Introduce yourself.
My name is Matthew Collins & I am the founder of The Sibly Food Company. I am 25 years old and my business came to life when I made the move from secondary school to college and realised I would have to start feeding myself! This lead to me cooking for housemates & friends, who subsequently suggested that I should sell my produce.
What inspired you to join the natural health sector?
During my time studying in college, I had to spend a number of hours between meals sitting in lectures, and as somebody who is constantly snacking, I found myself looking for healthy, nutritionally strong snacks. This lead to me experimenting with some recipes to create the perfect energy ball.
Where did you get the idea for your brand?
Having studied PE teaching in college, I always had a passion for healthy eating and eating in a manner that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle. This lead me to looking at what I could add to the food sector if I was to sell my produce, and subsequently The Sibly was born!
What makes your brand unique?
I try to make healthy eating and great food accessible to all through my prominent use of social media. This is through providing value to my customers not just in my products, but through my content. I provide recipes and an insight into a small Irish business on a daily basis and (hope) people get something from it each day.
What are your company’s core values?
Our main value is to provide as many people as possible with great food that leaves you feeling good. We want you to have our food and feel energised, as opposed to sluggish and tired.
How do you support your community?
We support our community through a number of facets, with one of the main initiatives being our relationship with Cork Penny Dinners. We provide a minimum of 100 desserts per week to bring a slight glimmer of happiness to people in need in our county. At a more local level, we are the main sponsor of our local GAA club, Ballydesmond GAA. The club strives to get people in the community living an active and healthy life.
What has been the most rewarding part of your brands journey?
Having only started in 2019, I have not been blessed with chances to meet my customers in person due to the lack of events, however I have been lucky enough to attend 3 events in the past year & it is incredibly special & rewarding to meet the people who are supporting your brand.
What in your opinion makes Irish brands unique?
The quality of produce really is what stands out to me when it comes to successful Irish brands. Particularly within the food sector. We are blessed to be surrounded by great producers, which subsequently allows us to make great products for the customer.
What is your favourite product from your brand?
The Cacao & Nut Butter Energy Balls, hands down. I eat 6-7 balls per day between training, with a coffee & while working.
Tell us about something that has shaped your brand?
We have built an incredible food loving community across our social channels. While not huge, everything we do is for the people who have supported us from day one. We announce new shops, products and mini snippets of news on the social channels and people really seem to enjoy it.
What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
I want The Sibly Food Company to give as many people as possible that mini buzz you get when you eat something so good that it brings a beaming smile to your face.
Want to read more about our favourite Irish brands? Click here to see Wild Atlantics 'Evergreen: Behind The Label' blog.
