The Emerald Legacy – the Convergence of Rich Irish History, Vibrant Culture and Global Markets

How Berlin-based group Private Pier Industries is helping Ireland make waves in global consumer markets

Akin to the role of a traditional Gaelic storyteller, also known as a seanchaí, Private Pier Industries (PPI) builds brands that can be appreciated worldwide and serve as a means of sharing Irish culture and stories with the rest of the world. In this way, PPI helps preserve Ireland’s extensive cultural traditions through the art of storytelling via consumer goods.

Stefan Hansen, Managing Partner of PPI

Stefan Hansen, Managing Partner of PPI stated, “Thanks to Ireland’s outstanding reputation across the world, we can build strategies that increase Irish exports and enable us to grow PPI’s local operations. We’re proud to be spearheading innovative ways of bringing new Irish products to market, from spirits to premium pet food and more. We are investing heavily in Ireland and developed a diverse portfolio of businesses operating on the island. Among our brands are premium dog food Irish Pure, several Irish whiskey brands such as Grace O’Malley, and Lemanjá – our fashion label based out of Berlin.”

Irish Pure

As a premium brand of dog food, Irish Pure offers high-quality nutrition to canines. Made from grain-free ingredients and high meat content, Irish Pure also incorporates the superfood kelp-algae to provide essential vitamins and minerals. 

Hansen, a dog lover, was on a quest to find the perfect dog food for his beloved pets when he discovered kelp seaweed,a superfood harvested in the Atlantic off the west coast of Ireland that supports digestion and the immune system. Hansen formulated a recipe known for its natural and healthy ingredients including fresh Irish meat, vegetables, herbs, and kelp. Today, Irish Pure is a popular dog food brand in Europe that is produced exclusively in Ireland using Hansen’s recipes.

He added, “Another one of the reasons for producing Irish Pure in Ireland is the renowned high quality Irish livestock and poultry. The lush green pastures and favorable climate provide ideal conditions for the animals to graze, and Ireland’s strict animal welfare regulations ensure they are raised humanely, with plenty of space to move and access to clean water and food.” 

This careful management translates into healthy, high-quality meat that is prized worldwide for its superior taste and nutritional value. Irish Pure’s focus on quality and environmental responsibility helped it gain a loyal following among dog lovers, and is set to be introduced to the American market towards the end of 2023.

The Spirit of Irish Heritage

Other brands under PPI’s umbrella are equally impressive. Their spirits are crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, using traditional distilling methods and the finest ingredients. Each brand offers a unique taste profile, from the smooth and rich original Grace O’Malley, to the complex and layered flavors of the limited edition Independence by Grace O’Malley, as well as Ór Irish Gold’s heart-opening flavor. Hansen enjoys sharing the inspirational stories behind the group’s brands. One of his personal favorites being Grace O’Malley.  

The Irish Pirate Queen 

Grace O’Malley, was a trailblazer for women in leadership and a symbol of strength and independence for Ireland. She was an Irish pirate queen who became a legendary figure during the 16th century. She was a formidable seafarer and leader, commanding a fleet of ships and fighting against English invaders. Grace’s reputation was built on her bravery, resourcefulness, and her unwavering allegiance to her nation and her people.

Grace O’Malley statue
Westport House, in Westport, County Mayo

The Irish Pirate Queen was a mother, a warrior, a diplomat, and a savvy businesswoman. She was a complex figure who defied societal norms and stood up for what she believed in. Her story continues to inspire generations. In the eyes of Hansen, her legacy should be shared with, “a glass of Irish whiskey in hand.”  

Many of PPI’s brands stem from inspirational heroes. Hansen stated, “Our spirit, Independence, is also a tribute to Grace O’Malley as well as honoring history and the people behind the birth of Ireland’s independence. It is a symbol for the celebration of freedom and self-determination, which can be shared across the world.”

In three years Ireland will celebrate its 110 year anniversary since its proclamation of independence, which will coincide with the United States celebrating its 250 year anniversary of independence. The two countries share a common bond in their pursuit of freedom, and the upcoming anniversaries serve as a reminder of the importance of fighting for self-determination.

Sustainability

PPI’s commitment to Ireland goes beyond its product offerings. The group is also committed to supporting local communities and promoting sustainable practices. “We ensure sustainability across all our brands. We strive to stay away from unnecessary plastic waste, creating sustainable packaging, and are continuously looking for new ways to decrease our carbon footprint. Being environmentally conscious is one of our primary goals,” concluded Hansen.

PPI’s emphasis on sustainability, authenticity, and quality puts it in a prime position to carry on sharing Irish culture through its brand offering. The group’s distinct brands transcend borders, allowing every consumer to embrace Gaelic storytelling, sharing Irish history and culture across global markets.  

  • Optimizing Recycling and Material Handling for a Sustainable Future

    Optimizing Recycling and Material Handling for a Sustainable Future

    Northern Ireland punches well above its weight as a global hub for material handling, recycling, and waste processing equipment. For a region with less than two million inhabitants, it has over 100 companies dedicated to the sector. Although Northern Ireland may be small, it manufactures more than 40% of the world’s mobile crushing and screening…

  • Maximizing Dual Market Access

    Maximizing Dual Market Access

    A conversation with Michael Neill, Head of A&L Goodbody’s Belfast office Northern Ireland’s legal and regulatory framework operates within the UK’s common law jurisdiction while simultaneously adhering to select EU mandates, reflecting its unique post-Brexit position.  Due to the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is part of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, Northern Ireland remains aligned with…

  • Belfast: A Testament to Resilience and Renewal

    Belfast: A Testament to Resilience and Renewal

    Belfast, the birthplace of the Titanic, has a storied tradition of engineering ingenuity and industrial progress. The city has continually reinvented itself from the famed Harland & Wolff shipyards, where one of history’s most iconic vessels took shape, to its prosperous modern economy. Today, Belfast is at the helm of fintech and cybersecurity innovation, driving…

  • Lisburn and Castlereagh: Where History Meets Modern Growth

    Lisburn and Castlereagh: Where History Meets Modern Growth

    Northern Ireland’s gateway to business, trade, and investment Situated just south of Belfast, Lisburn and Castlereagh has evolved from its roots in Northern Ireland’s 19th-century Irish linen industry into a dynamic hub for global business and investment. With a strategic location and strong commercial sectors, the area offers compelling opportunities for businesses seeking to expand…

  • Causeway Coast and Glens: Beyond the Scenery 

    Causeway Coast and Glens: Beyond the Scenery 

    Driving economic development along the Causeway Coastal Route  Northern Ireland’s rugged northern coastline offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and economic opportunity. The council area of Causeway Coast and Glens, 50 miles north of Belfast, is world-renowned for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Giant’s Causeway, but beyond its picturesque landscapes, it…

  • Without Borders: Derry~Londonderry’s Role in Powering Insurtech

    Without Borders: Derry~Londonderry’s Role in Powering Insurtech

    Once defined by its tumultuous past, Derry~Londonderry has dramatically transformed, prevailing as a peaceful and vibrant, economic and cultural hub. The city’s historic center, including its famous 17th-century walls, remains well-preserved, while new projects like Ebrington Square have turned former military sites into thriving business and entertainment spaces. Recent road upgrades enhance connectivity, while Ulster…

  • Transforming Healthcare: The Power of Personalization

    Transforming Healthcare: The Power of Personalization

    In the 1960s, a Northern Irish physician named Dr. James Francis Pantridge changed the course of emergency medicine. Recognizing countless lives were lost to sudden cardiac arrest before patients could reach a hospital, he pioneered the portable defibrillator, an innovation allowing life-saving treatment to be placed directly into the hands of first responders. His invention…

  • Ards and North Down: Exceptional Living Just Minutes from Belfast

    Ards and North Down: Exceptional Living Just Minutes from Belfast

    Businesses are drawn to Ards and North Down due to its accessibility and affordability, while residents benefit from a thriving local economy and coastal charm. Boasting robust public infrastructure and a strategic location just minutes from downtown Belfast, this dynamic borough offers an exceptional environment for enterprises seeking to establish a foothold in Europe. Susie…

  • How One Cat’s Recovery Showcases the Quality of a World-Class Life and Health Sciences Hub

    How One Cat’s Recovery Showcases the Quality of a World-Class Life and Health Sciences Hub

    Bella, once a spirited cat chasing sunbeams and darting across garden paths, began to slow down. As she aged, something changed; she grew restless and irritable. Despite a constant appetite, she lost weight. Her once-glossy coat turned dull and matted. The culprit: feline hyperthyroidism, a common condition in older cats. For her owner, the hardest…

  • AI-Powered Data Analytics

    AI-Powered Data Analytics

    The logic of algorithms In the mist-laced mornings of Belfast’s old shipyards, where steel once met sea and the echo of industry still hums in the brickwork, a quieter ascent is unfolding. In glass-fronted labs and converted warehouses, Northern Irish firms are scripting a new industrial epic: not with iron and flame, but with algorithms.…

  • Bridging the Atlantic

    Bridging the Atlantic

    The enduring bond between Northern Ireland and America Between 1845 and 1855, an estimated 5,000 ships braved the perilous Atlantic crossing, leaving the shores of Ireland during the Great Famine. The ships carried nearly two million Irish immigrants all hoping for a new life in America. Many of them would go on to become heroes…

  • Navigating Northern Ireland’s Business Landscape

    Navigating Northern Ireland’s Business Landscape

    A conversation with Johnny Hanna, Partner-in-Charge of KPMG in Northern Ireland. Hanna discussed KPMG’s growing operations in Northern Ireland, how the business landscape has evolved, the unparalleled opportunities for the region, and other economic levers that could be unleashed to help it reach its full potential. How long has KPMG been based in Northern Ireland?…

  • Spotlight on Northern Ireland

    Spotlight on Northern Ireland

    A New Era: Unlocking Northern Ireland’s Economic Potential Over the past three decades, Northern Ireland has transformed its economic identity, emerging as a dynamic hub for innovation. The region’s metamorphosis shifted the economy from being historically reliant on heavy industry, including building the famous RMS Titanic, to one driven by technology. The capital city, Belfast,…

  • The Backbone of an Innovative Economy 

    The Backbone of an Innovative Economy 

    How universities develop talent while inspiring innovation  In the world of academia, innovation thrives where people meet to challenge the status quo and push boundaries. In Northern Ireland, that meeting ground is found at institutions like Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast, places where groundbreaking research becomes an engine for societal and economic growth. By…

  • A Gem of European Tourism

    A Gem of European Tourism

    A land of storybook scenery and five-star stays Few places in the world can claim a tourism tapestry as compelling as Northern Ireland’s. Here, ancient landscapes whisper legends of giants, medieval castles perch dramatically over windswept cliffs, and centuries-old traditions echo alongside modern luxury. Once an overlooked corner of the UK and the island of…

  • Unlocking Opportunity on the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor

    Unlocking Opportunity on the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor

    A strategic choice: investing in Newry, Mourne and Down Stretching across the 100-mile corridor between Belfast and Dublin, numerous untapped opportunities await. Newry, one of Ireland’s oldest cities, is a key commercial and transport hub. The nearby Mountains of Mourne, renowned for their rugged peaks, dominate the southeastern horizon, forming part of historic County Down. …

  • The Swiss Model for Medtech Innovation

    The Swiss Model for Medtech Innovation

    Swiss-based Medacta leads the charge in redefining orthopedics  Switzerland has a distinguished reputation as a global leader in medical technology (medtech). Renowned for its unwavering commitment to pioneering solutions, the Swiss medtech ecosystem stands as a testament to a rich heritage of innovation. Fueled by a blend of academic prowess, governmental support, and industry dynamism,…

  • Lucerne: Switzerland in a Nutshell – Discover the Country’s Cultural Heart

    Lucerne: Switzerland in a Nutshell – Discover the Country’s Cultural Heart

    Lying directly on the shores of Lake Lucerne, the city is the social and cultural center in the heart of Switzerland. Lucerne’s roots date back to the 12th century, and its connection to history can still be felt today. Thanks to its beautiful location on the lake and its immediate proximity to the surrounding Alps,…

  • Molding Leaders in Hospitality and Culinary Arts

    Molding Leaders in Hospitality and Culinary Arts

    In Switzerland, where the majestic Alps cast their shadows over scenic lakes and charming towns, lie seven of the top ten hospitality management schools in the world. Two of these institutions are under the umbrella of Sommet Education, a world leader in hospitality education that unites premier hospitality and culinary art schools from across the…

  • A Look Inside the World’s Most Innovative Economy 

    A Look Inside the World’s Most Innovative Economy 

    Switzerland exudes a captivating blend of breathtaking landscapes and economic dynamism Switzerland, a land renowned for its scenic landscapes and historical landmarks, has evolved into a global economic powerhouse, consistently holding the coveted top position on the Global Innovation Index as the world’s most innovative country. This innovative nation has a solid foundation with state-of-the-art…

  • Transforming Global Education

    Transforming Global Education

    Singularity Academy: a humanity-centered hybrid research and educational institute  Singularity Academy believes in humanity’s boundless potential and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Embracing its mission to help singularity members identify their humanity-centered singular growth path, the Academy has emerged as a vanguard in the field of novel education, reshaping conventional paradigms and nurturing the minds…

  • A Tale of Tradition, Innovation and Sustainability

    A Tale of Tradition, Innovation and Sustainability

    In Switzerland where green pastures meet towering white peaks, lies a sector embracing old traditions, innovative dairy products, and a strong commitment to sustainability. This trifecta is woven into the fabric of the nation’s agrifood sector. The multifaceted impact of Swiss dairy and the nation’s unique approach to agriculture epitomizes the symbiosis of tradition and…

  • From Alpine Origins to Global Success

    From Alpine Origins to Global Success

    Aebi Schmidt Group’s Remarkable Expansion Journey The road to global success for Aebi Schmidt Group began over 140 years ago in the historic Swiss town of Burgdorf. In this town, the Group’s oldest brand, Aebi, was first established as a mechanical workshop for agricultural machinery. Schmidt, the second oldest brand under the Group’s umbrella began…

  • Discover the Grisons 

    Discover the Grisons 

    Where World Class Research, Innovation and Natural Beauty Converge The Canton of the Grisons, also known by its German name, Graubünden, is recognized as one of the country’s premier locations for starting or growing a business. It is located in the geographical epicenter of Europe, boasting a holistic offering with an exceptional innovative ecosystem and…