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Darren Grant’s mission statement reads more like that of an evangelist than a businessman. Meet Ireland’s first certified, wholly organic retailer

The organics sector has achieved a massive 75% growth over the last three years

Open less than a month, the Organic Supermarket™ in Blackrock, County Dublin, has already attracted considerable media attention. Previously a programming manager with Dell, Darren Grant abandoned his career and sank every penny into becoming the first completely organic retailer in Ireland. His 960 sq ft store is audited and licenced by the Organic Trust, should there be any doubt as to its credentials, and his mission is clearly spelled out on his (recycled paper) leaflets: “To become the leading retailer of organic and ethically traded products in Ireland, by providing groundbreaking customer service, unique wholesome products, employee pride and environmental respect.”

A tall order by anyone’s standards. It certainly seems like a big gamble, especially in this climate, although Darren’s enthusiasm is quite infectious. “I put a business plan together and approached the bank managers and, in hard economic times, managed to convince them that this is a huge growth market, that even in a recession people still have to eat, and to eat good, proper quality, Irish produce is a must.”

, bringing its value to €66 million. In spite of these impressive numbers, it’s a personal passion rather than profit that drives Darren. “I always tried to eat healthily and look for that alternative,” he says, and this generally meant looking for it at a farmers’ market. Therefore, the aim of The Organic Supermarket is twofold; to offer customers of the farmers’ market a place to find their local, seasonal, organic products during the week, and to support the producers and suppliers who provide these alternatives….

Read Full Article at Shelflife.ie

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