More than 300 jobs are being created in food business startups around the country. It comes after an initiative between the Local Enterprise Offices, Bord Bia and SuperValu.

Over 200 food business startups and producers who participated in the 'Food Academy Start' programme will supply SuperValu for the first time - generating sales worth €5 million and employment.

The positions will come on-stream within 12 months.

The small food businesses secured the listings with their local SuperValu stores following their participation in the programme.

SuperValu retailers will source directly from local suppliers on a one-to-one basis, enabling the food businesses to gain their first retail listings in stores in their community.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Simon Coveney made the announcement at the Cork and Kerry Food Forum.

He explained to the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk what the initiative is all about.

The jobs are predominantly in firms employing fewer than five people, mostly in start-up food businesses in urban and rural areas.

SuperValu serves over 2.6 million customers every week and has 223 stores nationwide.

Speaking to Red FM, the head of Cork City's local enterprise office in Cork City - Adrienne Rodgers - says she hopes more jobs can be created at the Academy in the future.

This comes after 260 positions were announced earlier today in Cork by outsourcing and HR firm 'SouthWestern'.