Supporting Rural Development in
Waterford County

Bottle Production and Branding Revision

Raven Coffee (EU) Ltd, trading as 7th Raven, is a distinguished producer of premium quality cocktails located in the Cappoquin Enterprise Park, Cappoquin. Since its inception in mid-2018, the business has garnered a reputation for its exceptional products and innovative approach. The enterprise is co-owned and operated by Dave McLaughlin and his son, Sean, who have been pivotal in the company’s growth and success. 

Background 

In 2023, Raven Coffee successfully applied for funding under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2023. This application was made in alignment with Local Objective 2: Enterprise Support and Strategic Action 2.1: Investment in existing and start-up businesses. The programme’s Transitional Guidelines Sections 2 and 3 were specifically targeted. Section 2 focused on supporting job creation, entrepreneurship, enterprise development, and innovation in a post-COVID-19 and/or post-Brexit environment. Section 3 aimed to support rural businesses in reaching new markets, expanding, innovating, and diversifying in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit. 

The Challenge 

The primary challenge faced by Raven Coffee was the need to upscale production to meet the increasing demand for their premium cocktails. The existing manual processes were insufficient to handle larger orders efficiently, which put a strain on the business’s capacity to grow and sustain its operations. Additionally, the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit had created an uncertain market environment, necessitating strategic investments to ensure long-term sustainability. 

The Solution 

With the funding acquired through the Rural Development Programme, Raven Coffee invested in a semi-automatic key filling machine. This state-of-the-art equipment was essential for increasing production capacity and efficiency. The new machinery enabled the company to streamline its production process, reduce manual labour, and enhance product consistency. 

Conclusion 

The case of Raven Coffee exemplifies how strategic investments and support programmes can empower rural businesses to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth. By leveraging funding opportunities and investing in advanced technology, Raven Coffee not only enhanced its production capacity but also bolstered its resilience in a dynamic market environment. This case study underscores the importance of continual innovation and adaptation for long-term success in the ever-evolving business landscape.  Find out more here

 

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