Hogans Farm - Business of the fortnight

Question 1. Can you describe your business? We have been in the turkey business for over 50 years. We grow our own turkeys for Christmas, we also have a processing plant and a farm shop and an online platform. Our main customers are retail supermarkets all year around and also butcher shops at Christmas.

Question 2. What are the advantages of being located in Meath? Meath is a great location with a vibrant business community. It is also perfectly situated close to Dublin’s large market.

Question 3. How long have you been located/operating in Meath? Over 50 years.

Question 4. Why do your customers choose to do business with you? Our experience in the turkey business gives our customers the confidence to keep dealing with us year after year. We are a small enough company to cater for any order no matter how small while also catering for the larger supermarkets.

Question 5. Why did you join County Meath Chamber? We had always been a member of Kells Chamber and are fully in favor of business organizations operating on a county basis to attract future developments into Meath.

Question 6. Have you any future developments in the pipeline? Our Christmas business is approx. the same this year as for the last few years. Our biggest change is in the development of the website and the online order system for Christmas. Families over the last few years are tending to want the convenience of having the turkey reliably delivered to their door. We are expanding our offerings online putting the infrastructure in to guarantee on time delivery.

Question 7. Do you have anything you would like us to promote on your behalf? Yes , the online ordering and delivery facility that people may not be aware of. We are also expanding our Farm Shop which has increased sales during lockdown. We are now offering coffee and a wider range of fresh turkey and chicken products along with frozen foods for the household or in large party size quantities. We also have a special Belted Galloway fresh beef offering which are from the Charlesfort estate available at different times of the year.

Question 8. How do you add value to your customers wants and needs? We offer a wide range of food at reasonable prices. We also always deliver and never let a customer down even in the busiest times.

Question 9. Any advice for new businesses starting up? Work hard and believe in the your business. A successful business depends on the owners and management having respect for it’s customers and staff.

Question 10. How has Covid - 19 affected your business and what steps have you made to go forward? Covid will make our Christmas season much more challenging. New toilet and changing room facilities have been put in place to ensure adherence to the regulations. We have also added extra cover to the shop so as to cope with increased numbers to the farm shop.