakery Chef Fabrizio Nistri, guests enjoyed live demonstrations and technical insights across sourdough, functional ingredients, and next-generation bakery applications - from breads and crackers to focaccia and pinsa.

We also explored the latest bakery trends, including clean-label solutions and Millbio's newest GLP-1-aligned innovations, sparking plenty of discussion around where the future of bakery is heading.

And of course, no workshop would be complete without the food! Tastings gave guests the chance to experience the products first-hand, with lunch featuring a wide selection of breads, antipasti, and cookies.

 

JUNE - The Innovation Showcase

We were delighted to welcome a mix of customers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and food and drink industry professionals, all coming together for a day of networking, collaboration, and innovation.

The atmosphere throughout the day was brilliant, with attendees enjoying insightful conversations, discovering the latest industry insights, and exploring the ingredients Healy Group has to offer.

The food truck and sample stations proved to be a popular stop, keeping everyone well-fed throughout the day, while the goody bags ensured guests left with a few extra treats to enjoy after the event! 

 

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LEARN

Registration Now Open for Our Innovation Day in Dublin.

You won't want to miss this one!

REGISTER NOW

Sign Up NOW for Our Dublin Innovation Day

Join us at Teagasc in Ashtown on Tuesday 13th October 2026 for our biggest Innovation Day yet! Click the link below to register.

Team News

People updates, milestones, and moments worth celebrating across the team.

Fifteen Years - Sam Beales

When I walked in, fifteen years ago,

A brand-new order to be prepared,

Batch by batch, I started slow,

Worked hard to show I cared.

 

My colleagues, always warm and true,

Like soy sauce, flavours deepen over time.

Each one adding to the brew,

A taste so hard to define.

 

Like potato starch, we've thickened our ties,

Helping adapt and grow together.

Holding shape when challenges arise,

Crops growing tall, whatever the weather.

 

Caring deeply when things go south,

Pick each other up, helping us along.

When life hits hard, when you’re down in the mouth,

We’re here for each other; together we’re strong

All across the world I have been for work,

Add in a few hundred trips to Ireland.

Seeing the sights is an amazing perk,

Something I never grow tired of.

 

Over time, our success has grown,

Always plenty more ingredients to approve,

Things slowly change but we stay the same,

Taking the rough with the smooth.

 

So here's to specs completed, audits passed,

A million bags checked from first to last,

Targets met, reset, surpassed,

To fifteen years that flew so fast.

 

But I’m yet to finish this recipe of mine,

There’s so much more to prepare,

To tweak, improve, sweeten, refine,

Plenty more supplier questionnaires…

Growing Our Team!

Gosia joined our Logistics team as Operations Administration. Welcome, Gosia! It's great to have you with us.

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Exciting Baby News!

Kimberley Sewell, our Logistics Administrator, welcomed beautiful Rowan in February. Megan Smith, our Quality Administrator, gave birth to gorgeous Effie in May. Congratulations to both!

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We're Hiring!

We are excited to be hiring for two roles in our UK sales team.

Interested? Send your CV to MBrito@healy-group.ie to apply today!

NEW VACANCY

Business Development Manager (UK)

Build new business opportunities and customer relationships within our Ingredients or Specialities division.
 
JOB DESCRIPTION
NEW VACANCY

Senior Business Development Manager (UK)

Lead growth and develop strategic customer partnerships within our Ingredients or Specialities division.
 
JOB DESCRIPTION

Team Culture at Healy Group

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Escape Room Fun!

Earlier this year, our UK and Ireland teams put their problem-solving skills to the test with escape room challenges. From cracking clues to beating the clock, it was a fantastic opportunity to step away from our desks, tackle a shared challenge, and strengthen team connections along the way.

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Guyana Independence Day

On 26 May, we celebrated Guyana Independence Day. Roni shared a selection of traditional Guyanese dishes with the team, including Pepperpot, Guyana’s national dish. As a business that works with partners and customers around the world, diversity plays an important role in who we are. 

 

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Summer Fun Day

Last week, we brought our teams together for our Summer Fun Day, taking on a range of activities designed to spark a little friendly competition. From gladiator jousting and foot darts to crazy golf and volleyball, we spent the afternoon enjoying some time together!

Charity means a lot to us at Healy Group – we aim to make a meaningful difference by backing charities that resonate personally with our customers and colleagues.

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We were delighted to once again sponsor Steps for their annual summer event

Mark and Wendy represented Healy Group at the beautiful Staunton Harold Hall for an evening of musical-themed entertainment and fundraising for the amazing work that Steps does. Learn more about their work here.

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This October, Anna, Bart, and Ryan will be taking on the Anam Cara Camino Trek, walking 128km over seven days to help raise vital funds and awareness for their important work.

Anam Cara support families experiencing the unimaginable loss of a child. We are proud to support the incredible work they do and to stand alongside them as a long-term partner.

If you would like to support their work, you can donate through Anna, Bart, or Ryan’s fundraising pages linked here. Every contribution will help Anam Cara continue providing invaluable support to families.

We are also delighted to continue supporting DCU Educational Trust with a donation to their STEM Teacher Internship Programme, in addition to donations to St John of Gods Community Service to support their work, and Roni's fundraising walk for 4Louis.

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BLOG POST

Kikkoman: Unlocking Umami in the Unexpected

 
READ NOW
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Panvivo GLP1ve: Rethinking Bakery for Today’s Consumer

READ HERE
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BLOG POST

The Future of Vegan Confectionary Starts Here

READ NOW

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