Introduce yourself

We’re RoCa Healthcare — a father–daughter business based in the Southeast of Ireland, in Kilkenny. My dad, Pat, has spent over 30 years working in animal nutrition, and I, Róisín, have been a community pharmacist for more than a decade. Six years ago, we decided to combine our backgrounds and passion for health to create something new together.

Today, RoCa Healthcare is stocked in over 100 pharmacies and health stores nationwide, and we’re delighted to be adding Evergreen Healthfoods to that list. We specialise in products and support for gut health and the immune system — two areas we believe are at the very heart of long-term wellbeing.

Working side by side with my dad has been a massive privilege. I’ve learned so much from him, not just about business, but about resilience, care, and the importance of truly listening to people’s needs. That sense of family is at the heart of our brand.

What inspired you to join the natural health sector?

For me, it was a mix of a good push (and lots of encouragement) from my dad, and the realisation that too often in Ireland we lean towards quick fixes or medications that mask symptoms, rather than looking at health in a more holistic, proactive way.

There is of course a time and place for medicine, alot have many side effects— but if we can support people to avoid or reduce dependency on it through natural, effective, evidence-based solutions can solve alot of problems. As a pharmacist, I became very aware that we live in a largely reactive society when it comes to health, and I wanted to be part of the change. The more we can help people take proactive steps — like supporting their gut health — the better their long-term outcomes.

What makes your brand unique?

I think what makes us unique is that we come at this from two angles: passion and evidence. We don’t just distribute products that taste great and really work — we believe in them and they are backed up by research.

Our mission at RoCa Healthcare is to inspire healthier communities by providing safe, effective, and high-quality products that support long-term health. We believe in integrity, education, and accessibility — values that shape every decision we make.

How do you support your community?

We support people through all life stages — from puberty to perimenopause, from weight management to living with chronic illnessn and we work closely with Crohn’s & Colitis Ireland.

We’re also regulars at events that promote health and wellbeing providing education and samples on our range.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?

Without question, it’s been the feedback. To hear people describe our products as “life-changing” is humbling. It’s also been incredible to see the uptake among healthcare professionals — not only pharmacists, GPs, but gastro consultants, nurses, dietitians, pelvic physios, herbalists, and especially the team in St Luke Oncology Hospital, Dublin. Knowing that they trust and recommend our products has been a huge validation of what we do.

What makes an Irish brand unique?

For us, it’s the sense of collaboration. Even though our products are manufactured in Denmark by Biodane Pharma, being an Irish brand gives us a connection to customers and to other Irish companies that is really special. There’s a pride and solidarity in being part of the Irish natural health sector, and it’s something we deeply value.

What is your favourite product from your brand?

That’s easy — the cocoa SylliFlor. It tastes just like the bottom of a bag of Coco Pops! I add it to everything: smoothies, bolognese, even sprinkled on ice cream. For us, health isn’t about perfection, it’s about balance — and sometimes balance tastes a little like chocolate.

What’s shaped your brand the most?

The change in how people respond to gut health has been transformative. We’re seeing more and more individuals being proactive, seeking preventative solutions, and recognising the gut–brain connection. It’s no longer just about digestion — it’s about immune health, mental health, and overall wellbeing.

What do you hope to accomplish in the future?

Our big dream is for SylliFlor to become a household name — a staple in every kitchen. I’d love to see adults across Ireland consistently hitting their recommended daily fibre intake, because it has such a powerful impact on long-term health, particularly when it comes to reducing colorectal cancer risk. Research from the Irish Heart Foundation has found that over 80% of Irish adults do not get the recommended amount of fibre daily.

Most of all, we want people to worry less about their gut and focus more on living their lives. From immunity to mental health, the benefits of great gut health are enormous — and if we can make it a little easier (and tastier!) to get there, then we’ll have done our job.