That is according to new accounts which show that post-tax profits at Ballymaloe Cookery School Ltd last year totalled €88,864, which was a 2pc increase on the profits of €86,876 for 2022.
The east Co Cork business sits on a 100-acre organic farm where Darina Allen is the majority shareholder in the cookery school business.
Last month, the cookery school came into the spotlight after Oscar-winning actor Winslet enrolled in a two-and-a-half day course there with TV chef and bestselling cookbook author Rachel Allen.
Commenting on the cookery school firm’s financial performance, director at the company, Toby Allen said: “We are delighted that 2023 was a busy year and we were able to increase our numbers back to pre-Covid levels which helped with the bottom line.”
He said: “We had a selection of over 60 courses in 2023 and were delighted that most were full.
“Many, including our 12-week certificate courses had waiting lists when they started, which shows great confidence in our business.”
He added: “Our next 12-week course begins in September and it is already full, which is great news.”
Mr Allen said that increased costs of energy and food have continued to be a concern “and necessitated an increase in course fees”.
The cost of sitting the school’s 12-week course in 2024 is €14,495.
Mr Allen said: “We are delighted that the cookery school continues to attract students from all over Ireland, the UK and the rest of the world.
“Our most recent course has students from 12 different countries around the world, with students ranging from 18 to 65 years old.”
Mr Allen would not be drawn on the recent enrolment of Winslet when asked if the publicity surrounding her time at Ballymaloe resulted in a spike in bookings. He said: “We value the privacy of all our students and are unable to answer any specific questions.”
Numbers employed increased from 66 to 68 as staff costs rose from €2.33m to €2.52m.
The profits take account of non-cash depreciation costs of €170,796 while directors’ pay rose from €288,665 to €336,478. The firm’s cash funds reduced from €1.27m to €944,642 after the company reinvested in the business enterprise.
