Connor Leonard

MSISS students and Souper Fresh founders, James and Daniel Buckley, have transformed the by-product of cheese-making—whey—into a remarkable solution for waste management in farmhouse cheese factories. The dynamic duo’s innovative approach involves converting whey into a high-quality soup stock, creating both a highly nutritious and delectable product.

The Founders

Hailing from a background deeply rooted in the cheese industry, Daniel and James Buckley honed their craft working in their grandparents’ cheese factory. Witnessing the staggering amount of whey, a by-product comprising 90% of milk, being discarded, they recognised the need for a sustainable solution. In large production centres whey is dried to make products such as whey protein; however, at smaller scales this process is not as profitable. In smaller farmhouse cheese factories the whey is typically disposed of at a cost or used as field fertiliser, but excess whey can disrupt soil PH balance and harm vegetation. The Buckley brothers seized the opportunity and devised a creative remedy: transforming this waste liquid into a soup stock. This strategic move not only addresses environmental concerns but also provides Souper Fresh with a competitive edge, enabling them to craft top-notch soups at more affordable prices compared to competitors who produce their own stock. Other competitors typically have to buy animal bones to produce their stock; this increases the cost of production and results in a stock with a large salt content.

Where are They Now?

Since its inception at the Enactus ideation summit a year ago, Souper Fresh has established a kitchen near the cheese factory in Cooleeney Co. Tipperary. After securing €10,000 worth of funding from Tangent, the company has now become a fully-fledged business that employs a skilled cook to craft their unique soups. Souper Fresh products are currently available in 3 shops across Ireland, priced at €3 per serving. Rigorous testing has revealed their soups to be rich in essential nutrients such as B12, making Souper Fresh the perfect product for someone who wants to get a nutritious meal as well as protecting the environment. The Buckley brothers recently took their talents to the Enactus world cup where they, along with fellow Trinity startup Vapebox, placed in the top 16 globally. Enactus is an international organisation that seeks to encourage social entrepreneurship around the world. Enactus was a great experience for the brothers and they strongly encourage everyone to get involved.

Future Expansion Plans

Looking ahead to the New Year, Souper Fresh has ambitious plans for expansion. The company aims to introduce its soups in fresh supermarkets nationwide, as well as Centra on Pearse Street: make sure to keep an eye out for them next January! Furthermore, the socially conscious brand intends to donate one in every ten pots to food charities, aligning with their commitment to combating food waste. They have already donated 300 pots to the local food bank in Clonmel, and going forward social responsibility is very important for their company. Globally, 50% of whey currently goes unused, highlighting Souper Fresh’s pioneering role in not only creating innovative products but also contributing to a more sustainable and conscientious approach to food production.