There has been a call for measures that will sustain export growth and also help regain market share in the food industry’s largest market – the domestic market, from Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII).
Director of FDII, Paul Kelly, said that the industry can continue on a growth trajectory but this will require continued Government support.
“Improved access to finance and tax measures to boost indigenous enterprise will facilitate further growth in the industry.
“Ireland is the largest market for Irish food and the starting point for every new food business.
“FDII is calling for the Minister for Enterprise to publish the long delayed Grocery Regulations to ensure a fair trading environment. The UK, which is our largest export market, introduced similar provisions six years ago.”
Kelly said that a cost competitive manufacturing base is fundamental to continuing Ireland’s export success and redressing the growing level of food imports in the domestic market.
For the industry to reach its full potential, we need to see measures that will reduce energy, local authority and insurance costs.
FDII which is part of Ibec, said that new export figures published today by Bord Bia highlight the strength of Ireland’s food and drink industry.
The figures show that food and drink exports have grown by 3% to reach €10.8 billion in 2015.
Exports of prepared consumer food have grown by 7% to €2.5 billion making it the second largest export category after dairy, FDII stated.