Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, discusses the challenges for Irish agri-food in the months and years ahead, while also stressing the Government’s continued supports for this vital economic sector.
10 SECTORAL OVERVIEW
If we are going to hit the targets of Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s agri-food and drinks sector needs more support from the State, particularly in relation to the sustainability challenge, argues Paul Kelly, Director, Food Drink Ireland.
14 BORD BIA
Bord Bia CEO, Jim O’Toole, on the challenges facing Irish agri-food and the reasons for optimism, the areas where Bord Bia predict the biggest growth and why Ireland needs a stepchange on sustainability.
20 AGRI-FOOD REGULATOR
Niamh Lenehan, CEO, Agri-Food Regulator, explains why legal proceedings have already begun against one agri-food company for breaches of Unfair Trading Practices legislation and warns retailers that more transparency is needed in the supply chain.
24 DAIRY: ECONOMICS
A recent EY report shows that Ireland’s dairy sector is a €17.6 billion powerhouse, writes Conor Mulvihill, Director, Dairy Industry Ireland.
25 DAIRY OVERVIEW
The Irish dairy sector is facing up to the sustainability challenge, navigating a greener path forward, notes Kevin Maher, Senior Executive, Dairy Sustainability Ireland.
28 FOOD REFORMULATION
Sinéad O’Mahony, Reformulation Task Force Manager, Food Safety Authority of Ireland, details the journey so far along the Roadmap for Food Product Reformulation in Ireland and the work of the Food Reformulation Task Force.
30 FOOD DRINK IRELAND SKILLNET
The Food Drink Ireland Skillnet continues to create learning and development programmes that are targeted at key industry challenges.
32 DRINKS MARKET
Our drinking habits in Ireland have changed and we need policies that reflect this, insists Cormac Healy, Director, Drinks Ireland.
34 IRISH WHISKEY TOURISM
Irish Whiskey distilleries welcomed more than 800,000 visitors through their doors last year, writes Eoin Ó Catháin, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association.
35 BEER MARKET
Ireland’s beer market has returned to more normal, pre-pandemic trends, explains Jennifer Wallace, Director, Drinks Ireland | Beer.
36 CIDER MARKET
Ireland’s cider sector is an important part of our drinks market, but needs support from Government to help it thrive, writes Jennifer Wallace, Director, Drinks Ireland | Cider.
37 DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME
Since going live on February 1, 2024, Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme has seen over 450 million drinks containers returned by consumers, reveals Robert Kiernan, Irish Beverage Council, Ibec.
38 REGULATORY AFFAIRS
Eight years on from the Brexit vote, regulatory divergence remains a key challenge going forward, writes Aoife Moran, Senior Regulatory Affairs Executive, FDI.
40 HEALTHY HEROES
The Healthy Heroes Lunch Club has been helping primary schoolchildren to learn about nutrition for a decade.
42 BORD IASCAIGH MHARA
Supporting Ireland’s seafood industry to overcome challenges and seize opportunities are the key priorities for Bord Iascaigh Mhara in 2024 and beyond, explains Caroline Bocquel, CEO, BIM.
44 PACKAGING: MCP
Mid Cork Pallets & Packaging are helping their customers to increase competitiveness, reduce costs and improve performance via their comprehensive suite of pallet manufacturing, packaging and warehousing solutions.
46 INTERTRADEIRELAND
InterTradeIreland have a range of fully funded and flexible supports to help food and drink companies to grow their trade cross-border, writes Colin McCabrey, Director of Trade, InterTradeIreland.
48 INVEST NORTHERN IRELAND
The 2024 Balmoral Show was the biggest food and agricultural event in Northern Ireland, where Invest NI hosted 60 retail and foodservice buyers, who tasted the best food and drink from more than 100 Northern Ireland-based companies.
50 SAFEFOOD
With almost two thirds of food businesses ‘extremely concerned’ about the impact of a poor food safety audit or enforcement on their business, safefood encourages small food businesses to sign up to its free food safety e-learning training tool.
51 DATA ACQUISITION & AUTOMATION
Bonner is at the forefront of the digital transformation, providing essential tools that enable you to unlock the full potential of your data.
54 INGREDIENTS: CAMIDA
Camida recently helped a dairy co-op to improve efficiency and enhance the quality of its milk powder.
56 INSTRUMENTATION: ENDRESS+HAUSER
Optimised digital Memosens sensors from Endress+Hauser enable continuous disinfection measurement.
60 NCC FOOD
INGREDIENTS
Fintan McConnell, Product Manager, explains how NCC Food Ingredients can help clients in the food industry take advantage of low international prices for raw materials.
Supporting Ireland’s Future Food Success
Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, discusses the biggest issues facing the Irish agri-food sector, from the development of a National Biomethane Strategy to new plans to combat food waste, continued supports for seafood to the dairy industry’s concern over the Nitrates Derogation post-2025 and the progress of Food Vision 2030.
Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, reflects on what has been a difficult few years for Irish agri-food, and highlights the challenges in the months and years ahead, while also stressing the Government’s continued supports for this vital economic powerhouse, and noting the innovative schemes set to ensure Ireland remains at the top table when it comes to sustainable food and drink.
How do you reflect on the performance of Ireland’s agri-food sector over the last year?
“This last year has been difficult for farmers and the agri-food chain but despite that, the sector has continued to demonstrate its resilience in adapting to challenging conditions. Throughout recent years, amid ongoing uncertainty, the sector has adapted to
Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and significant inflationary pressures. This period has made clear how critical the agri-food sector is to maintaining food supply chains, from farmers all the way through to retail. Farmers, fishers, processors and food businesses have all demonstrated how resilient the sector is when faced with these challenges.”
Exports were down 4% in 2023, primarily due to challenging market conditions. Have things improved in 2024 or will this still prove a difficult market?
“Agri-food exports were strong in 2023 and this has continued into 2024. Having reached a record €19 billion in 2022, exports decreased to €18.3 million in 2023, and we expect 2024 to see a similar performance. This is a significant achievement, given that we
are living through a period of huge flux, with climate change, inflation, geopolitical instability, and cost of living challenges all affecting the global economy and export performance.
“I have made it a priority to open as many markets as possible for Irish beef and lamb and that work has borne fruit this year with access secured to Korea for Irish beef. I used the opportunity to push the case for Irish beef during my visit to Seoul last October and now we have access for our beef to 50 million people, who are the highest per-capita consumers of meat across Asia. This achievement is recognition of Ireland’s grass-fed beef being a unique product that meets global consumers’ expectations for high quality, safe food.
“Ministerial trade missions represent an important activity in establishing new markets for our food produce overseas. In 2023, Trade Missions were undertaken to China, Nigeria, Senegal, Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as established European markets in UK, France and Germany.
“In 2024, Ministerial trade missions have already been undertaken to Germany, focused on the organic sector, to the US, focused on dairy and beverages, and to Spain, with a focus on seafood. Further Trade Missions in 2024 are planned to China & Korea in September and to Thailand & Vietnam in October.
“I want to emphasise, of course, that there would be no exports of Irish food and drink without the output of our farmers and fishers or the innovation of our food processors, who collectively make up this vital sector of the Irish economy.
“Another recognition for our beef was securing ‘Irish Grass Fed Beef’ registration as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in December 2023. This PGI means that Irish Grass Fed Beef will be recognised in key international markets for the unique quality product that it is.”
What are the main challenges facing the sector this year?
“Last year (2023) was a very challenging year for farm incomes. Recent geopolitical events and volatility in international markets, resulting in increased input prices and decreases in output prices, contributed to farm incomes falling for the first time in five years. In 2024, with farm input prices falling and output prices improving, there should be a recovery in incomes, although weather conditions unfortunately remain challenging. This is something that I am watching very closely, particularly in relation to preparing for this winter and ensuring that farmers are as prepared as possible. I
have always been, and remain, determined to protect farmers’ incomes through CAP and our national schemes. To achieve this, I have introduced strong support schemes, including the delivery of a €200/suckler cow payment and a doubling of the sheep payment from €10 to €20/ewe. I have also acted to introduce specific supports where required, such as in the face of adverse weather events.
“The challenge to improve the sustainability of our farms from an economic, social and environmental perspective is also vitally important. It’s important to recognise the hard work of all stakeholders to create lasting improvements in Irish agri-food’s environmental footprint.
“The positive attributes and massive contribution to society of our agri sector can sometimes be lost in negative sentiment and media headlines. We all know that the targets for agriculture are challenging. What these headlines often don’t recognise is that this mitigation work is being done by individual farmers every day. What is also often not recognised is the way that farmers are embracing this and making changes, including reducing their chemical nitrogen usage and changing fertiliser type. These stories might not command the headlines in the same way as a negative story does, but these actions are bringing forward results evidenced by the 4.6% reduction in emissions recorded in 2023.
“Continuing this progress will be key to the success of the sector going forward, as not only is it the right direction for the sector and the planet but it can also provide the basis for our competitive advantage. I am absolutely confident that we will continue to reduce emissions from our agri-food system without reducing our production.”
In terms of sustainability, you must have been heartened by the recent Environmental Protection Agency’s Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions for 2023, particularly in relation to agriculture?
“I was indeed. It was very encouraging to see that the emission reduction figures for 2023 from the EPA’s Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions are very positive for agriculture. Agricultural emissions decreased by 4.6%, showing that agriculture is on the right path, especially following on from reductions in 2022. This is the largest single year reduction observed in the agriculture sector and was primarily driven by an 18% reduction in fertiliser nitrogen use and a 2.1% reduction in methane from livestock.
“On-farm renewable energy generation activities of our farmers contribute in a positive way to the decarbonisation of the energy system. To help encourage on-farm renewable technology uptake and usage, my Department provides grant
Minister McConalogue greets Chinese Premier Li Qiang before his departure from Ireland in January 2024. This followed an earlier meeting that day that saw the resumption of access for Irish beef exports to China being confirmed.
The positive attributes and massive contribution to society of our agri sector can sometimes be lost in negative sentiment and media headlines. We all know that the targets for agriculture are challenging. What these headlines often don’t recognise is that this mitigation work is being done by individual farmers every day.
aid through the Solar Capital Investment Scheme. The Scheme is ring fenced with its own investment ceiling of €90,000 for Solar PV and successful applicants are grant aided at the enhanced rate of 60%.
“Farmers have engaged proactively in recent years in improving the carbon footprint of their produce. This is evidenced by the approval of some 55,000 farmers in the ACRES scheme and the 120,973 ECO scheme applications for 2024. The commitment of the farming sector to reducing emissions is mirrored by Government, providing significant funding, circa €4.1 billion, in support of agrienvironmental practices under the current CAP Strategic Plan.
“Progress has been made in many areas, such as achieving the 2030 target for reducing chemical nitrogen use, supported by a variety of schemes such as Protein Aid, the Multi- Species Sward and Red Clover Silage Schemes and The Organic Farming Scheme.
“It is very encouraging to see the work that farmers are putting in on the ground, assisted by supports, reflected in the results. I will continue to support farmers in any way I can, as it is their efforts that will move the GHG dial in relation to agriculture.”
What will the recently published National Biomethane Strategy mean for Ireland’s agri-food industry?
“The National Biomethane Strategy is agriled and farmer-centric and is Ireland’s first major policy statement on biomethane. The Strategy is an important milestone in the development of an indigenous sector, as a developed biomethane sector will help to decarbonise our agri-food industry. We have now moved to an implementation stage of the Strategy, and I am engaging with stakeholders to ensure this strategy is a success.
“We are a food island; we have an opportunity with a strong co-op structure to get involved in this. If we look at areas such as dairy processing, where there is a high heat demand, it is a natural fit in terms of circularity.
“Major agri-food and drinks companies are committed to developing an indigenous, renewable gas industry as a means of reducing their carbon footprint and I will continue to work with them to see this become a reality.
“When I launched the National Biomethane Strategy in May of this year, I also announced that I had secured €40 million in funding to kick-start the biomethane
Minister McConalogue speaking at the RGFI Biomethane Conference in Croke Park, June 2024: “Ireland’s first major policy statement on biomethane… is an important milestone in the development of an indigenous sector, as a developed biomethane sector will help to decarbonise our agri-food industry.”
sector in Ireland. I immediately opened an expression of interest for the scheme and the sector have responded, confirming both a strong demand and a readiness to invest. I opened applications for this earlier this month and successful applicants are in line to receive a grant aid of 20% of investment up to a maximum of €5 million.”
What would be your vision for the development of a biomethane industry in Ireland and how it will affect our farmers?
“The Anaerobic Digestion (AD) industry in Ireland is at a nascent stage of development. However, I believe that collectively we have an opportunity to build out an AD industry of scale to produce the Government target of up to 5.7 Twh of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030.
“AD provides the opportunity to diversify farming practices, bring unproductive farmland back into productive use and provide an opportunity for thousands of farms to contribute to a revolution in delivering sustainable energy for Ireland.
“A biomethane industry can provide farmers with an additional income stream to complement existing enterprises. Alongside opportunities for farm income and land
use diversification options for farmers, the anaerobic industry also represents a pathway for farmers to reduce fertiliser usage through the increased availability of digestate, which will also have positive climate change implications.
“There is also the role that farmers can play in owning or co-owning some of these AD plants. Such farmer-owned plants can play an important role in terms of decarbonising agriculture and play a strong role in the ’social acceptance’ of AD.”
Food waste is another challenge, with estimates suggesting that we waste more than 25% of food globally, equating to 770,000 tonnes of food per year in Ireland. Initiatives like FoodCloud have been important in turning the tide here in Ireland but what more can be done at a State and indeed a global level to reduce food waste?
“Food waste is a topic on which I feel very strongly. When food is wasted it is not just the food itself that goes to waste: other losses include the time, energy and resources used to produce it, as well as the resources used to process, transport, store, sell and buy the food. Food waste
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also impacts on our carbon footprint. My Department has overall responsibility for UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses by 2030.
“The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the lead on food waste and my Department works very closely with the EPA and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in this area on implementing the actions from the National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap 2023-2025.
“One of the actions under this Roadmap was the launch of the revised Food Waste Charter in June 2023. Businesses that sign up to the Food Waste Charter commit to monitoring and tracking their food waste, identifying and taking at least one targetbased action to reduce their food waste, and to report their food waste statistics annually. My Department and its agencies Bord Bia, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Teagasc have all signed the charter to support the food and drink sector in reaching our targets. I’d encourage any business in the agri-food supply chain to do the same.
“My Department has been funding food waste initiatives under the Rural Innovation
Minister McConalogue on the suckler farm of Raymond Palmer, Castlefinn, Co. Donegal, at the launch of the National Beef Welfare Scheme (NBWS).
minister’s interview
and Development Fund since 2019, and for this year we provided €165,000 to FoodCloud for their Grower’s Project. This ambitious project aims to reduce farm level food waste, whilst providing fresh, nutritious produce to community and volunteer organisations supporting those who need it most in communities across the country.
“The EU Commission has also published a proposal on the Waste Framework Directive that seeks to set legally binding food waste reduction targets to be achieved by Member States by 2030: to reduce the generation of food waste in processing and manufacturing by 10% in comparison to the amount generated in 2020 and reduce the generation of food waste per capita, jointly in retail and other distribution of food, in restaurants, foodservice and in households, by 30% in comparison to the amount generated in 2020.”
How happy are you with the progress of Food Vision 2030?
“I am pleased with the progress of Food Vision 2030. We have seen significant strides in various areas, with 65% of the actions either completed or well underway. The commitment and collaboration among stakeholders have been commendable, and we are on a solid path to achieving our long-term sustainability goals.”
Minister McConalogue launches Ireland’s National Seafood Development Programme under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2012-2027 (EMFAF) at The Skipper Expo 2024, a key annual event for those in the fishing, seafood and maritime industry.
Are we on track to deliver on the primary missions and goals of Food Vision?
“Yes, out of the 218 actions, 20 have been completed, 121 have seen substantial progress and 75 are in the early stages but progressing. This demonstrates a robust momentum towards achieving our primary missions. I chair the Food Vision High-Level Implementation Committee and it has played a critical role in ensuring that we remain focused and coordinated.”
What have been the key achievements so far and what are the biggest challenges still ahead?
“Among the key achievements, we have launched significant initiatives such as Ireland’s €1.3 billion Forestry Programme, the National Horticulture Strategy, the National Bioeconomy Action Plan, the National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap, the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, and a National Strategic Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture Development.
“Additionally, we’ve made strides in gender balance with the National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture and in protecting our agri-food suppliers, in particular, our farmers, fishers and small food businesses, from unlawful and unfair trading practices with the establishment of An Rialálaí Agraibhia (Agri-Food Regulator).
“The development of the National Genotyping Programme, the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme and the securing of Irish Grass Fed Beef as a Protected Geographical Indication are also noteworthy. We are seeing a stable position in our export value alongside a downward trend in greenhouse gas emissions; and increasing efforts to reduce other environmental pressures to protect water and air quality, as well as biodiversity.
“However, challenges remain. Achieving climate-neutrality by 2050 with verifiable progress by 2030 requires sustained effort. Additionally, ensuring the social sustainability of primary producers,
balancing gender roles, and addressing mental health and wellbeing in rural communities are areas that need continuous attention. Monitoring and adapting to the evolving needs of the agri-food sector, especially in light of climate change and market dynamics, will also be crucial moving forward.”
The Tillage Group presented their final report in May of this year, recommending increasing the area under tillage to 400,000 hectares. What progress has been made in implementing the Group’s recommendations?
“A vibrant and sustainable tillage sector is hugely important in increasing our food and feed security, while also contributing to our climate change objectives. I am very aware of the challenges that tillage growers have faced both this year and last, and in response I announced earlier this year my commitment to seek a €100 per hectare payment for field crops planted for this year’s harvest. I am committed to the sector and its importance within the wider agricultural industry, and I want to put the sector on a firm footing into the future. This is why I established the Food Vision Tillage Group - to set out a roadmap for the growth and development of the sector between now and 2030. The group met on 12 occasions and a broad range of topics were discussed, to address key challenges and to maximise potential opportunities for the sustainable growth and development of the sector.
“The Final Report of the Food Vision Tillage Group is a very detailed and comprehensive report and identifies opportunities that will improve the efficiency and long-term competitiveness of the sector, along with actions that will allow the sector to further improve its environmental footprint. Work has commenced on setting out an implementation plan to progress the actions outlined in the report and since publication, progress has been made on a number of these actions. The Food Vision High-Level Implementation Committee (HLIC) will fulfil the implementation oversight role.”
The dairy sector is concerned by the lack of certainty around the Nitrates Derogation post-2025. Can you understand their concerns and when do you envisage having an update on this?
“I can absolutely understand their concerns and unfortunately, it is not within the gift of the Irish Government to renew the Derogation as it is applied at EU level. However, having secured whole of Government support to seek and secure a further Derogation for Ireland last May, I have recently published my Nitrates Derogation renewal Plan - ‘Water and Agriculture, a collaborative approach’. I will do in all in my power to achieve this aim.
“Ireland’s current Nitrates Derogation will expire at the end of December 2025. The Commission are already aware that Ireland will be seeking a further Nitrates Derogation post-2025 and this request will be formalised in quarter four of this year. Following this, Ireland will then present our water quality data, our proposed 6th Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) and the associated measures as well as information on Irish agriculture.
“Following the anticipated three presentations to the Commission and the EU Member States (MS), if the Commission is satisfied it can justify granting Ireland a further derogation, it will then draft a ‘Commission Implementing Decision’ which is then put to a vote of Member States. A qualified majority vote is required for the implementing decision to apply. This means at least 15 MS representing at least 65% of the EU population must vote in favour.
“I understand it is a difficult time for dairy farmers, given that we can’t provide certainty. However, we can be very clear the Irish Government and I are fully committed to seeking another Nitrates Derogation post-2025, while also working to improve water quality. I can also assure your readers that my officials are working to prepare the most scientifically robust case we can to maintain our Derogation.
“The Commission have been clear they want to see improvements in water quality where it is not satisfactory, and they want to see stable water quality where it is at good or high status. This is why it is so important that we work together to improve water quality and why I very much welcome the current level of engagement around this objective right across the agri-food sector.
“The water quality data for 2024 that will be published next year is what will really inform our discussions with the European Commission. That is why we all have to work really hard over the coming period to minimise agriculture’s impact on water quality so we can see the improvement we are all seeking.”
Your Department has introduced a number of new schemes and supports for the fishing industry this year. Are they enough to support a seafood business which has come under increasing stress in recent years, with exports down by 14% last year alone?
“The new schemes I announced recently will provide important supports to the industry in the coming years and are being implemented as part of our European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) programme, which has an overall funding package of €258 million, co-funded by the Government and the EU, for the programme period from 2021 to 2027. The EMFAF programme supports not only funding schemes to industry but other vital activities such as research and data collection; marketing and promotion, including the identification of new markets and new market opportunities; conservation projects; community led local development and economic diversification in coastal communities; and training and development activities for those working in the sector. Over the coming months, further schemes will be developed and implemented.
“The EMFAF programme hasn’t been the only funding programme in place since 2021. The industry has received a substantial amount of direct funding under the schemes that were implemented to support the industry in adapting to the challenges arising from Brexit. These were funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR).
“All of the supports that have been developed and put in place for the industry have followed consultation and engagement with industry stakeholders. In the case of schemes funded by BAR, I had established a Seafood Task Force which included all recognised industry groups to advise me on the supports that were needed. In the case of EMFAF, industry groups are members of the Monitoring Committee that adopts the schemes that will be implemented under EMFAF.
“Aside from funding schemes, it is important also to recognise that we have a dedicated seafood development agency, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). BIM works closely with industry and all of the recognised representative groups, actively supporting the development of the sector as a whole. BIM will receive funding in excess of €22 million from my Department in 2024 to support its work.
“The Marine Institute and Bord Bia have also been implementing work programmes funded under EMFAF, which provide a wide range of supports necessary for the ongoing development of the sector, such as data collection, research and the promotion and marketing of Irish seafood.
“I have met with representatives of the inshore fleet on a number of occasions in the past year to discuss the challenges facing this fleet, in particular those affecting their ability to access markets. I had indicated previously at the Joint Oireachtas Committee meeting in June that I would be progressing a scheme specifically in response to these challenges. I was therefore pleased to announce earlier this month that I am putting a new scheme in place specifically to support and enable the economic development of the inshore fishing fleet.
“One of the challenges that we have faced when designing supports for the inshore fleet has been the gaps in the data and knowledge available to us. An inshore census was conducted by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) in 2023, the analysis of which will be available shortly. This new scheme will build on this knowledge base by capturing additional detailed information in relation to the current market knowledge and routes to market being used by inshore fishers, as well as their ability to identify and access new markets. In order to encourage participation in the survey, and in recognition of the significant administrative work involved for those who do participate, the scheme will make provision for applicants to receive a payment.
“Once we have this additional data, we will then be able to target supports more effectively and support the continued economic viability of the inshore fleet in coming years.”
Can we expect a better deal for Ireland with a re-evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy?
“The fisheries environment has changed fundamentally since the current Common Fisheries Policy came into force. In order to adapt to this new environment, we need a clear picture of the challenges we are facing. I have consistently called for a comprehensive analysis which takes into account the impact of Brexit on the functioning of the CFP and the impact of the TCA transfers on our fishing opportunities.
“We must use the upcoming evaluation of the CFP to take stock of the momentous changes of recent years and plot a new, ambitious course for the future of our fishers and the seafood sector as a whole. The EU urgently needs a comprehensive and integrated
minister’s interview
strategy for relations with Third Countries, which takes account of the new reality we are faced with in the waters around Ireland.
“We need to strengthen the economic link between the EU fleet and EU processors in order to build resilience for the entire supply chain and secure a sustainable economic future for the sector.
“We must also take into account how to support the sector in adapting to challenges such as climate change and energy transition. The transition to renewable energy sources will take time; we must protect our industry while supporting the development of these alternative technologies.”
You have repeatedly called for a simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy during EU meetings on preparations for the next CAP agreement. Why is this so important?
“Simplification is an important issue for me because it’s important for the farmers of Ireland. In 2021, I met with farmers in public meetings around the country, hearing their views on the proposed CAP Strategic Plan. This was the start of a process of close engagement that I have continued throughout my time in office. The overwhelming message from the farmers of Ireland is that there is too much complexity in the CAP. Farmers have raised with me the difficulty of keeping up with the rapid changes to the legislation, which directly impacts them. While we have a very strong public and private advisory service available to help reduce this burden, I have consistently called for an easing of the administrative load on farmers.
“This is an issue that is not unique to Ireland. In early 2024, the European Commission ran a survey of farmers across the European Union, asking how they felt about the new CAP, to help identify sources of concern or complexity. More than half of the farmers that responded to the survey reported taking more than five working days each year on administrative tasks related to applying for CAP support. I welcomed that the Commission and Member States responded to the need for a more flexible and simpler CAP earlier this year. For example, the proposal to reduce the burden on smaller
farms in terms of inspections and potential penalties does recognise the practicalities of farming at a small scale.
“Farmers need stability and space to plan their futures and I will continue to work with Member States to ensure that we have a strong and effective CAP that continues to support sustainable food production in the European Union. My hope is that the next CAP can be an evolution, and not a revolution of the current CAP.”
How confident are you in the sector going forward towards 2025? What are the biggest challenges and opportunities ahead?
“I believe the sector can reinforce its reputation for producing food of the highest quality on a sustainable basis. We have a strong foundation to grow from, toward our collective vision for the sector, even if because of external volatility there may be setbacks along the way.
“A challenge of fundamental importance is that of generational renewal. Encouraging young people into agriculture is a global problem. I expect the European Commission to publish its proposals for a post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy in mid-2025 and I therefore think that this is an appropriate time to consider whether the framework currently in place provides support to young farmers thinking of entering the sector and effectively encourages generational renewal. I recently announced that I will establish a ‘Commission on Generational Renewal’ with the relevant expertise and experience to take an objective and robust evidencebased look at all of the factors in play. This will ensure that we have a well-researched basis for us to make optimal use of the policy tools available to encourage young people, who are the lifeblood of farming, into the sector.
“As we have discussed, there is the challenge of achieving our environmental goals on climate and water, but I believe that through collaborative action as an industry, neither are insurmountable. I am confident that the resilience of this sector as we discussed at the start will see it steadily growing value over time, building on those strong foundations for the future.”
Minister McConalogue pictured at a Korean meat market on a recent Trade Mission: “Ministerial Trade Missions represent an important activity in establishing new markets for our food produce overseas.”
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How does Ireland Remain Competitive?
If we are going to hit the targets of Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s agri-food and drinks sector needs more support from the State. Paul Kelly, Director, Food Drink Ireland, examines the range of supports needed to ensure we can remain competitive in the coming years, particularly in relation to the sustainability challenge.
Ireland’s largest indigenous sector, employing almost 165,000 people, remained resilient in 2023, with exports valued at €16.3 billion. However, beyond the top line numbers, it is worth recalling that the agri-food industry has deeper links to the wider economy than the rest of manufacturing. This is because food and drink manufacturing accounts for half of direct expenditure by the entire manufacturing sector in the Irish economy (payroll, Irish materials and Irish services).
As a result, the sector has a high employment multiplier, which means it supports employment in other parts of the economy in a way that other sectors don’t.
The sector provides the exclusive outlet for much of farmer/ SME produce, providing extensive added value and is thus crucially important to farm incomes and at the heart of the social fabric of rural Ireland.
The sector’s continuing ambition is reflected in the €21 billion
export target in Food Vision 2030. This ambition, however, is grounded in the reality facing Ireland’s food and drink industry, particularly in the last two years, following challenges attributed to Brexit, Covid-19 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
One of the most significant challenges facing food businesses is the cost of labour. The rise in the minimum wage, enhanced protective leave entitlements, changes to statutory sick pay and other measures are leading to cumulative increases in labour costs of more than 25% for some companies. In the absence of any direct supports from Government, this will threaten the financial viability of many low margin food businesses.
Government should assess the extent and timing of any new initiatives for their cost impact on the food and drink sector. Higher compliance costs for businesses will lead to a loss in competitiveness, greater food price inflation for consumers and therefore further upward pressure on the cost of living. Strong
consideration should also be given to pausing the implementation of any measures likely to increase costs for the sector.
Whilst cost inflation is particularly challenging, the sector must also respond to the challenges of public health, sustainability, skills and wider industry competitiveness.
High cost levels and cost inflation (labour, energy and commodities) are impacting on margins, competitiveness and investment decisions. At the same time, there is an increased need to build resilience against increased costs and wider competitiveness pressures, whilst investing heavily in low carbon / resource efficient processes and accelerating digital transformation measures.
Budget 2025 should focus on support for capital investment, innovation and skills development to improve cost competitiveness in domestic and export markets. Government should commit to a new ‘Competitiveness Charter’, setting an annual ceiling on the total amount of additional labour market costs which will be imposed on business in any single year. Trade support measures in market promotion, export credit insurance and other financing tools also remain important.
Competitive Manufacturing
There is a strong case for significantly increasing Government investment aids to support new or expanding exporters investing in enabling technology, management training and upskilling, plant renewal and expansion, refinancing, market development and innovation to grow their markets and for companies looking to transition their operations to lower-carbon technologies. The tax system could also be used to introduce accelerated capital allowances for advanced manufacturing, including computerised/ computer-aided machinery and robotic machines.
New labour legislation is driving employment costs up to unsustainable levels for low margin businesses.
Government also needs to undertake a benchmarking exercise on energy costs and introduce competitiveness subvention where needed. It is widely known that Irish energy costs are significantly higher than those in competitor EU countries, which themselves have a significant gap to other global competitors. These costs, including fixed costs, are now a major focus of concern for Food Drink Ireland members.
The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council should undertake a benchmarking exercise of Irish energy costs and their drivers relative to competitors. This should include analysis of supports in other EU countries. Government should then provide a clear action plan response on key issues, including direct exchequer subvention where needed.
Competitive People
In order to attract and retain staff, upskill existing staff and offset large labour cost increases, the PRSI system needs to be addressed by introducing a rebate based on the number of lower earning workers on a company’s payroll, relative to the increases in weekly labour costs which will occur in 2024, 2025 and 2026 and by ensuring the entry point to the top rate of PRSI remains above the National Minimum Wage.
The large surplus in the National Training Fund, paid for by employer PRSI contributions, should be put to use for industry-led upskilling and training for Ireland’s workforce. This would include leveraging the fund to implement the Lifelong Learning Strategy for Ireland and a focus on in-demand skills, particularly those necessary for the digital and low-carbon transitions, which are essential to the food and drink industry.
Already high demand for skills needed for digital, AI and low carbon transitions will accelerate over coming years. The groundwork to establish those skills must happen now.
In terms of actual delivery, the introduction of a National Training Voucher scheme has the potential to boost in-company training and widen participation in upskilling and reskilling to include all businesses and employers. Based on the principle of cost
Paul Kelly, Director, Food Drink Ireland.
sectoral
“Budget 2025 should focus on support for capital investment, innovation and skills development to improve cost competitiveness in domestic and export markets. Government should commit to a new ‘Competitiveness Charter’, setting an annual ceiling on the total amount of additional labour market costs which will be imposed on business in any single year.”
reimbursement, businesses should be able to claim back expenses for training costs during the year undertaken with an accredited education and training provider. This should take the form of either a rebate against the cost of payroll through Revenue’s PMod system or a direct voucher scheme with accredited providers.
Competitive Trade
The introduction of a State-supported export credit insurance scheme remains important, to ensure Irish firms remain competitive against other EU competitors that can access such schemes. This is unlikely to cost any significant amount – the UK equivalent has in the last five years supported over £29 billion worth of business transactions with an average claim paid as a proportion of the average amount at risk of only 0.1%, including during the Covid-19 pandemic. Total claims paid in their scheme were only £125 million over five years and were offset by premia income, resulting in a positive operating surplus.
As food and drink businesses continue to diversify into export markets, additional funding should be put in place for direct grant supports for marketing and trade promotion for companies looking to build new markets in the EU and internationally.
Competitive Innovation
The Roadmap for Food Product Reformulation in Ireland sets out extremely ambitious reformulation targets for food companies. Working towards these targets will be costly for the sector and financial
supports are needed to ensure that all companies, particularly SMEs, can engage.
Government should also review the R&D Tax Credit to ensure that it can be availed of by innovative companies in the food and drink sectors. Innovation in this sector often takes the form of process innovation, as opposed to new products.
Consideration should also be given to introducing a pro-forma R&D Tax Credit route for SMEs. This would help smaller firms overcome administrative costs and engage with the credit. This would involve
Significant Government support is needed to assist the food sector in the transition to a low carbon economy in the decades
ahead.
“As food and drink businesses continue to diversify into
export markets, additional funding should be put in place for direct grant supports for marketing and trade promotion for companies looking to build new markets in the EU and internationally.”
Ireland’s agri-food sector is the envy of the world: we need help to ensure it remains that way.
reducing additional recordkeeping requirements for audit, paying full cash repayments upfront, providing ‘advanced assurance’ for the first three times it is claimed and increasing the ‘science test’ limit to €100,000.
Sustainable Food and Drink Manufacturing
The 2030 sectoral emissions reduction target for the enterprise sector, which includes food and drink manufacturing, is 35%. This requires significant Government support to assist the food sector in
the transition to a low carbon economy in the decades ahead.
For Ireland’s food and drink sector to remain an attractive and competitive place to do business, coming budgets must help support decarbonisation. The mitigation options in this sector are costly and complex. To deliver large scale emissions reduction in this sector, the value for money thresholds in state support schemes should be reformed. The cap on project value for the EXEED support programme should be removed, value level for NonDomestic Solar PV grants should be increased and the cap in the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) should be increased from €1 million to €5 million.
The tax system should also be used to launch a new super deduction capital allowance for business investment in environmental and sustainability related capital investments. The capital allowances should be increased to a super deduction of 130% of capital outlay and significantly simplified to bring forward investment in our low carbon future. The Government should also modernise the Triple E register for energy-efficient equipment supports.
The food and drink sector will need a range of technologies and solutions to meet the ambitious climate targets set out for the sector. While the role of certain technologies like wind power, solar PV, battery storage, electric vehicles, district heating, and electric heat pumps is becoming clear, it remains unclear how these will work together in an efficient, mutually positive way. Meanwhile, there remains great regulatory, investment and technology uncertainty in other areas of the transition, particularly in the areas of industrial heat and the use of renewable gases and liquid fuels. State investment is needed to help identify the optimum solutions. This could be achieved through the funding of industry pathfinder projects, aligned with third level research partners, to lead by example.
The development of the Irish waste management infrastructure is a major non-regulatory barrier that will need to be addressed for the further development of the circular economy in Ireland. More supports are needed for the continued development of recycling infrastructure and to work with the waste sector to encourage investment in technologies to develop the circular economy.
Facing the Future with Confidence
Bord Bia CEO, Jim O’Toole, reflects on what has been a difficult period for agri-food, as macro-economic realities continue to affect economic growth, particularly when it comes to export markets. He notes the challenges ahead but also details the reasons for optimism, with Bord Bia’s recent export sentiment study reflecting growing confidence amongst producers.
2023 was a challenging year for Irish agri-food, a fact acknowledged by Jim O’Toole, CEO, Bord Bia. However, there are plenty of reasons for optimism going forward. In a wide-ranging interview, the Bord Bia CEO discusses the challenges and opportunities ahead across a range of sectors, the areas where Bord Bia predict the biggest growth and why Ireland needs a step-change on sustainability.
How has the Irish agri-food sector performed over the last year?
“Reflecting on the full year that was 2023, the industry was met with a number of challenges, including but not confined to high input costs and inflation, as well as unfavourable weather conditions. Taking dairy as an example, 2023 was a particularly challenging year – one that saw significant downward price pressure across global markets, forcing dairy processors to review their respective milk prices as a result of the prevailing market headwinds. With that context, last year, dairy exports declined by 8%, but notably off a high base versus the previous year, which had a significant impact on overall export values, as the dairy sector accounts for 40% of all Irish food and drink exports.
“CSO data for the first five months of this year show that Irish food and drink exports are up 4% in volume but back 1% in value compared to the same period last year.”
Inflation has fallen from the highs of last year but is still playing a huge role in the market, as is the cost-of-living crisis. While Irish food and drink exports topped €16 billion for the second year in 2023, value actually declined by 4%. How big a challenge is this for Irish food and drink producers in 2024?
“The cost-of-living crisis did reduce consumer spending in some markets, which was reflected in the export performance last year.
“While exports were down, under the circumstances, a fall of 4% in value represents a very solid performance. The sector was able to hold onto much of the value increase generated in 2022. It’s also worth noting that the overall value of Irish food and drink exports is currently 24% higher than it was in 2019.
“According to the OECD, food inflation across the bloc eased in May to 4.9%, from 5.3% the previous month. However, the cumulative effect of sustained inflation is still being felt. For example, the IMF predict that a basket of consumer goods in 2026 will cost 25% more than a similar basket of goods would have cost in 2019.
“Irish exporters continue to operate in a trading environment characterised by constrained consumer spending and increased competition.
“The increased cost of goods has impacted consumer behaviour. Consumers are trading down, reducing frequency, switching brands and seeking greater meal value. Higher cost proteins, such as seafood and lamb, have been particularly challenged in this regard.
“Food businesses are under pressure to manage their own costs, while also delivering clear value propositions to consumers.”
Your exporter sentiment study found the majority of Irish food and drinks exports bullish about their prospects for growth in 2024. Is their confidence well-founded?
“The response to the sentiment study can be read as exporters feeling assured that they have sufficient strategies and operations in place to manage challenges. Over 73% of companies said there were expecting to see some expansion, and only 10% were concerned about contraction. 50 of the companies who responded to the survey have a combined estimated export value of €11.7 billion and these larger players expect stable export growth this year. However, maintaining competitiveness in the face of inflation and increased labour costs remains a concern.”
Which sectors have been performing well and which have faced the biggest challenges?
“So far this year, we see that the value of drink exports is up nearly 20%, driven by volume and value increases in whiskey and gin exports. Horticulture exports are up nearly 25% due to significant gains in the mushrooms sector. Seafood export values are up 13%, while beef and pigmeat exports are holding steady, with both species up nearly 3% in value.
“There has been firm demand for Irish beef in the UK market on the back of tighter UK cattle supplies. The EU cattle kill forecast also indicates a decline in cattle availability, particularly in the second half of 2024, which may help provide some stability to the Irish beef trade.
“Dairy markets remain volatile but thankfully we have seen stronger demand in late quarter one and into quarter two, resulting in a welcome buoyancy in prices, for butter in particular. The outlook for the second half of the year is leaning positive. That being said, the year to date has not been without challenges for dairy farmers in particular, who have had to manage
the on-farm challenges associated with prolonged spells of poor weather.
“The drinks sector has been performing well in recent years, despite the challenges around covid 19 and cost inflation. Exports recovered strongly in 2022. Exports in 2023 were back by 9% due to a number of factors: high stocks in market, especially in the North American market coming into 2023, high interest rates which meant that importers were less willing to order and hold stocks, and slower consumer spending on drinks as a result of higher inflation. However, we see this as a short-term check on growth. The outlook for the sector is positive in the medium- and long-term as Irish whiskey in particular builds on the overall growth achieved in the past 10 years.
“The seafood sector has faced and continues to face big challenges. The cut on quotas on certain seafood species as a result of the TCA agreement around Brexit has impacted the pelagic sector in particular. The performance in other species has been mixed, but there continues to be opportunities in higher value Asian markets for Irish shellfish in particular.”
What do you feel will be the main challenges facing the sector in the coming months and years?
“All sectors in the industry have undergone significant challenges in terms of input costs, whether these are raw materials, labour or energy. While we have some really efficient and impressive factories, the sector will need to continue to invest in greater efficiencies, while also reducing their carbon footprint.
“The Irish food and drink sector competes on global markets and success is best achieved by having a strong value proposition against competitors. Investment and focus on innovation will be key to continued export success.
“Providing sustainable nutrition is both a challenge and an opportunity. This is especially true for prepared consumer foods, as both customers and consumers look to food manufacturers to help solve the challenge of producing healthier but great tasting products, while also doing so in line with carbon neutral ambitions.”
Is there anything that can be done at a state level to alleviate the cost pressures on Irish food and drink producers to make us more competitive as an industry?
“From Bord Bia’s perspective, we are focused on equipping our clients with relevant insight, knowledge and supports to help them to remain competitive. This can range
from training in negotiation skills to helping them revise their brand proposition.
“Notwithstanding the cost challenges across the supply chain, sustainability continues to trend upwards in terms of influencing factors for consumers and customers. Greater awareness of climate change, environmental impacts and government regulation is pushing consumers to seek more sustainable products. To ensure we stand out in a competitive marketplace, we must continue to build upon our credentials around quality and sustainability, led by Origin Green.
“Ultimately, our goal is to help develop and grow the best and highest paying markets for our clients, including our primary producers, which in turn can help to deliver value back to them.”
Sustainability remains a key issue, with Ireland generally ahead of the curve internationally. Indeed, sustainability is something Bord Bia focused on around its St Patrick’s Day campaign. How can we ensure that Ireland remains to the fore in terms of sustainability and that our food and drink brands continue to thrive?
“Origin Green has played a central role in developing a positive reputation of Ireland’s food and drink producers as leaders in sustainability. Today, Origin Green collaborates with 60,000 farms and over 300 leading Irish food and drink companies on the shared goal of sustainable food production. However, 12 years after Origin Green’s launch, the dynamics around sustainability
are changing rapidly. Calls for meaningful action on climate change are becoming louder and Governments are responding with increasingly ambitious targets.
“A step-change is required in both the scale and scope of all our actions around sustainability. Acknowledging that Ireland’s agri-food sector needs to do more to reduce carbon emissions, Bord Bia made adaptations to the Origin Green programme to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) within the industry. Prior to 2021, emissions reduction was optional for Origin Green members. However, with the introduction of the Origin Green credit system three years ago, larger companies are required to establish emissions targets. This marked a significant shift for the Origin Green programme, which is important not only for Ireland’s obligations under the climate action plan, but also for future-proofing the reputation of our agri-food sector.
“Bord Bia has collaborated with Teagasc and the Irish Cattle Breeders Federation to create a new online sustainability tool for farmers. Called, AgNav, it is designed to provide farmers with information and advice to support decision making on their farms. AgNav analyses the impact of changes to farm practices and helps farmers to create a farm sustainability plan, bespoke to their farm. AgNav was first trialled with Teagasc advisors and Signpost demonstration farms though a pilot phase. It is currently available to beef and dairy farms, who either sign up through the Signpost programme or through an affiliated processor programme. As the functionality and usability of AgNav
Pictured on the US trade mission at a visit to Wholefoods in Austin, Texas, are Jim O’Toole, CEO, Bord Bia; Pippa Hackett, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; and Lindsey Brady, President, Ornua Foods North America.
continues to be developed, our ambition is that AgNav becomes the one-stop-shop to support sustainability actions on Irish farms, thus supporting Irish agriculture in meetings its climate action obligations.”
The organic market is another sector you have identified as ripe for growth. How important will the market for organic produce be, going forward, and what is being done to support market growth?
“We’re seeing real momentum for organics among farmers, with an additional 1,050 joining the Organic Farming Scheme in 2024, bringing the total to over 5,000 farmers. This will take the area of land under organics to 5%, which is triple was it was in 2020.
“Through their dedicated organic unit, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) have invested significant support in the organic sector, while farm bodies such as Teagasc and the Agricultural Consultants Associations (ACA) have increased their number of dedicated organic advisors across all regions of the country.
“Within Bord Bia, we appointed a dedicated organic sector manager in 2022, whose focus is on supporting the sector to deliver growth opportunities in both the domestic and export markets. Aided by increased funding from the Department of Agriculture, specifically for organics, Bord Bia launched a €1 million campaign targeting Irish consumers last year. The first burst ran last autumn, with a second wave this spring. The campaign aims to increase the awareness of Irish organics with shoppers and increase their propensity to purchase Irish organic food and drink.
It is Bord Bia’s largest ever promotional campaign for Irish organics.
“Bord Bia also secured funding from the EU to promote organic beef and lamb across four EU markets. Co-funded by Bord Bia and the EU to the value of €2.7 million, the campaign will run in Austria, Belgium, Germany and Sweden.
“Nearly two thirds of Irish organic beef is destined for export markets, while half of organic lamb is currently sold overseas. The campaign will support the development of these key markets, identified by Bord Bia as having the greatest growth potential.”
Here at home, the foodservice market continues to grow, but anecdotal evidence suggests that it is getting harder and harder for new businesses to succeed in this sector, as a number of factors (among them the high costs of business) make it harder for new entrants to survive. What supports can Government and Bord Bia provide to foodservice to ensure it can negotiate the challenges?
“In November last, Bord Bia’s annual Foodservice Market Insights study reported a 13% rise in the Irish ‘out of home’ sector to reach a record high of €9.3 billion across the island of Ireland. This was the first time that the market value had exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with many industry participants surprised that sales remained as strong as they were, given the extent of ongoing headwinds.
“This year is shaping up to be the first ‘normal’ year post pandemic. Pent-up demand following the pandemic years has
been spent and consumers are taking a more discerning approach to foodservice. Therefore, growth is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels when the industry was a relatively low growth industry.
“There is some concern that the industry has begun to push consumers away with higher prices, driven by both ongoing supply chain increases and by industry uncertainties and a higher cost environment. It is generally recognised that overall pricing cannot continue to match the pace seen in 2022/23. The industry has reached its limit in terms of ability to pass along additional costs to the consumer.
“Labour remains one of the most challenging aspects of the foodservice industry right now, although it’s reportedly slightly less difficult today than it was 1-2 years ago. Labour challenges are particularly acute in urban areas, where housing shortages and high living expenses are discouraging workers to live nearby and there is some linkage between the cost of housing and wage inflation.”
Prepared consumer foods have continued to prove a success story, even as other sectors maybe struggled in recent years. Why do you think this is and will it continue into the future?
“The prepared consumer food sector recorded exports of €3.1 billion last year, with the core categories of valued added meats, meal solutions, bakery, soft drinks and confectionery all experiencing value growth. For the first five months of this year, exports stand at just over €1 billion, and are up almost 4% on last year. Volume growth was muted last year but
On the trade mission to Malaysia: Jim O’Toole, CEO, Bord Bia, with Martin Heydon TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with responsibility for Research and Development, Farm Safety, and New Market Development.
we’re seeing a slight pick-up in volumes this year, after the peak inflation of 2023.
“Around 60% of all PCF exports are destined for the UK, so the strength of the UK economy has a strong bearing on the overall performance of the sector. Modest UK economic growth is predicted, aided by the recent general election, which has helped resolve political uncertainty in the UK. The success of the sector in the UK has been built on years of very close relationships with UK customers and the industry delivering on exacting standards for UK retailers, foodservice operators and manufacturers. It is a tough trading environment on the back of years of high inflation and input costs, but the sector is still optimistic for further growth in the UK market.
“In the face of Brexit uncertainty, many companies began diversifying into European markets, particularly the Netherlands, Germany and France, which has paid some dividends. Last year, EU markets accounted for over a quarter of PCF exports. We expect to see greater interest in growing European markets and it’s all about finding the right commercial opportunity.
“The US accounts for 4% of PCF exports and for companies prepared to make the investment, it has paid off. It has predominantly been a market for retail branded products but in time we expect to see a greater focus on the US foodservice opportunity.
“The Middle East, while still a relatively small market for Irish consumer food products, has delivered some nice opportunities for companies. As the Saudi market begins to open more, as it positions itself as a destination for tourists, it could offer some opportunities for Irish companies.”
You have two big trade missions planned for later this year, to China and South Korea, and Vietnam and Thailand. How important are these trade missions for Ireland?
“In person, in-market engagements, like trade missions and trade fairs, are incredibly important for driving the long-term development of trade. The impact of meeting face-to-face with international customers cannot be underestimated. It underlines our commitment to the market, and it helps to build in-market knowledge for Irish exporters. Trade fairs especially help to build new contacts that allow industry to diversify into new markets. Trade missions also play a role in enhancing government-to-
government relationships, which benefits market access.
“Of course, through our network of 14 overseas offices, Bord Bia has a year-round presence in key markets, and our Global Business Development team is instrumental to executing trade missions and also capitalising on the efforts made in the weeks, months and years after.
“In terms of these specific markets, this is our second trade mission to China in two years, and while Irish exports there have been challenged in recent years, we are focused on investing in the long-term opportunities for Irish exports in China. There will be a multi-sectoral focus in China, with seafood, dairy, meat and drink events, including the launch of our Sprit of Ireland programme. Spirit of Ireland is an immersion event aimed at drinks trade professionals, which tells the story of Irish spirits with the aim of driving sales.
Greater awareness of climate change, environmental impacts and government regulation is pushing consumers to seek more sustainable products. To ensure we stand out in a competitive marketplace, we must continue to build upon our credentials around quality and sustainability, led by Origin Green.
“This will be our second visit to South Korea since 2019 and follows from the Government of Ireland trade visit there last year. South Korea is an important market for Irish dairy, pigmeat, seafood and drinks. However, the big story here is the launch of Irish beef in the market, following the granting of access earlier this year. South Koreans are the highest per capita consumers of meat in Asia and have a sizable import requirement for beef. Although South Korea is a competitive beef market, dominated by grain-fed imports, there are opportunities for Irish beef to cater for consumers looking for pasture-raised, high quality and nutritious beef. There has been strong and immediate interest from the Korean trade in Irish beef, with several significant contracts already in place and the trade mission will help to build further on this interest.”
What else and where else do you see as the big opportunities for growth going forward?
“In Bord Bia, our job is to listen to the market and seek out the trends that will hit our industry in two, three and four years down the line. Collaborating with our client companies, Bord Bia must continue to uncover value-added opportunities for all sectors. Bord Bia invests heavily in market research to uncover these opportunities. A global study we completed in 2019 identified a number of ‘value-add’ areas that have big implications for our dairy sector, particularly in the area of ‘gut-health’ where we are seeing huge growth in international markets. Previous work in the value-add space identified ‘Active Aging’ as the key growth platform in the Far East. As global populations get older, dietary needs will change and our industry has to be nimble enough to respond to those changes.”
Jim O’Toole addresses delegates at the Spirit of Ireland event on the US trade mission.
agri-food regulator
Agri-Food Regulator
With legal proceedings initiated against one agri-food company for an alleged breach of Unfair Trading Practices legislation and its CEO warning retailers that more transparency is needed in the supply chain, Ireland’s AgriFood Regulator is already flexing its muscles. Niamh Lenehan, CEO, sets out her stall.
We are the regulatory body for tackling Unfair Trading Practices, so we have extensive powers to prosecute those in breach of the legislation, which may lead to fines,” explains Niamh Lenehan, inaugural CEO of Ireland’s Agri-Food Regulator (An Rialálaí Agraibhia), which was formally established on December 13, 2023.
Indeed, the Regulator confirmed in mid-July that it had already begun legal proceedings against one company for an alleged breach of the legislation, an announcement which will be welcomed in particular by Ireland’s primary producers.
An independent office to regulate supplier/buyer (including retailer) relationships in agri-food, the Regulator will promote and enforce the principles of fairness and transparency in the agricultural and food supply chain, having a particular regard to farmers, fishers and small food businesses.
The Regulator officially released its strategy statement on June 20, 2024, laying out a roadmap for the first three years of the new office. The strategy statement outlines the Regulator’s key priorities and sets out a delivery framework to achieve the following four key objectives:
• Enforcement of agri-food unfair trading law.
• Improved transparency on the functioning of the agri-food supply chain.
• Effective communication and engagement with stakeholders in promoting fairness and transparency.
• Building of organisational capacity with optimal use of resources to deliver an efficient and effective service.
Niamh Lenehan described the publication of the strategy statement as “a significant milestone in terms of publicly declaring what our plans are for the coming three years and highlighting our four key objectives”.
Niamh comes from a farming background and was “delighted” to be named CEO: “It is particularly exciting because it’s a new role, so there is huge opportunity to put your own stamp on it.”
Niamh has a wealth of knowledge, having worked in a variety of roles across Government departments over a number of years, with extensive experience in regulation, which she feels has equipped her with a broad skillset that she brings to the Agri-Food Regulator
as it establishes itself in Ireland. An independent regulator for Ireland is, she insists, a necessary development.
“There can be quite a power imbalance, where many of the retailers are so much bigger in respect of size and turnover than the businesses who supply them, which means there is a significant information asymmetry across the supply chain,” Niamh professes. “We are looking at improving fairness and transparency across the entire supply chain from a business-to-business viewpoint and this includes exploring price formation mechanisms. The legislation is very clear that all actors in the food supply chain are stakeholders, and we are looking at all those relationships and how they interact, but the legislation does emphasise that we have to have particular regard for farmers, fishers and small businesses and I think that’s right in terms of their being the most vulnerable players.
“The Agri-Food Regulator for the first time is providing an independent voice; we’re not advocates for primary producers, we’re not advocates for retailers. Our role is to provide evidencebased information on those business-to-business relationships throughout the supply chain.”
She stresses that describing the agri-food model as a supply chain, however, seems “too simplistic; it’s underestimating the complexity of it because it’s a whole ecosystem and the purpose of the new legislation and the creation of the Agri-Food Regulator is to promote fairness and transparency throughout that supply ecosystem”.
The Regulator’s functions broadly fall into two categories: compliance and enforcement of Unfair Trading Practices (UTPs); • information and engagement on transparency within the supply chain.
agri-food regulator
Unfair Trading Practices
Irish legislation on UTPs, the UTP Regulations: Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 625 of 2023 - Agricultural and Food Supply Chain (Unfair Trading) Regulations 2023, set out clearly what constitutes an UTP. There are 16 specific Unfair Trading Practices, which cover areas like payment terms, unilateral changes of contract etc.
However, the Unfair Trading Practices Directive is currently being reviewed at EU level, which is due to be completed by November 2025, so the practices listed may change and evolve over time. “There are discussions ongoing in Europe about how to improve the positioning of farmers in the food chain, which could potentially involve strengthening laws on transparency and potentially compelling businesses to provide more information to regulators like ourselves,” Niamh says.
The Regulator is working to improve awareness and understanding of the UTPs. There have been instances where a producer makes a complaint that does not actually relate to an Unfair Trading Practice. “You might feel that you did not get a good price for your lambs but that doesn’t make it an Unfair Trading Practice,” explains Niamh. “But I have been very vocal about it; if a supplier is experiencing a difficulty or think that they may be experiencing a breach of an Unfair Trading Practice, then they should come and talk to us. It doesn’t have to be a formal complaint. Our door is open, so come and chat to us and we will sit down and look at the exact scenario and context to establish if an Unfair Trading Practice has taken place; we don’t expect people to do that for themselves.”
The Regulator has begun on-site inspections, which Niamh believes is proving very helpful in terms of “understanding how systems work and getting useful intelligence on the ground”. While
Pictured at the launch of the Agri-Food Regulator’s strategy statement are Niamh Lenehan, CEO, Agri-Food Regulator; Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine; and Joe Healy, Chair, Agri-Food Regulator.
agri-food regulator
reticent about the putting a figure on the number of inspections the Regulator hopes to carry out within a certain time period, Niamh is adamant that they will continue to increase the amount of inspections in the coming months. She stresses that they will respond quickly to any complaints, formal or informal, alleging that an Unfair Trading Practices may be taking place.
Seeking Information on Price Transparency
The second major function of the Agri-Food Regulator is its power to seek information and data from businesses that impacts upon price and margin, which can include prices paid, prices received, margins, accounts information etc. However, under its current remit, it cannot compel companies to provide the requested data.
In order for the data collection function to work effectively, Niamh believes that a “partnership approach” is vital, and stresses that initial meetings with stakeholders have been “generally very positive”.
“We met a huge number of businesses in the agri-food sector, as well as representative bodies, and put forward a proposal for a cooperation framework, which is essentially a series of high-level principles on which we’ll engage,” Niamh maintains. “Obviously, we are asking for information from businesses, much of which is confidential and commercially sensitive, and we are committing to protect that data, to limit the amount of people who will actually see the raw data and we are committing to the manner in how
There is provision for the Minister to introduce a statutory instrument and potentially compel businesses to provide information, if the voluntary cooperation approach fails.
data will be aggregated, to ensure that any sensitive information remains private.”
The Regulator is committed to engaging with all actors to create a workable template on data collection, so each sector will be consulted and has an opportunity to engage with the Regulator to amend the template, if necessary.
“For the supply chain to work, actors need to work together,” Niamh says. “We are an island nation and international events, like the war in Ukraine, combined with other macro events like the pandemic and climate change, can and have interrupted supply in some areas. Events like these serve to confirm that we need to increase resilience in our supply chains.
“We know this is a highly competitive market but at the end of the day, everyone has to keep the lights on, from producers to processors, wholesalers and retailers. So, everybody needs to get on board with transparency.”
Gathering Information by Sector
Acknowledging that the information gathering function is “essentially a blank page”, the Regulator decided to look at each primary agricultural sector “and try to track the price formation mechanisms as you go along the food chain”.
An initial report on the egg sector has already been published, with Niamh noting how “not all retail businesses have yet provided the data requested”. This meant that the Regulator was unable to produce the type of report that was envisaged at the beginning of this process, instead publishing an initial report on the egg sector using only publicly available data. “We will continue to engage with the businesses involved in the egg sector in the coming weeks and particularly with those which have not provided the requested data, with a view to supplementing the report being published as soon as possible,” Niamh notes. “The Board will be updated on this work at its next meeting in early September. Depending on progress, the Board will consider next steps.”
The legislation includes a provision whereby the Regulator must report to the Minister within 12 months of its establishment on progress made regarding its function to seek information from businesses. “So, there is provision there for the Minister to introduce a statutory instrument and potentially compel businesses to provide that information, if the voluntary cooperation approach fails,” the CEO states.
The eggs market was considered ideal for the Regulator’s inaugural report, as it
is “relatively straightforward, compared to other sectors, in that the product is essentially the same when it is produced by the chicken as the one bought by the consumer on-shelf and most of the eggs produced in Ireland are consumed in Ireland.”
The CEO notes that there is a lot of information freely available at primary producer level (including data from the CSO, Teagasc, the Department of Agriculture and the EU), and “we have information from the end user because we all know how much we pay for eggs in the supermarket, so it’s this in-between area that has been the focus, as there’s less information on it.”
This ‘in-between area’ is the crux of contention between Ireland’s suppliers, particularly farmers, and retailers. Most of the country’s retail groups have been shouting from the rooftops about their strong relationships with Irish suppliers in recent years, particularly during the Covid 19 pandemic when many reduced their payment terms for smaller suppliers, while press releases claiming support for indigenous food and drink producers are more regular than buses. However, at the same time, most retail groups do not publish their profits. So wherein lies the truth? Are Irish retailers being fair and transparent with their suppliers? Is the Irish market rife with Unfair Trading Practices? Prior to the formal establishment of the Agri-Food Regulator in December 2023, the enforcement authority in Ireland for UTPs was within the Department of Agriculture on an interim basis.
“The experience from 2021 to 2023, prior to the establishment of the Regulator, was that there were very few formal complaints, and that experience was mirrored across Europe,” Niamh admits. “However, there could be some hesitancy to come forward about issues that people are experiencing. But I think this is more to do with awareness and understanding of Unfair Trading Practices, so what the interim authority did and what we are continuing to do, is to increase awareness and education of what constitutes an Unfair Trading Practice.”
Another priority is to ensure that the protection for any person coming forward is very high, “so you can choose to remain anonymous, or you can have an organisation make the case on behalf of a supplier or group of suppliers”.
Below Cost Selling
Some primary producers believe they have been at the receiving end from retailers in terms of not receiving fair prices, while there
are also regular complaints of below cost selling, particularly when it comes to certain fruits and vegetables. However, below cost selling has not been illegal in Ireland since the repeal of the Groceries Order in November 2005, so it is not something the Agri-Food Regulator can affect.
“There was significant discussion on this issue during the legislative process about what could or couldn’t be done in relation to below cost selling and it remains a live issue for suppliers of agri-food. However, below cost selling is not against the law so it’s not currently within our remit,” Niamh explains.
Strengthening Relationships in Agri-Food Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD has said he wants to see relationships within the supply chain strengthened and made healthier, which is ultimately the end goal of the legislation and the role of the Agri-Food Regulator.
“All of the work that we’re doing is going to impact on that,” stresses Niamh. “Under Section 15 of the legislation, the Regulator has the power to publish guidelines for buyers, for the purpose of protecting supplier interest. These guidelines will be issued following consultation and, while they will not be legally binding, they provide an opportunity for the Regulator to highlight issues that are not as they should be or to advise on practices that would help the food supply chain to work better. ”
Section 16 of the legislation allows for buyers or suppliers to come together to submit a proposed Code of Practice for review by the Regulator. “They could use it as a way of showing how they treat their suppliers, for example, by highlighting what they consider to be good practice, and potentially differentiating themselves from other businesses,” Niamh muses.
The CEO stresses that there are additional reporting requirements for agri-food buying business with turnover of more than €50 million in any particular year, where they must have a dedicated liaison officer for dealing with the Agri-Food Regulator, and they must also submit an annual report which provides extensive information
on their compliance with Unfair Trading Practices legislation, with the first report due by March 31, 2025, for the year 2024.
With a busy period of activity ahead, as the Regulator continues to embed itself in the Irish agri-food sector’s collective psyche, Niamh is excited about the coming year. “We have a very broad stakeholder base, so trying to take into account everybody’s needs can be a challenge, but we are off
agri-food regulator
to a really strong start,” she stresses. “We’ve met with members at all levels of the supply chain; we’ve published our strategy statement; we’ve commenced inspections; and we have published the first in a series of reports that will be significant in terms of that transparency function. I’m delighted that we hit the ground running in terms of positive engagement with stakeholders, and we are looking forward to the work ahead.”
on,
board with transparency.”
Niamh Lenehan: “We know this is a highly competitive market but at the end of the day, everyone has to keep the lights
from producers to processors, wholesalers and retailers. So, everybody needs to get on
The Dairy Best
A recent EY report shows that Ireland’s dairy sector is a €17.6 billion powerhouse, writes
Conor Mulvihill, Director, Dairy Industry Ireland.
In a world where the theme of sustainability dominates, members of Dairy Industry Ireland felt it was important that the economic and social sustainability metrics of Irish dairy was mapped.
Conducted by EY, the report, titled ‘Economic Contribution of the Dairy Processing Industry to the Irish Economy & Processor Forecasts to 2030’, was released at the end of last year.
Historically recognised as a rural economic powerhouse, the report showed Ireland's dairy sector has evolved into a remarkable contributor to the nation's economy, with €17.6 billion in economic value generated.
Although the industry has experienced significant volume-based growth in the
past, the report emphasises that future progress will be driven by enhanced efficiencies, reaffirming the industry's dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Commitment to Climate Objectives
Pat Sheahan, Chair of Dairy Industry Ireland, highlighted the industry's commitment to Ireland's climate objectives while concurrently safeguarding the economic and social well-being of rural communities.
“The report showcases the remarkable success story of the dairy industry and underscores the contributions of our dedicated farmer suppliers and the tens of thousands of individuals employed by the sector throughout the island,” he
declared. “We are eager to collaborate with the Government to establish the necessary frameworks to help Irish agriculture strike a balance between environmental goals and the economic vitality of the sector, which serves as the lifeblood of extensive regions outside the urban centres.”
The report emphasises that all facets of the Irish dairy industry, including farm family suppliers, are actively investing in technology and process enhancements to fulfil environmental responsibilities such as water quality and biodiversity preservation. The industry acknowledges the paramount importance of addressing climate challenges and stands ready to engage with stakeholders in a co-operative effort to achieve a harmonious approach.
Exceptional Resilience
Despite facing recent adversities such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine energy crisis and Brexit, the Irish dairy sector has exhibited exceptional resilience. It generates a remarkable €17.6 billion for the nation's economy, with this economic output predominantly concentrated in rural areas and supporting nearly 55,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
The report also underscored Ireland's inherent competitive advantage in dairy production, both from economic and environmental perspectives. The nation's strategic geographic location and temperate climate provide an advantageous backdrop, fostering the growth of highquality grass, which in turn, sustains a thriving outdoor grazing dairy model.
Forging A Greener Future
The Irish dairy sector is facing up to the sustainability challenge, navigating a greener path forward and seizing the opportunities this allows, writes Kevin Maher,
Senior Executive,
Dairy Sustainability Ireland.
The Irish dairy sector, renowned for its rich history and worldclass products, stands as a cornerstone of the Irish economy. With its grass-based system and favourable climate, Ireland has long been an ideal environment for dairy farming. However, like any industry, the dairy sector now faces serious challenges that will test its resilience and adaptability. While these challenges may seem daunting, they also present the opportunity for Ireland to doubledown on its reputation in the global dairy market.
Policy Certainty Needed around Nitrates Derogation
One of the areas causing concern for the dairy sector is the lack of policy certainty. There are huge unknowns around the Nitrates Derogation post-2025. This is causing serious concern for farmers and the wider industry as it is almost impossible to plan and invest into an unknown future. The Nitrates Derogation is a critical component for the sustainability and economic vitality of the Irish dairy sector. This regulatory allowance permits dairy farmers to exceed the standard nitrogen application limits set by the European Union’s Nitrates Directive. While the Directive typically limits nitrogen usage to 170kg per hectare per year, the Derogation allows approved farms to apply up to 220kg per hectare (250kg/ha in certain areas) under specific conditions.
The importance of this Derogation to the Irish dairy sector cannot be overstated. Firstly, it enables higher stocking rates, which are essential for maximising milk production, which is suited to Ireland’s unique outdoor grass-based grazing system. Ireland’s dairy sector,
dairy overview
renowned for its grass-based production system, relies heavily on the efficient use of pasture based land. The ability to apply higher levels of nitrogen supports the growth of high-quality grass, which in turn feeds the dairy cows and enhances milk yield and quality.
Economically, the Derogation helps maintain the viability of many dairy farms. Higher nitrogen limits allow farmers to produce more milk per hectare, which is crucial for competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. The Irish dairy industry, a significant contributor to the national economy, relies on its ability to produce milk efficiently. The Derogation, therefore, supports farmers in meeting production demands and sustaining their livelihoods.
Moreover, the Derogation is important for maintaining the environmental balance. While this might seem counterintuitive, it actually imposes stringent conditions that ensure farmers manage nitrogen use responsibly. Farms operating under the Derogation must adhere to specific nutrient management plans and monitoring requirements. These regulations help mitigate the potential negative impacts of increased nitrogen use, such as water pollution and soil degradation. Derogation farms are, in fact, the most highly regulated farms in the country.
The loss or reduction of the Nitrates Derogation could have severe implications. Many farms would be forced to decrease stocking rates, reducing milk production and income. This could lead to economic strain on farm families and potentially result in a decline in the overall productivity of the dairy sector.
represents a step change in terms of a targeted approach to drive progress at a local level. The programme, which is the largest of its kind ever to take place in Ireland, with a budget of €60 million, focuses on incentivising positive actions. It will help secure a joined-up approach to following catchment science through on-farm advice and implementation of measures. This is further supported by significant dairy industry funding for advisors and specific initiatives.
The Nitrates Derogation is vital for the Irish dairy sector’s productivity, economic sustainability and environmental stewardship. It allows farmers to maintain higher stocking rates and milk production levels, while adhering to environmentally responsible practices. Ensuring the continuation of this Derogation is essential for the ongoing success and growth of Ireland’s dairy industry.
Protecting and Improving Water Quality
The protection of water quality is critical to maintaining the natural environment. The Water Framework Directive outlines the target to achieve ‘good status’ for all waters in Ireland. The results of the EPA Water Quality in 2024 Indicator Report, published in June 2024, showed that there was no real improvement in the water quality of Irish lakes, rivers and coasts last year, with agriculture the primary culprit for pollution, according to the EPA.
While there is significant work to be done to further improve water quality, data from the European Environment Agency shows that Ireland currently has the highest water quality among major dairy producers across Europe.
Securing good water quality requires targeted action across all relevant sectors, including agriculture, urban wastewater and forestry. This highlights the need for a transparent and joined-up approach to addressing challenges. Adopting a proactive approach on a local level is key to enhancing water quality in the period ahead. The dairy sector is committed to playing its part.
One of the primary challenges is nutrient run-off, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, from dairy farms. These nutrients, while essential for crop growth, can lead to water contamination if not managed properly. Eutrophication, caused by excessive nutrient run-off, results in algal blooms that deplete oxygen in water bodies, harming aquatic life and degrading water quality.
The €60 million Farming for Water EIP project announced earlier this year aims to support up to 15,000 farmers nationally to put in place measures to improve water quality.
The five-year Farming for Water EIP through the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), Teagasc and Dairy Industry Ireland
Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change
One of the foremost challenges facing the Irish dairy sector is environmental sustainability. As climate change continues to be a pressing global issue, the dairy industry must address its carbon footprint. Methane emissions from livestock, nitrogen run-off and the overall impact of farming practices on biodiversity are critical concerns at farm level, while decarbonising dairy processing also provides a significant challenge.
However, this challenge has spurred a wave of innovation. Irish dairy farmers and researchers are collaborating to develop sustainable farming practices. Initiatives such as the Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) identify cost-effective measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The MACC includes a range of mitigation options, such as improving animal breeding and genetics, enhancing manure management, adopting precision farming techniques, and promoting better grassland management. As a result of innovation and adoption on new farming methods, there has been a 9% decrease in emissions intensity on a rolling three-year average since 2014.
At processor level, significant progress has been made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity. EU data for carbon emissions from the dairy processing sector show a levelling-off over recent years, with data for 2022 broadly similar to 2018 levels. This occurred at a time when volumes of milk processed increased by around 20%.
Conclusion
The Irish dairy industry is proactively addressing the challenges associated with sustainability through a combination of innovative practices, collaborative efforts, and a strong commitment to sustainability. These initiatives not only help to protect and improve water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also enhance the overall resilience and reputation of the sector.
By continuing to invest in sustainable practices and technologies, the Irish dairy industry is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future, benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment alike.
Ireland has long been an ideal environment for dairy farming.
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Ireland’s Reformulation Journey
Sinéad O’Mahony, Reformulation Task Force Manager, Food Safety Authority of Ireland, details the journey so far along the Roadmap for Food Product Reformulation in Ireland and the work of the Food Reformulation Task Force.
Overconsumption of energy, saturated fat, sugar and salt is a known risk factor for excess weight accumulation, and dietary related noncommunicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. People living in Ireland overconsume sugar, salt and saturated fat, exceeding health based recommended upper intakes. The percentage of people living with overweight and obesity in Ireland has stagnated; however, numbers remain high. To address this, the Department of Health published ‘A Healthy Weight for Ireland: Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2015 – 2025’, which outlines steps to be taken to prevent and treat overweight and obesity.
A component of this action plan is the introduction of a comprehensive food reformulation programme to reduce the amounts of salt, sugar, saturated fat and energy in foods consumed by people living in Ireland.
The ‘Roadmap for Food Product Reformulation in Ireland’, published in 2021, outlines Ireland’s approach to improving the nutrient quality of food products. This voluntary reformulation programme, whose implementation phase runs between 2021 and 2025, aims to reduce calories, saturated fat, sugar and salt in food.
The food industry, including food manufacturers and foodservice providers, is asked to use less ingredients contributing to these target nutrients in many everyday foods. The voluntary goals, finalised in December 2021, are intended to help people improve their diet and their overall health.
There is a need and an opportunity to improve the nutrient quality of many foods on the market by reducing the sugar, salt,
and saturated fat content as standard rather than offering ‘low in’ options. This food reformulation programme builds on progress made as part of the Salt Reduction Programme, which was implemented by the FSAI between 2003 and 2013.
The Food Reformulation Task Force (“the task force”), a strategic partnership between the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and Healthy Ireland, was established to implement the Roadmap. The task force has approached the implementation of the Roadmap by identifying priority food categories and their target nutrients, completing extensive stakeholder engagement to communicate the priority foods and targets, and monitoring progress.
Priority Food Categories and Target Nutrients
Overall there are 40 priority food categories for food reformulation in Ireland. Of these, 19 are targeted for a 20% reduction in energy, 20 are targeted for a 20% reduction in sugar, 16 are targeted for a 10% reduction in saturated fat, and 25 are targeted for a 10% reduction in salt. These food categories have been prioritised as they are significant contributors to dietary intakes of target nutrients in the Irish population. The methodology followed to identify these food categories and the food categories are outlined in ‘Priority Food Categories for Food Reformulation’. The food industry (including food manufacturers, foodservice providers, retailers, and ingredient suppliers) is asked to use less of these target nutrients in many everyday foods.
The task force has also recently published reformulation targets for commercially available complementary foods (CACFs), which are foods marketed for infants and young children under 36 months.
food reformulation
The aim of these targets is to reduce the sugar and salt content in CACFs and shift manufacturer product portfolios towards appropriate CACFs, which do not contain added sugar or salt, do not mimic foods on the top shelf of the children’s food pyramid and contain fat from nutritious sources.
As well as this, a consultation on maximum per serving targets for pizza served in the foodservice sector has been published and targets will be finalised at the end of 2024.
Stakeholder Engagement
The task force has undertaken a broad programme of stakeholder engagement to raise awareness of the reformulation targets, priority food categories and national supports available to support reformulation. Information has been shared through faceto-face meetings, social media campaigns, reports, webinars, scientific presentations and participation in national and international forums on reformulation and workshops. The task force also encourages sharing of best practice and peer-to-peer problem solving through collaboration for health workshops. Updates and new publications are posted regularly on the task force webpage on the FSAI website and notifications are circulated to the task force network, which is now over 500 members strong.
More recently, food category meetings have been arranged to communicate results of monitoring activities. Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland also attend and present at these category meetings to provide
information on national supports available for reformulation and answer questions during subsequent discussions.
Since the formation of the task force in 2022, the food industry has engaged with the task force to understand the priority food categories, target nutrients and supports available.
Monitoring Progress
The task force completes a number of monitoring activities annually, by way of market snapshots (collection of food label information from food products on the market at a point in time), convenience sampling and laboratory analysis of foods in a food category, and discreet research projects. These monitoring activities have identified good progress in the reformulation of sugar in yoghurts and breakfast cereals.
The task force has also identified that despite good progress in salt reduction between 2003-2014, progress has slowed or in some cases, reversed in more recent years. A benchmark of the salt content of pizzas sold in the foodservice sector in 2023 found high levels of salt in pizza and identified these as foods in high priority need of salt reduction. The task force has committed to working in a transparent way and publishes progress reports and regular updates to monitoring reports on our website.
Conclusion
Consumers are seeking foods with a healthier nutrient profile and the food industry across the world is working to improve the nutrient quality of their food product portfolios. By offering food products with less sugar, salt and saturated fat, the Irish food industry, including food manufacturers, retailers and foodservice providers, can play an important role in meeting this consumer demand. Some key areas which could have large and longlasting impact are:
• reducing sugar, salt and saturated fat in current product lines, rather than creating new ‘low-in’ alternatives, which will make the healthier choice the default choice for consumers;
• reducing sugar, salt and saturated fat in own brand food products to ensure affordable and healthier options;
• using innovative culinary nutrition practices to provide tasty and healthier options in the out-of-home food sector;
• improving the nutrient quality and appropriateness of foods marketed for babies and toddlers to support lifelong healthier food habits and taste preferences.
The task force is available to work with the food industry to create and achieve on their food reformulation plans. Food businesses that are starting on their reformulation journey or stakeholders interested to learn more about reformulation can stay up to date by joining our food reformulation network by contacting foodreformulation@fsai.ie and visit our webpage www.fsai.ie/ business-advice/food-reformulation
Sinéad O’Mahony, Reformulation Task Force Manager, Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
Food Drink Ireland Skillnet Addressing Key Training Concerns
The Food Drink Ireland Skillnet continues to create learning and development programmes that are targeted at key industry challenges. These are learning interventions developed by industry, for industry.
For companies investing in learning and development, three elements have always been essential; the relevance of the programme, the quality of delivery, and overall value for money. As the industry continues to navigate significant external opportunities and challenges, it is more important the ever that all of these pillars are met when making Learning & Development (L&D) investments.
As part of Ibec, all of Food Drink Ireland Skillnet’s training programmes have been developed from this perspective. “Our approach is to identify the key issues impacting the food and drink sector, look at their implications for talent, and then examine how learning and development can play a role in addressing them,” explains Mark Skinner, Food Drink Ireland Skillnet Network Manager.
Industry-Led Training Programmes Programmes delivered by the network cover a wide range of areas from sustainability to food regulations, and people management to graduate attraction. However, what is common across all programmes is their industry-led nature, driven by a steering group
of industry experts, as well as its very close working relationship with Ibec.
That close collaboration with member companies is a critically important success factor for Food Drink Ireland Skillnet, according to Anita Gallagher, Capability Development Manager at Britvic Ireland and Chair of Food Drink Ireland Skillnet. “The team spends a lot of time with industry, understanding the needs and working out how training can help to meet them,” Anita explains. “Every programme offered is directly relevant to the industry. We also know that if we identify a particular gap and there is no course relevant to it at the moment, Food Drink Ireland Skillnet will work with us on
Mark Skinner, Food Drink Ireland Skillnet Network Manager.
creating one. That kind of responsiveness is invaluable.”
Developing Relevant Learning Programmes
Examples of where Food Drink Ireland Skillnet have developed new learning programmes from the perspective of key issues impacting the sector include:
• Attraction and retention of talent: Graduate programmes to support attraction, as well as people management programmes, developed with deep understanding of the role managers play in employee retention and team performance.
“Every programme offered is directly relevant to the industry. If we identify a particular gap and there is no course relevant to it at the moment, Food Drink Ireland Skillnet will work with us on creating one. That kind of responsiveness is invaluable.”
food drink ireland skillnet
Increasingly complex regulatory landscape: A new MSc in Food Regulatory Affairs designed to increase knowledge of food and drink regulations, as well as developing the critical thinking skills required to understand practical implications of specific regulations for the participants’ businesses.
• Sustainability: An MSc in Sustainable Food Systems as well as a Certificate in Sustainable Food Packaging, both of which require participants to deliver projects demonstrating how they have applied key learnings to their day-today role in industry.
Benefits of Membership
Membership to Food Drink Ireland Skillnet is free, and is open to companies from the Meat, Dairy, Consumer Foods and Beverages sector. Benefits of membership include:
• Industry specific training that’s relevant to your business.
A final area where Food Drink Ireland Skillnet will be supporting industry is in Digitalisation and Technology. Having recently completed a research project, they have a deep understanding of current levels of digitalisation in industry, as well as the opportunities and challenges for increased adoption of digital technologies. As talent and skills are a major barrier for our industry in relation to digital transformation, key areas for skills development in this area have been identified and will lead to new programmes being developed for industry in 2024/2025.
• Up to 60% saving on the cost of training due to network purchasing power plus part-government funding through Skillnet Ireland, funded by the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
• Flexible training that is delivered at times that suit your company.
• Saving time on procurement, as all courses procured by the network are done so to ensure all trainers meet the quality standards of the sector and that value for money is achieved.
• Opportunity to collaborate and learn from colleagues across the industry.
More information can be found on www.fooddrinkirelandskillnet.ie or if you would like to join the network for free, or would like to input into the Food Drink Ireland Skillnet Steering Group, please contact Mark Skinner, Food Drink Ireland Skillnet Manager, on (01) 6051615 or mark.skinner@ibec.ie
Food Drink Ireland Skillnet leaning programmes are developed to address key industry concerns and challenges.
Food Drink Ireland Skillnet continues to deliver relevant, industry-led learning programmes, with very real benefits for participants.
drinks market
Drinks Ireland Call for Sensible Alcohol Policies
Our drinking habits in Ireland have changed and we need policies that reflect this, argues Cormac Healy, Director, Drinks Ireland.
Ireland’s relationship with alcohol is changing and it is the consumer leading the way through a greater demand and desire for moderation.
Younger people in particular are drinking differently, favouring experiences that promote a more balanced lifestyle.
Despite this shift, some still cling to the outdated stereotype of Ireland as a nation of heavy drinkers. They are either unaware or unwilling to see what is really happening. In the last 20 years, per capita alcohol consumption in Ireland is down by around a third.
Falling Consumption Patterns
Looking at how we compare internationally; Irish people now drink less than their counterparts in the UK and also less than the Spanish, French and Germans. In fact, we drink less than 14 other European countries.
The origin of these facts is the OECD, a source rightly trusted by
policymakers worldwide. The impact of this change is evident in the closure of 2,000 pubs since 2005 across Irish towns and villages.
Not only is consumption significantly down, but the evidence suggests binge drinking - while still too high - has also fallen over time, according to the Government-sponsored Healthy Ireland report. The latest figures in the Healthy Ireland Survey, published in November last year, showed that the percentage of the population considered binge drinkers (those consuming the equivalent of three pints on one occasion) dropped from 27% to 24% over the past five years.
Ireland has enacted several policies to regulate alcohol sales, including strict advertising restrictions, the physical separation of alcohol products in retail outlets, the removal of alcohol from sales promotions, minimum unit pricing, and warning labels. Continued progress on moderation and balance will not be achieved by more regulation but by shifting the focus towards education and awareness.
drinks market
Consumers Driving Change
It is consumers who are already making the choices, consumers who are driving change. This is borne out of research conducted by Drinks Ireland with Opinions, the market research company, among consumers, which shows that a majority (61%) say that “the desire to live a more balanced lifestyle” has led to a fall in their consumption of alcohol.
A majority of those same consumers, when asked, say that “Irish people should be trusted to make responsible choices when it comes to their personal consumption of alcohol”. Seven in 10 people (67%) also believed that “when it comes to the consumption of alcohol, we should focus on more education and awareness rather than more regulation”.
This is not so much a call for less regulation, rather it is a result of a changing relationship with alcohol led by consumers who have been reducing their alcohol intake for some time, as these trends predate the introduction of the Public Health Alcohol Act in 2018. This is particularly true among younger people, or Gen Z, who have shown themselves to have a completely different relationship with alcohol than older generations.
Evidence suggests that for many younger people in Ireland, social occasions are centred around conviviality and no longer around alcohol per se.
Research has shown there is now a growing trend among Gen Z about being more mindful as to how they socialise with alcohol. This is what researchers call a desire for “better socialising”, which leads to a “better drinking culture”. Social media is a big driver of this change. The growth of platforms such as TikTok means younger
people hold themselves to social media standards.
The research reveals that pressure from social media also means Gen Zs are keen to get offline when they can. While Gen Z want to capture that perfect Insta post, they also want to make real life connections and memorable experiences.
Having a drink can be part of these experiences, or it cannot. It is rarely, however, the star of the show.
Non-Alcoholic Alternatives on the Rise
Another interesting finding from our research is that “the growing availability of non-alcoholic alternatives” was a factor in reducing consumption for 57% of consumers. Of those who consume non-alcoholic alternatives, only 5% are
Continued progress on moderation and balance will not be achieved by more regulation but by shifting the focus towards education and awareness.
non-drinkers, indicating that the majority still enjoy alcohol but appreciate the option for moderation.
Supporting the marketing and promotion of non-alcoholic products is crucial to promote moderation, especially as these products gain popularity. This support is a key component of Drinks Ireland’s Pride of Place policy document, which outlines strategies to grow the sector, while addressing issues like alcohol misuse. The document, published late last year, calls for sensible policies that acknowledge the new reality of alcohol consumption in Ireland.
As a country, we consume less alcohol and consume it differently. Of course, challenges remain. But rather than reaching for policy options which reflect the world as it was, let’s engage with the new reality and meet the challenges that are there now, together.
Cormac Healy (right), Director of Drinks Ireland, and Pat Rigney, Chairperson of Drinks Ireland and Managing Director and Founder at The Shed Distillery, at the launch of the Pride of Place policy document in Dublin, November 2023.
Consumers are driving changes in Irish drinking culture.
irish whiskey tourism
Whiskey Tourism Boasts 800,000 Visitors
Irish Whiskey distilleries welcomed more than 800,000 visitors through their doors last year, writes Eoin Ó Catháin , Director of the Irish Whiskey Association.
Dfirst published in Ireland 700 years ago?
Did you know Westmeath, while the Old Bushmills Distillery in Co. Antrim has the oldest surviving grant of licence to distil in the world?
Did you know at the turn of the 20 the then-United Kingdom, with the distilleries of Dublin alone producing 10 million gallons of whiskey every year?
Did you know that since 2010, the number of working distilleries on the island of Ireland has grown from just 4 to over 50, with Irish whiskey among the fastest-growing spirit categories worldwide since then?
All this and more can be learnt at a visit to any one of Ireland’s whiskey distillery visitor experiences, now numbering close to 30 and located in every region across the island.
of Skellig Michael, a craggy outpost where monks lived in quiet devotion 11 kilometres from Ireland’s Atlantic coast?
The Cultural Importance of Irish Whiskey
The cultural importance of Ireland’s whiskey sector is being celebrated throughout this year, 700 years since the religious manuscript, the Red Book of Ossory, was published, and where the process of distillation, now revered by so many, was first mentioned.
The Irish Whiskey Association launched https://irishwhiskey360.com in 2021, showcasing the breadth and diversity of Ireland’s whiskey distilleries on one handy site. Ireland’s whiskey distilleries can be found in the towns, cities, villages, and hamlets of the Emerald Isle – but each boasts a unique history and heritage deserving of celebration. Where else would you find a distillery at the heart of Dublin’s “Golden Triangle” of distilling, which enjoyed incredible success from the 18th to 20 th century until a combination of political turmoil, natural disaster and prohibition put paid to Irish Whiskey’s growth? Or indeed the oldest continuously working distillery on the island of Ireland, situated a “stone’s throw” away from the Giant’s Causeway on the North Antrim Coast?
Or a distillery looking onto the ancient monastic island
Irish Whiskey has gone through considerable ups-and-downs in the 700 years that have passed since then, with some of the highand low-lights mentioned here. The story of whiskey is the story of the island of Ireland in many ways – once reserved for the “peers, gentlemen and freemen of larger towns”, then a symbol of rebellion against the British crown (and taxman), becoming one of Ireland’s first and strongest indigenous industries before suffering from years of decline and malaise, then recovering through community and government support.
A Cross-Border Success Story
Irish whiskey is perhaps unique in its cross-border status and support – the Geographical Indication which protects the spirit extends between the Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and the Irish Whiskey Association is proud of its shared membership on both sides of the border.
The recent renaissance of Irish whiskey, however, has seen exponential growth and considerable international success, with exports of this premium product hitting €1 billion in export value in 2022. Central to this growth are the brand homes dotted across the island, who last year welcomed 800,000 visitors through their doors. Their commitment to celebrating Irish heritage, the history of distillation in Ireland and the responsible enjoyment of our premium product exemplifies their passion and enthusiasm. Irish whiskey, and a distillery visit, is something to be savoured with family and friends – and is sure never to be forgotten.
Eoin Ó Catháin, Director, Irish Whiskey Association.
beer market
Beer Market Returns To Normality
Ireland’s beer market has returned to more normal, pre-pandemic trends, explains Jennifer Wallace, Director, Drinks Ireland | Beer.
Drinks Ireland’s annual beer market report for 2023 reflects a return to more normal trends for the Irish beer sector following the turbulent years of the pandemic, with strong recovery of production and sales. The continued strong growth of non-alcohol beer stands out, as consumers of all ages are drinking more moderately and seeking more balance in how they drink. While overall beer sales were down marginally in 2023, nonalcohol beer grew last year by 18%.
In 2023, official Revenue data showed that beer sales decreased by 0.5% following a strong bounce-back in 2022 after the Covid pandemic. There was also a further drop in per capita consumption in 2023, resulting in an almost 11% decrease since 2019. This is in line with the long-term trend of alcohol consumption decline in Ireland, down by 30% in the past 20 years. Per capita alcohol consumption in Ireland is now less than the United Kingdom and most European countries, including Spain, France and Germany.
Based on member data, domestic beer production increased slightly by 1.6% following significant recovery in 2022 when it increased by 110% following major curtailment during the pandemic. However, the production of non-alcohol beer grew substantially, by 50%, as producers responded to the consumer-led demand for this product. Our beer exports grew by more than 11% and reached a value of €330 million in 2023. The industry has a strong ambition for further growth, with significant investments ongoing in capacity, innovation and market development.
Phenomenal Growth of Non-Alcohol Beer
Lager remains the dominant beer category in the Irish market, despite a decrease of 2% to 57.6% of the market. In 2023, stout saw its market share increase by 2.6% to 35.6%. Ale’s market share saw marginally growth to 4.9%. The phenomenal growth seen in the emerging non-alcohol beer category continued in 2023. Nonalcohol (0.0%) beer share is now 2% of market, an almost 100% increase in market share over the last four years.
This growth in non-alcohol products has accelerated even further over recent months through the increased availability of 0.0 alternatives in pubs, restaurants, hotels and in the off trade.
This is on the back of strong consumer-driven demand, linked to the ongoing trend of moderation and consumers seeking balance in their drinking, and supported by brewers through growing availability and awareness with responsible advertising and promotion. It is a positive trend, driven by great innovation amongst drinks producers in delivering high quality non-alcohol alternatives and new offerings that support moderation.
As pointed to in our report, this is a global consumer trend. For example, non-alcoholic products now account for 14% of the beer market in Spain.
Challenges Ahead
Ireland continues to pay the third highest level of excise tax on beer when compared to the other 26 EU member states and the UK, and in the past decade, the Irish beer sector has contributed over €4 billion in excise receipts. On every pint of lager, 55 cents in excise go to the exchequer, and when excise and VAT are combined, €1.68 of every pint is paid to Revenue. Drinks Ireland | Beer continues to call on Government to reduce Irish alcohol excise rates and to move towards EU norms.
With many of the world’s favourite beers brewed here in Ireland, as well as a vibrant craft brewing industry, the drinks industry is committed to a net zero emissions future. Our members are investing heavily in carbon efficient production processes, embracing greener transport, circular packaging solutions and funding regenerative agricultural practices amongst Ireland’s grain growers. The sector needs greater levels of grant support for sustainability investments in brewing, focusing on energy and water efficiency.
Pictured are (l-r): Cormac Healy, Director of Drinks Ireland; Jennifer Wallace, Director, Drinks Ireland | Beer; and Julia Leferman, Secretary General of the Brewers of Europe, at the 39th EBC Congress and 6th edition of The Brewers Forum in Lille, France, 2024.
cider market Supports Needed for Cider Sector to Grow
Ireland’s cider sector is an important part of our drinks market, but needs support from Government to help it thrive, writes Jennifer Wallace, Director, Drinks Ireland | Cider.
Our Irish cider producing members are proud of the communities they support across Ireland, as well as the support they give to farmers, whose apples they buy. They are proud too of the brands they make, and the choice and variety this offers consumers. With this pride of place comes confidence in the future. Drinks Ireland | Cider is confident that, with the right support and policies from Government, the Irish cider industry can continue to grow and thrive.
Drinks Ireland recently published ‘Pride of Place – Policy Priorities for the Growth of the Irish Drinks Industry 2025-2030’.
Market overview
The most recent data available shows sales of almost 53 million litres of cider in 2023. Like other alcohol categories, cider makes a significant contribution to the exchequer, with €50 million worth of excise duty collected in 2023. Over the past decade, cider has generated over half a billion euros in excise receipts.
In 2023, Irish cider exports surged by 11%, reaching €80 million, with the UK accounting for 90% of these exports. At home, cider remains Ireland’s third most
popular alcohol beverage behind beer and wine, and an important component of Ireland’s drinks market.
Sustainability & Excise - Asks and Challenges
The cider industry is embracing sustainability, from innovative cider production practices to advancing the circular economy. However, there is a pressing need for more substantial grant support to enhance sustainability
investments. High excise levels pose a significant challenge, with nearly 28% of the price of a pint of cider going to taxes when combining excise and VAT. Ireland currently has the third-highest cider excise rate in the EU, prompting Drinks Ireland | Cider to advocate for aligning these rates with European averages.
Welcoming Cider Excise Relief Scheme
In 2023, Drinks Ireland | Cider welcomed the introduction of a 50% relief from Alcohol Products Tax (APT) for cider and perry produced by qualifying small producers. This has already shown clear benefits for our craft cider producers, enabling them to invest in distribution, innovation and expansion. We believe that this relief should also be extended to qualifying craft producers of products such as fruitflavoured ciders or intermediate products linked to the category. This move would encourage new entrants into cider making and would support establishing small-scale cideries as they develop.
The Future
The Irish cider industry is resilient and adaptable, and with the right support, it can continue to flourish and contribute to the vibrant landscape of Ireland's beverage sector. Craft cider producers play a pivotal role in the category, contributing to the diversity and innovation that enrich the Irish drinks offering and contribute to rural economic growth. This entrepreneurial spirit should be encouraged.
Drinks Ireland | Cider will continue to support its members in the growth of the cider sector, both nationally and internationally. With a strategic focus on sustainability, fair excise policies, and support for small producers, the Irish cider industry is poised for a bright future, continuing to be a source of pride and economic vitality for Ireland.
Jennifer Wallace, Director, Drinks Ireland | Cider, and Daniel Emerson, Proprietor at Stonewell Cider, pictured at the ‘Pride of Place’ regional event in Cork, April 2024.
Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme: Success in Sustainability
Since going live on February 1, 2024, Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme has seen over 450 million drinks containers returned by consumers, writes Robert Kiernan, Irish Beverage Council, Ibec.
The most significant environmental policy initiative since the introduction of the plastic bag levy more than two decades ago, Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme has introduced a radical change in how beverage producers, retailers and consumers interact with the market.
A ‘Closed-Loop’ Recycling System
A Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) sees a deposit placed on single-use drinks containers, which is then refunded to the consumer when they return their bottles and cans. Consumers are incentivised to bring back their used products, which will lead to a reduction in littering and increased recycling. Unlike traditional recycling methods, a DRS aims to create a ‘closed-loop’ recycling system, allowing the returned material to be recycled into new drinks containers, and contributing to Ireland’s separate collection target for plastic bottles - 77% by 2025, increasing to 90% by 2029.
Under the Irish DRS, plastic PET bottles and aluminium/steel cans are subject to a deposit - 15c on containers up to 500ml, and 25c on containers between 500ml and 3 litres. Consumers can then return these to any participating store or public return point to receive their refunded deposit. With the conclusion of the transition period, only DRS-compliant stock can now be sold in Ireland.
Scheme Performance at a Glance
• Since February 1, over 450 million bottles and cans have been collected.
• Over 2,500 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) have been installed, located across the country.
• By separating plastic and aluminium from general recycling, the quality of the recycled materials jumps to 98% as part of DRS, compared with just 80% in the traditional recycling bin system.
(Note: these figures are correct as of endAugust 2024)
Supporting Local Communities and Charities
Re-turn, operators of the Irish DRS, have recently announced the launch of ‘Return for Children’, a new charity fundraising initiative in partnership with six of Ireland’s children’s charities - Barnardos Ireland, Barretstown, Childline by ISPCC, Jack & Jill, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, and MakeA-Wish Ireland. Working with large-scale events such as festivals, concerts and sporting matches, ‘Return for Children’ will provide attendees at participating events with the option to donate their plastic bottles and cans at designated Re-turn bins for charity. Additionally, increasing numbers of public return points at schools, sports clubs and voluntary groups will provide an important, and direct, source of funding for community-based organisations.
A Leading Example of MultiStakeholder Partnership
Ireland’s combined alcohol and nonalcohol industry, and retailers, led by Ibec’s Irish Beverage Council, have engaged extensively and constructively together with key stakeholders in delivering a successful DRS for Ireland. We continue to remain actively engaged to ensure that the potential of DRS is maximised, including regular engagement with Re-turn, and the introduction of the Scheme’s high-quality recycled material into our production chains.
DRS is the result of active and dynamic partnership across Government, Re-turn, and industry. The Scheme allows the entire beverage chain, from producer to retailer and through to the consumer, the opportunity to play their part in increasing recycling, reducing litter, and building a more circular economy.
About the author
Robert Kiernan is Director of the Irish Beverage Council, the dedicated representative body of the nonalcohol beverage industry in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
IBC is part of Food Drink Ireland, and is one of 39 individual sectoral trade association operated by Ibec. For more information on the IBC, or if your business is interested in becoming a member, please contact robert.kiernan@ ibec.ie, or visit fooddrinkireland.ie
Divergence Remains a Key Concern
Eight years on from the Brexit vote, regulatory divergence remains a key challenge going forward, writes Aoife Moran, Senior Regulatory Affairs Executive, FDI.
June 2024 marked eight years since the British public voted to leave the European Union, sending shockwaves across the remaining 27 Member States, and setting in motion the process of detangling decades worth of integrated trade structures and regulations. There followed four years of negotiations, delays and parliamentary votes, before Boris Johnson “got Brexit done” and the UK’s EU Withdrawal Bill became law in January 2020.
The formal withdrawal kickstarted an intensive 11-month transition period, after which time the UK left the EU single market and customs union. Many across the Irish food industry expressed fears about the possibility of significant disruption to trade, directly to the UK but also to central Europe, as an island nation relying heavily on the UK land-bridge to reach this key market. So, three years on, we explore what Brexit has meant for Irish businesses and what challenges remain.
The Bord Bia export figures published in January 2022, one year after Brexit, showed Irish agri-food exports to the UK at €4.4 billion, down to 33% of total exports from 37% in 2016.1 However, this decline was marginal in value terms when compared against export figures from 2020. Since then, there has been steady growth in exports, with the UK remaining the single largest destination for Irish goods valued at €5.6 billion in 2023 and representing 34% of our exports. 2
New Import Requirements
For Irish businesses, exporting to Great Britain changed irrevocably on January 1, 2021. The free trade flows once enjoyed between Ireland and its nearest neighbour have now been replaced by new import requirements that Food Business Operators (FBOs) must navigate. Some of these requirements include new engagement with government organisations and agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Revenue, and the Health Service Executive, as well as with systems such as the European Commission’s Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES).
On the UK side, the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) sets out new import security controls for businesses importing goods into Great Britain, and again requires similar engagements with various UK government departments and agencies. Following a number of delays, these changes are taking place in a graduated manner, mitigating significant disruptions, and allowing for wrinkles to be somewhat ironed out.
Notwithstanding this phased approach, some challenges remain. The movement of samples for research and testing, for example, is proving difficult and the introduction of physical border control posts along Great Britain’s west coast in the coming months may present some initial challenges. However, despite these teething problems, industry has generally remained agile and adapted to the changes.
All-island Trade
Trade on the island of Ireland is critical for the Irish food sector and was a key consideration during the Brexit negotiations. The initial Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, and the subsequent Windsor Framework introduced in 2023, have allowed Northern Ireland to remain in the UK customs territory, while at the same time benefitting from access to the EU Single Market for the movement of goods. 3 Critically, the Windsor Framework allows the continued free movement of goods between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The continued growth of exports and the industry’s ability to adapt to a changing landscape is undoubtedly positive. However, against this backdrop is an ever-changing regulatory landscape that is continuing to diverge as we move further from ‘Brexit day’. The impact of regulatory barriers to trade is likely to be felt more acutely into the future as both the European Union and the UK authorities forge ahead with significant regulatory changes.
Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act
Last year, the UK government held on to the majority of the EU’s regulations through the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act. However, each legislative development since this date widens the regulatory gap between both regions. In the European Union, FBOs are facing significant changes in relation to the framework for contaminants in food, and a recast of the food contact materials regulations, as well as the introduction of a raft of new packaging regulations to be rolled out as part of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Meanwhile, the UK could possibly lead the way on new genomic techniques, thanks to the Precision Breeding Act passed in 2023.⁴
References:
regulatory affairs
The UK’s exit from Europe also meant a break away from existing structures such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the development of new national methods for risk analysis and management. Government agencies such as the Food Standards Agency and bodies such as the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) are now instrumental in these decision-making processes. However, it is unclear whether there will be alignment between the EU and the UK’s approach to regulation, and more crucially, it is likely that there will be gaps in the decision-making and implementation periods.
The impact of these changes will require FBOs operating in both EU and UK markets to ensure that they are monitoring and complying with two separate regulatory structures. However, the real challenges arise when these two structures become incompatible. Plans to introduce either mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling in the EU, or ‘Not for EU’ labelling in the UK, for example, would place significant financial burdens on FBOs operating across both regions. Businesses face the prospect of manufacturing the same products using different labelling and packing lines, and possibly using different routes to market.
Although we have seen exports rise and have ambitions to grow exports to the UK in the future, the ripples from the shockwaves the Brexit vote sent across Europe are still being felt eight years on. This new divergent regulatory environment has created a tension for businesses who must now strike a balance between harmonisation and simplified trade within the EU Single Market, whilst also retaining alignment with our nearest neighbour and largest trading partner. From an Irish business perspective, we must hope that, to paraphrase Carl Jung, this great tension will indeed lead to great potential.
The divergent regulatory environment post-Brexit has created a tension for businesses who must now strike a balance between harmonisation and simplified trade within the EU Single Market, whilst also retaining alignment with our nearest neighbour and largest trading partner.
healthy heroes Healthy Heroes Lunch Club Turns 10!
The Healthy Heroes Lunch Club has been helping primary schoolchildren to learn about nutrition for a decade.
This year, ‘Healthy Heroes’, one of Ireland’s leading primary school nutrition programmes, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary! Healthy Heroes was created by teachers and behaviour change experts, with the support of Dr Mary McCreery, clinical specialist in Dietetics and Human Nutrition.
Leading Primary School Nutrition Programme
The Healthy Heroes Lunch Club is sponsored by the Irish Bread Bakers Association (IBBA), and proudly supported by Bord Bia. It is now one of Ireland’s leading primary school nutrition programmes, with over 600 schools across the country taking part in the programme annually, a number that has steadily grown since it began a decade ago.
The Healthy Heroes Lunch Club has a holistic approach and offers an opportunity for children to come together and enjoy healthy food and physical activity in a social setting. It fosters leadership, teamwork and communication skills among older children, and running a lunch club can also contribute towards the Active School
Flag. Not only this, but the Healthy Heroes Lunch Club fits into the Primary School SPHE Curriculum for 5th and 6th class in the Republic of Ireland and Themes for Personal Development and Mutual Understanding in Key Stage 2 in Northern Ireland strands.
How it Works
During lunch time, the club meet to eat together, and nutrition is addressed informally through teacher-led discussion. Using peer-to-peer learning, 6th class / P7 pupils can help their peers and younger children to improve their eating habits and increase their fitness levels through various lunchtime activities. They are given the chance to take over and run the activities, building on those suggested in the Healthy Heroes Lunch Club pack and develop their own club games. There is also a ‘School of the Month’ competition for participating schools, to showcase the progress achieved and the activities run by some of the lunch clubs.
This year, as part of the celebration of Healthy Heroes Lunch Club ‘turning 10’, there was an enhanced Healthy Heroes presence at the Bord Bia Bloom 2024 festival in the Phoenix Park. For its second year at Bord Bia Bloom, Healthy Heroes teamed up with personality Sarah Morrissey to host fun ‘get moving’ sessions at the ‘Budding Bloomers Kids’ Zone’ area. The interactive on-stage sessions were enjoyed by many children who participated in the activities, along with their school-mates and families. These fun activities were inspired by some of the ‘get moving’ elements of the Healthy Heroes programme.
Sarah Morrissey hosted fun ‘get moving’ sessions at the ‘Budding Bloomers
The first 10 years of the Healthy Heroes Lunch Club programme have seen great success in schools all across the country, inspiring children to be more active and make healthier food choices, which creates a real impact on their lives and results in building better habits for the future.
Further information on the Healthy Heroes Lunch Club is available through the Irish Bread Bakers Association website at irishbread.ie
Kids’ Zone’at Bord Bia Bloom.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara
BIM: Providing The Right Support For Seafood
Supporting Ireland’s seafood industry to overcome challenges and seize opportunities are the key priorities for Bord Iascaigh Mhara in 2024 and beyond, explains Caroline Bocquel, CEO, BIM.
Caroline Bocquel is Chief Executive of Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency. She oversees the development of the Irish seafood sector, valued at €1.2 billion in 2023, by building on its natural advantages, commitment to sustainable fishing and the development of a high quality aquaculture and seafood processing sector. She leads a team of some 140 staff in six main coastal locations in Ireland.
How has the Irish seafood sector performed over the last year?
“The latest Business of Seafood report published by BIM, confirmed that 2023 was a very challenging period as the significant and permanent implications of Brexit begin to bite. The 2.9% decline in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 2022 was largely because of the reduction in mackerel and prawn quota, as well as a decrease in foreign landings and a tough year for salmon aquaculture.
Inflationary and cost of living pressures, coupled with the fact that Ireland is competing in a global market, are enormously difficult challenges that require a collective effort to overcome.
“In 2023, the Brexit Adjustment Reserve provided significant relief from the impacts of these quota reductions through the liquidity schemes in particular, but there is no doubt that in 2024 the longterm impacts of Brexit have been brought into stark focus.
“BIM’s role is to support the sector in navigating these challenges; to look for opportunities and to help our clients achieve more, and to be rewarded more for their efforts. We do this through providing services that are needed and expected along the coast, as well as providing economic data, analysis and advice to the leaders in our sector to ensure that we get the best possible return for Ireland.
“We should start to see the benefits of the unprecedented level
of capital investment made in 2023 over the next year. Lowering operational costs through investment in energy efficiency and world class production system modernisations are starting to result in new products and innovations from many of our processing companies.
“Over the last few months, BIM has redefined our business development services, ensuring companies have the market intelligence they need to be certain they are buying at the best prices, have insight into new markets and are amongst the first to have access to new technologies and innovations to give them competitive advantage. There is significant opportunity to grow the domestic market and an ambitious approach to this is long overdue. We will continue to partner with these companies to ensure they are getting the supports that they need to be competitive and to reposition themselves in a post-Brexit marketplace.”
How is the seafood sector responding to the new market dynamics post-pandemic?
“Consumption of seafood in Ireland increased by 9% to €515 million in 2023, driven mainly by inflation for fresh and frozen seafood, and ambient product. The seafood foodservice sector grew by 13% in 2023 to €189 million, just 3% off its peak in 2019. However, the market is still undergoing much change. European markets experienced a boom in 2022 post-pandemic, driven by demand for high-value products, leading to price increases.
“Ireland performed reasonably well, maintaining strong export prices for its organic salmon. Despite biological challenges in 2023, Irish organic salmon remained the number one export by value. Although there was an increase in blue whiting landings due to a substantial quota boost in 2023, these were predominantly processed domestically into fish meal due to their smaller size
grades. Additionally, processors reported a scarcity of non-Irish pelagic landings throughout the year.
“Shellfish faced a downturn in the latter half of 2023 due to unmet high demand expectations from 2022, compounded by inflationary pressures and full store inventories until late 2023. Market improvement has been noted in 2024 as inventory levels begin to clear.
“Oysters had a strong start in 2023 with the reopening of the Chinese market, but a market surplus at Christmas, and fading post-Covid demand, continued to impact the sector into 2024. High-end packed oysters are performing well, but the bulk market remains challenging, with growers being unable to move significant volumes of product.”
How has the industry responded to the various BIM- administered schemes, including the Brexit Adjustment Reserve?
“The most important role BIM performed in 2023 was administering a range of vital support schemes under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve with a total value of €146 million. The unprecedented financial support went to 14 schemes recommended by the Seafood Taskforce, established by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD. Development schemes in seafood processing, aquaculture and the blue economy amounted to combined investment of €98 million in the sector in 2023.
“In addition to the difficult decision made by 39 Irish-registered fishing vessel owners to decommission, these schemes have supported the development and restructuring of the seafood industry to make it as sustainable and profitable as possible and to help create and sustain jobs and economic activity in our coastal communities.”
What can be done to attract new entrants to work in the sector?
“Having an agile, skilled workforce is essential for ensuring the seafood industry can retain and attract talent for long-term success. Last year, BIM responded to that need, launching its ambitious new skills strategy, The Next Wave 2023-2028. The strategy offers a road map to attract more people into this dynamic and ambitious sector, developing clear career paths for
Bord Iascaigh Mhara
current and future generations and building partnerships with others who can help us to grow the talent in the seafood sector.
“The strategy, boosted by an additional €5 million in funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine over its lifetime, recognises that while traditional skills remain important and at the core of the training BIM provides, new skills reflecting recent technology advancements, regulations and market demands are required.”
What is BIM’s vision for the sector?
“Working collaboratively as a partner with industry and other stakeholders is the cornerstone of BIM’s work and strategy. We are supporting the seafood sector to innovate and grow its overall value, with a clear focus on sustainability. As an organisation, we are fully committed to working with the seafood sector to help it develop and grow its businesses in a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable manner.
“The seafood sector remains a vital element of the State’s coastal communities. A total of 15,673 people are employed in the sector, through a combination of direct and indirect employment. There are also 1,988 registered fishing vessels, 282 aquaculture sites, and 103 seafood processors.
“Sustainably developing the sector remains our priority to help strengthen the quality assurance of Irish seafood products and sustain coastal communities for generations to come.”
Caroline Bocquel, CEO, BIM.
packaging: MCP
Smartening Your Supply Chain
Mid Cork Pallets & Packaging are helping their customers to increase competitiveness, reduce costs and improve performance via their comprehensive suite of pallet manufacturing, packaging and warehousing solutions.
Supply chains have become increasingly turbulent in recent years, as external factors wreak havoc on the normal workings of the world, from global pandemics to wars. Add in price increases, port congestion, manufacturing delays, political unrest etc. and the result is supply chains becoming ever more unreliable. While customers may be able to adapt in the short term, over a longer term this has definite impacts on competitiveness. As a result, businesses are forced to examine their supply chain and make competitive gains where feasible, including enhancing efficiencies, reducing costs and making incremental gains to improve overall performance.
To date, many Irish customers have made improvements to their efficiency and their bottom line by partnering with a company like Mid Cork Pallets & Packaging (MCP). Headquartered in Clondrohid, Co. Cork, MCP comprises over 700,000 square feet (and expanding) of pallet manufacturing, packaging and warehousing solutions, as well as generating electricity. With two sites, their main Cork HQ and a second site in Meath, MCP are strategically positioned to service customers with their supply chain solutions, which enables customers to source pallets and packaging and store warehoused items all from one location. In effect, MCP become a ‘one stop shop’ for each of their customers.
So, how can MCP achieve this? “As an independent supplier to many companies in the food and beverage, e-commerce, pharmaceutical and
manufacturing industries, we are passionate about collaborating closely with our customers to deliver tailored pallet, packaging and warehousing solutions by leveraging our agility and stock-and-serve model to swiftly meet evolving customer requirements,” explains Aidan Harty, Managing Director of MCP. “Our dedicated team work with our customers to create solutions that improve product protection, while also increasing efficiencies, reducing costs and enhancing customer experiences.”
Largest Pallet Offering
Boasting one of the largest pallet offerings in Ireland, MCP are renowned for producing the highest quality pallets across the country, manufactured with industry-leading precision, offering a wide range of sizes, designs etc., ranging from wooden pallets to EPAL pallets, from customised pallets and crates to second-hand pallets. MCP have recently introduced their third automated pallet manufacturing machine to offer customers greater choice of pallet and timber crates. This new machine enables MCP to surpass their current manufacturing capabilities of producing approximately 12,000 pallets daily and nearly 3.2 million pallets per annum.
Leading Corrugated Packaging Provider
In order to protect their customers’ goods in transit, MCP are the leading singlesource corrugated packaging partner for many Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This can often prove a very convoluted process, from type of box to printing types, lead times etc., for businesses, particularly
MCP can produce more than 12,000 pallets daily and nearly 3.2 million pallets per annum.
SMEs, which is why so many customers rely on experts such as MCP, who provide a full design and prototyping service in-house, through to manufacturing, storage, distribution and more recently fulfilment of Corrugated, Solid Board and Carton Board packaging. In fact, MCP currently supply over 10,000 different packaging products.
Distribution, Stock Management & Warehousing
Many customers have really seen the benefit of MCP’s supply chain solution through the warehousing solution they offer customers, including nationwide distribution. Since 2022, MCP started offering their existing customers a thirdparty warehousing option, a side of the business that has expanded ten-fold in the last two years.
From their six purpose-built storage and distribution warehouses (and with further warehouses on the way), MCP pride themselves on offering their customers a first-class stock-holding and nationwide pallet distribution service, with regular up-to-date stock reports, including a full stock level management service. Furthermore, the company has now expanded its BRCGS certification to include the storage and distribution of Food Grade and Non-Food Grade packaging and third-party warehousing of ambient food, packaging and consumer products. This has proved hugely popular with their customer base.
“We found that our customers’ expansion was being hindered as a result of supply chain issues, greater stock holding at their own premises etc.,” explains Aidan. “This is where MCP’s business excels, enabling our customers to expand their operations and hold a greater amount of stock onsite in MCP. This, combined with their other supply chain requirements, of pallets and packaging, can be delivered in less than 24 hours.
“Incorporating smarter supply chains and technologies not only boosts efficiency for our customers but also helps them make better informed decisions, reducing costs and creating a more resilient, responsive, and competitive business.”
Investment in Sustainability
In order for MCP to help streamline their customers’ supply chain, they firstly had to review their own operations and in recent years have seen the company invest in a number of continuous improvement projects, including implementation of a new management information system, warehouse management system and
packaging: MCP
MCP’s headquarters in Clondrohid, Co. Cork, offers over 700,000 square feet of pallet manufacturing, packaging and warehousing solutions.
maintenance and spare parts ordering system, alongside the adoption of several lean manufacturing features. MCP have also invested heavily in their sites and are in the process of building another two warehouses.
Other investments include the commissioning of one of Ireland’s first Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants. The CHP plant is powered by biomass, which is a biproduct from their pallet manufacturing operations, helping MCP use 13,000 tonnes less carbon per year and generating 1.3 megawatts of green electricity per hour. This electricity is supplied directly to the national grid and can power the needs of up to 1,300 homes.
Enhancing a supply chain requires a comprehensive approach, including building strong relationships, integrating technology, optimising processes and focusing on sustainability. By implementing these strategies, businesses can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and build a more resilient and agile supply chain.
Outstanding Customer Service
With a strong emphasis on quality, sustainability and customer satisfaction, MCP continue to lead the market and set standards for excellence. Whether it’s through their high-quality products, sustainable practices or community involvement, MCP exemplifies a forwardthinking approach.
At the core of MCP’s business is their dedication to outstanding customer service, with a singular focus to help their customers protect what matters most –whether that’s protecting their products, safeguarding their supply chain, optimising costs or promoting sustainability, MCP are committed to supporting the success and growth of their customers’ business. “Our unique business model reflects our commitment to excellence and outstanding customer service,” concludes Aidan. “We provide expertise and solutions, while keeping things simple, clear and concise.”
InterTradeIreland
Breaking Down the Borders to Trade
InterTradeIreland have a range of fully funded and flexible supports to help food and drink companies to grow their trade crossborder, writes Colin
McCabrey, Director of Trade, InterTradeIreland.
The importance of all-island trade to the food and drink sector has never been more apparent.
Since 2021, cross border trade in food and beverages has increased from €2.6 billion to €3.8 billion – and continues to grow.
A recent report by research body ESRI has highlighted its significance to the all-island economy. Close to a quarter of goods going from Ireland to Northern Ireland are in the food and beverages category, while 27% of all goods exported from Northern Ireland to Ireland are in the sector. The numbers speak for themselves.
It’s a strong market for good reason. In terms of policy, both jurisdictions prioritise supporting domestic firms to export, and often the easiest step to take into exporting is the cross-border market. It’s a great testing ground and a foundation to exporting off-island.
The Broader Benefits of CrossBorder Trade
The benefits also go far beyond individual businesses. Trading as a food and drink business cross-border contributes to the wider all-island economy. Plus, by working together across the island, it also bolsters food security and sustainability. Furthermore, not only does access to more localised production help to reduce carbon emissions by lessening reliance on imported goods, it also helps strengthen supply chains across the island.
For assistance to begin the crossborder journey, the first place to turn to is InterTradeIreland. We are the all-island economic development agency that connects and helps businesses across the island to trade cross-border, collaborate, innovate and attract investment.
With 25 years’ experience of working alongside businesses of every size in every county on the island of Ireland, our trade, innovation and entrepreneurship pathways help businesses to access funding,
advice, experts and networks across the island to maximise their exports, productivity and growth.
To date, we have supported over 57,000 businesses and generated €1.8 billion /£1.6 billion in business development value. Set up under the Good Friday Agreement, as one of the cross-border bodies, collaboration is central to our values. We work in partnership with business groups and economic agencies from across the island.
We support a wide range of sectors,
Pictured at the Ploughing Championships in Co. Laois with staff from InterTradeIreland is Kate O’Donnell from O’Donnells Crisps in Tipperary.
including engineering, agri-food, manufacturing and tradable services. In fact, over the past three years alone, over 450 businesses from the food and drink sector across the island have benefitted from our supports and services.
Agile and Flexible Supports
We help non-exporting, first time exporters, experienced and advanced exporters at whatever stage of the journey they are on. Our programmes are designed with businesses at the forefront. Our supports are agile and flexible to meet individual business needs. They are very easy to access and available at no cost.
We work alongside businesses to help them research, plan and implement their ambitions. Is there a demand for your product? Who are your competitors? How does their price point compare? Do you have the team in place to scale up? Could innovation help increase production? How can you most efficiently get your goods to market? Are there any customs or regulatory matters that you need to consider? We ask the questions and provide the specialist support and advice to help businesses to come up with a clear picture and vision that allows them to take the next step forward.
Key Case Study
A great example of a company that has grown its market in Northern Ireland with our support is Key Ingredients from Annacotty, outside Limerick. The company provides food ingredient solutions and seasoning blends to food manufacturers and wholesalers across the island and
beyond. Key Ingredients availed of InterTradeIreland’s Acumen programme that provides funding for a sales person in Northern Ireland.
“We have great products and InterTradeIreland’s Acumen programme was very successful for us,” explains Kieran Chambers, Financial Controller at Key Ingredients. “It enabled us to use local knowledge to open up more sales opportunities in Northern Ireland and to follow up more leads. Our business has grown as a result. I would highly recommend it.”
As well as initiatives like Acumen, we also have a trade hub, to help firms trade efficiently and confidently between Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britian. It essentially helps to de-risk decision-making for businesses. For example, we understand that managing supply chain ingredients between Ireland and GB can be difficult. Our trade hub includes a new trade health check with bespoke 1:1 advice and support, as we understand that’s what some businesses require.
Monitoring the Market
At InterTradeIreland, we are agile and actively listen to businesses. Every quarter, through our all-island Business Monitor, we interview 750 SMEs about their business position, the challenges they are facing and topical questions. As a result, we are also building on our supply chain offerings. We know that being able to source products locally makes a business more resilient. We provide a sourcing service to help
businesses identify and build trading relationships with potential new suppliers throughout the island.
Our help extends beyond trading crossborder, we also help businesses to innovate cross-border too. A lot of small companies are family businesses, particularly in the food and drinks sector and might not have the time and the capacity to innovate, which is where InterTradeIreland can assist.
We link up businesses with academics from the opposite jurisdiction. Often this brings a fresh perspective and both parties come without pre-conceived ideas. We can also help fund a suitable academic professional or industry specialist to work with an SME to explore innovative solutions to business challenges or innovative techniques to develop an idea further.
For instance, a food company might need support to grow their sales, while being keenly aware of the need to be competitive in the cross-border market. The company might need some help to refine their product or their packaging, to become more innovative or more sustainable. We also know from our work on the ground with food businesses that the tastes of the younger generations are a lot more individual. There is more scope for innovation than ever before.
Visit www.intertradeireland.com or contact us via our Trade enquiry form https://intertradeireland.com/salesgrowth/trade-enquiry to find out more about how InterTradeIreland supports businesses in the food and drink sector to reach their full potential across the island.
InterTradeIreland has launched a new supply chain and sourcing service. Pictured are (l-r): Aidan Doherty, MOAT Consultants; Caroline Sweeney, InterTradeIreland; Siobhan Caulfield, InterTradeIreland; Margaret Dineen, Blue Sky Food Consulting; and Aidan Farnan, MOAT Consultants.
Key Ingredients from Co. Limerick, who provide food ingredient solutions and seasoning blends to food manufacturers and wholesalers across the island and beyond, availed of InterTradeIreland’s Acumen programme.
Tempting Tastebuds at Balmoral
The 2024 Balmoral Show was the biggest food and agricultural event in Northern Ireland, where Invest NI hosted 60 retail and foodservice buyers, who tasted the best food and drink from more than 100 Northern Ireland-based companies.
Over one hundred Northern Ireland based food and drink companies tantalised the taste buds of key retail buyers and food writers within the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Pavilion at the recent 155th annual Balmoral Show, the biggest food and agricultural event in Northern Ireland.
The Balmoral show this year had the largest-ever attendance in its history, with over 120,000 people flocking to the Eikon Exhibition Centre over four days, according to show organisers, the Royal Agricultural Society.
Innovative Local Brands
Local brands showcasing innovative ranges included Howell House, Tayto, Punjana, Long Meadow Cider, Ballylisk of Armagh, White’s, Bro Coffee, The Krazi Baker, Melting Pot Fudge, Cloughbane Farm, Glastry Farm Ice Cream, Marshall Beekeeping, Papa’s Mineral Company, Morellis, Linwoods, Irish Black Butter, Fluffy Meringue, Kettyle Irish Foods, Lecale Harvest and Gold and Browne’s.
The NI Drinks Area returned due to popular demand in celebration of excellent local beer, cider, gin and whiskey producers, including Long Meadow Cider, Basalt Distillery, Shortcross Gin, Wild Atlantic Distillery, Copeland Distillery and Black Arch Distillery.
NI Food & Drink Pavilion
Invest NI’s Business Development team hosted 60 retail and food service buyers, as well as food writers from Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, on visits to the NI Food & Drink Pavilion, coordinated annually by food and drink membership organisation, Food NI.
“Invest NI hosted 60 buyers, predominantly from the Republic of Ireland, along with a group of visiting food writers,” says Jen Guiney, Invest NI Business Development Manager in the Republic of Ireland. “Our guests enjoyed fabulous pre-show hospitality from chef/owner Niall McKenna in Waterman Restaurant in Belfast’s cathedral quarter and from co-owner Niall Davis at Marcels on Belfast’s Belmont Road, as well as a Northern Ireland showcase breakfast, followed by a private viewing of the food pavilion on the first day of the show.
“This type of event supports our role, which is to broker mutually beneficial and profitable business relationships between Northern Ireland companies and retailers and foodservice operators in the Republic of Ireland.”
Explore more on buynifood.com or contact jen.guiney@investni.com
Pictured at the 155th annual Balmoral Show are (l-r): Drew McIvor, Invest NI; Kate O’Driscoll and David Mullin, Lidl Ireland; and Jen Guiney, Invest NI.
Invest NI’s Food & Drink Business Development Team, (l-r): Drew McIvor, Shauna Magill-Fegan, Michelle Charrington and Jen Guiney, pictured in the Food and Drink Pavilion at the Balmoral Show.
We work with NI producers to help identify new trends, bring forward innovative products and grow their business.
Northern Ireland.
Bringing our world-class food and drink to your table.
When you source food and drink from Northern Ireland you can be sure of its pure, natural, quality. That’s why Invest Northern Ireland’s Food and Drink division works with local producers to help them take their products around the world. Whether it’s helping companies to find new markets in the Republic of Ireland, or working with UK supply chains to drive new sales, Invest NI partners with our local producers to help them identify new trends, bring forward innovative products and grow their business.
Learn how you can serve our quality food and drink.
Northern Ireland. Altogether more.
Grand
Free Online Food Safety Training from safefood
With almost two thirds of food businesses ‘extremely concerned’ about the impact of a poor food safety audit or enforcement on their business, safefood encourages small food businesses to sign up to its free food safety e-learning training tool.
Safefood, the all island agency, is encouraging small food businesses to sign up to its free food safety e-learning training toolsafefoodforbusiness.com - as research reveals almost two in three (64%) small food businesses say they are extremely concerned about the impact of a poor food safety audit or enforcement on their business.
The research conducted by Ipsos B&A for safefood also found just under half (45%) of food businesses claim that ‘food safety and ensuring compliance with regulations’ is their top priority. While the majority (72%) of food business owners/managers believed they are very knowledgeable about food safety, only 52% feel that their staff are very knowledgeable about the issue.
Free, Flexible Online Training
“We know that running a food business comes with a long list of to-do’s and that training can often go on the backburner due to competing demands,” acknowledges Trish Twohig, Director of Food Safety with safefood. “More than half (58%) of the businesses who took part in our survey said that finding time for training was the biggest challenge for them when it came to staff training. The cost of training was the next biggest challenge for more than one in three food businesses (39%). To help with that, we’ve created safefoodforbusiness.com. It’s free, flexible and all online to meet the needs of food business owners and managers.
“When we looked at those who access the training at safefoodforbusiness.com, more than two in three (67%) are learners from the food retail or catering industry followed by almost one in five (17%) in education and 14% working in food or feed processing and production,” Trish continues.
“With more than 3,000 unique users already, this reflects the real demand that’s out there among food business owners and managers to provide training that’s commensurate with the demands of their staff.”
Practical Training Modules
The safefoodforbusiness.com site has been designed to be practical for small food businesses and uses short training modules with real-life scenarios. Because managers and small-business owners can track staff progress while training, it is ideal both for new staff as part of their induction process, as well as re-training staff returning to the industry or as a refresher training.
Steven Orr from Bodega Bagels is the head of a local food business in Belfast which has used safefoodforbusiness.com as a tool for maintaining food safety standards: “I understand the challenges of ensuring food safety while managing a busy
operation. Having access to this free and comprehensive food safety e-learning tool has helped us maintain our commitment to food safety standards across the business.”
To sign up for free, visit www.safefoodforbusiness.com
Trish Twohig, Director of Food Safety with safefood.
Steven Orr from Bodega Bagels, Belfast.
Unlocking Efficiency: Data Acquisition & Automation with Bonner
The food and dairy industry are experiencing a digital transformation, and Bonner are at the forefront, providing essential tools to eliminate inefficiencies and maximise productivity.
The team at Bonner understand the unique challenges faced by food and dairy facilities that still rely on manual processes and isolated data. These outdated methods limit real-time insights, reducing optimisation efforts and leading to costly inefficiencies.
Transforming Data into Actionable Insights
Bonner enable you to unlock the full potential of your data. Their systems offer real-time and post-recording visualisation and analysis, turning raw data into user-friendly, actionable insights. This empowers you to make datadriven decisions that drive business growth and operational excellence.
Why Upgrade & Automate?
• Streamline Workflows: Identify and eliminate bottlenecks to ensure smooth production runs and facility-wide integration.
• Maximise Equipment Uptime: Improve area efficiency and minimise production losses, ultimately boosting Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Predictive Maintenance: Implement strategies to address potential problems before they arise, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
• Data-Driven Manufacturing: Using acquired data, detailed BI reporting can be integrated to assist with Enterprise, ESG, and cybersecurity reporting and alert requirements.
Bonner specialise in implementing systems that seamlessly integrate with your existing infrastructure. Their expertise extends beyond data acquisition and includes:
• Advanced SCADA Systems: Centralised monitoring and control for enhanced operational oversight.
• DCS and MES Implementations: For more complex operations, these systems enhance efficiency, safety, and quality control, particularly in food and dairy manufacturing facilities.
A Proven History of Success
For over four decades, Bonner have been trusted partners for businesses seeking digital transformation. Their commitment to clients goes beyond compliance; they work to ensure you achieve peak efficiency, exceptional product quality, and a futureproof, digitised factory floor.
Speak to the team at Bonner about data acquisition and automation processes and start your business transformation journey today. See www.bonner.ie for more information.
ingredients: Camida Providing the Vital Ingredient to Better Productivity
Camida recently helped a dairy co-op to improve efficiency and enhance the quality of its milk powder.
One of Camida’s clients is a dairy co-op that had major concerns around productivity and inefficiencies in their milk production process. Typically, when whole milk is delivered to a dairy from a farm, it is evaporated in order to boil off most of the water content and produce milk powder. One of the main reasons behind evaporation is that it makes storage and transportation of the milk easier and more efficient.
The next step in the process is the drying of the resultant milk powder. This is where the client was experiencing difficulties, with the length of time it was taking to complete the drying process to the quality they desired pushing the costs of production up, particularly when it came to energy usage.
Camida’s Solution
To help accelerate the drying process of the dairy co-op client’s milk powder without sacrificing quality, Camida recommended and supplied lecithin. This versatile ingredient helped improve the milk powder production process by increasing the dispersibility of the milk powder. As it is an emulsifying agent, lecithin enhanced the flowing ratio, thereby shortening the time taken to convert the liquid milk to powdered form.
In terms of quality, lecithin improved the application characteristics of the milk powder, making it more easily dissolvable, allowing it to have better consistency and to be more durable. According to the Japanese Ministry of Health, milk powder with lecithin incorporated as one of the ingredients is a sure sign of quality.
The Results
Incorporating lecithin into the milk powder drying process has significantly reduced the dairy’s costs associated with drying their milk powder product and enables the client to focus their resources on increasing productivity and delivering better revenue growth.
This move has also boosted their sustainability credentials. With lecithin being a non-GMO product extracted from natural seeds such as soybean, sunflower and rapeseed, it is completely organic and ideal for food industry usage going forward.
“At Camida, we are committed to sourcing and supplying exceptional-quality products and personalised strategies that deliver real value and support our clients’ business strategy and growth,” explains Donal O’Neill, Ingredients Sales Manager at Camida.
About Camida
Camida is a customer service-driven supplier of specialised products to the Ingredient, Life Science and Industrial sectors globally. Established in 1988, Camida has built strong relationships with key suppliers and industry leaders from all over the world.
The expert team consists of technical Sourcing, Quality and Logistics specialists that solve complex problems and answer over 3,000 enquiries annually.
To find out more, please contact Ingredients Sales Manager; Donal O’Neill.
Email: donal.oneill @ camida.com
Tel: +353 87 7060774
Donal O’Neill, Ingredients Sales Manager at Camida.
Camida are committed to sourcing and supplying exceptional-quality products and personalised strategies that deliver real value.
Y O U R
S E A R C H I S
O V E R
Camida’s Ingredients division supply product, service and technical solutions to the food, beverage and feed sectors.
Tap into our global network and over 35 years experience in sourcing specialised raw materials from our diverse range of Principal partners.
Three Key Roles:
1 Supply - Camida has carefully created, developed and continues to maintain strong relationships with Principal suppliers, to supply a wide range of quality products.
Sourcing - With over 35 years experience in global supply and over 400 suppliers worldwide, Camida are uniquely equipped to meet high quality raw material procurement needs.
2. Vendor Reduction - Camida constantly work to improve efficiencies and reduce costs through vendor reductions and customised distribution.
3 We understand your needs, we provide solutions, above all, we exceed your expectations.
For more information, please contact Donal O’ Neill, Sales Manager Ingredients division: donal.oneill@camida.com +353 87 7060774 / www.camida.com
Safeguarding Your Water Supply
Optimised digital Memosens sensors from Endress+Hauser enable continuous disinfection measurement.
Disinfection processes are set to become increasingly important in the future in light of current challenges such as climate change, water shortages and population growth. The new generation of Endress+Hauser disinfection sensors with Memosens 2.0 technology helps both the water management sector and industry to overcome these challenges and safeguard a clean water supply for the future.
In contrast to the frequently used DPD measuring method, amperometric sensors can output measured values continuously and instantly. Endress+Hauser disinfection sensors for chlorine dioxide, free chlorine, total chlorine, free bromine and ozone make use of this amperometric measuring principle.
“This real-time measurement enables our partners and customers to react immediately to process changes and thus improve dosing of the disinfectant, thereby saving costs,” reveals Johannes Kienle, Product Manager at Endress+Hauser Liquid Analysis.
This is a special feature of the chlorine sensors as it is often difficult for these sensors to deliver reliable measurements after longer periods in which no chlorine is present. “They fall asleep, so to speak,” Johannes notes. “Endress+Hauser chlorine sensors, on the other hand, remain alert and are not deactivated, even after periods where there is no chlorine. They start to measure immediately once chlorine is present.”
The new generation of Endress+Hauser disinfection sensors with Memosens 2.0 technology can output measured values continuously and instantly.
Ready for Industry 4.0
Memosens technology has been revolutionising liquid analysis. Digital Memosens sensors can be easily and quickly replaced with pre-calibrated sensors directly in the field via a plug-in connection. They convert the measured value into a robust digital signal and transmit it inductively, irrespective of moisture or other environmental influences.
Enhanced Memosens 2.0 technology unlocks even more potential from measured data by storing significantly more data. This means that the new generation of disinfection sensors offer additional functionality: they enable improved trend identification and form the basis for predictive maintenance and IIoT services. For example, the electrolyte counter and collected data (such as uptime, calibration history and load matrices) allow for applicationspecific maintenance intervals.
Simplicity Means Cost Efficiency
All of these functions ensure maximum simplicity during installation, commissioning and maintenance and thus guarantee time savings in waterworks, sewage treatment plants and industrial plants. The following ensure even more simplicity, leading to cost savings:
• Reagents are not required: Using the amperometric measuring principle, no costly reagents are required. This also eliminates the need for their disposal and the associated workload.
• Faster polarisation time: The optimised polarisation time means that the disinfection sensors reach a stable display value faster after commissioning. This reduces system downtime and extends production time.
• Low maintenance requirements and predictive maintenance: In addition to the Memosens 2.0 predictive maintenance capabilities described, robust components guarantee that the sensors are low-maintenance. One example for that is the convex membrane made of dense and stainresistant material.
The measured value's journey from the liquid to the system – from a single source
Disinfection applications are versatile, not only in waterworks, sewage treatment plants and in swimming pools, but also in food production and in many other industrial processes that are relevant to everyday life. Endress+Hauser has expanded its disinfection portfolio continuously in recent years and, with the newly launched total chlorine sensor, now offers a tailored sensor for every measuring task: Memosens CCS50E for chlorine dioxide, Memosens CCS51E for free chlorine, Memosens CCS53E for total chlorine, Memosens CCS55E for free bromine and Memosens CCS58E for ozone. Combined with the Liquiline transmitter platform and the Flowfit modular flow assembly, the global leader in measurement instrumentation offers all the components needed to complete the measuring point and digitally transfer measured data to the higherlevel system from where you can make use of them.
The Endress+Hauser Group
Endress+Hauser is a global leader in measurement and automation technology for process and laboratory applications. The family company, headquartered in Reinach, Switzerland, achieved net sales of over €3.7 billion in 2023 with a total workforce of almost 17,000. For further information, please visit: https://eh.digital/3xVbbEc
and Cereals Technologies Food Bioactives and Nutraceuticals Food Training and Consultancy
and NPD Management Sensory Training and Panels Food
Drying
Pilot
Bioprocess Innovation and Microbial Systems
DNA Sequencing
Flavour Chemistry and Sensory Science
Digestion Models
School of Food and Nutritional Sciences
University College Cork
Serving the Food, Agri-Food and Seafood Sectors for over 31 Years!
Funding available for all courses - contact us for further information.
Accredited Courses
Diploma in Food Manufacturing Management (Level 7)
For team leaders, managers of all disciplines, owners/directors of smaller companies looking to elevate their career in the food and beverage sector.
Diploma in Speciality and Artisan Food Enterprises (Level 7)
For those interested in developing speciality foods commercially or as a way of adding value to agricultural produce.
Diploma in Corporate Direction (Food Business) (Level 7)
For managers looking to address the special needs of co-operative board members and senior management in a rapidly changing agribusiness environment.
Certificate in Co-operative Governance and Professional Development (Level 7)
For agri-food co-operative members wishing to gain essential knowledge and skills development to support and progress through the representative structures of their organisation. (Bespoke programme)
Diploma in Food Science and Technology (Level 7)
For those who wish to develop a good understanding of the basic principles in food science and technology.
Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and Masters in Dairy Science and Innovation (Level 9)
For those working/hoping to work in the agrifood/dairy sector who wish to develop or increase their knowledge in relation to dairy
For further information please contact: Dr Amy-Jane Troy, Food Industry Training Unit, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, UCC.
Serving the Food, Agri-Food and Seafood Sectors for over 31 Years!
Funding available for all courses - contact us for further information.
Short Courses
Online, hybrid and face to face
Range from 1 - 6 days in duration
Technical
An Introduction to the Science and Manufacture of Chocolate
Cheese Science and Technology
Cleaning In Place for the Food and Drinks Industry
Concentration and Drying
Dairy Science and Technology
Food Process Engineering Principles
Fundamental Principles of Microbiology
Ice Cream Science and Technology
Introduction to Food Chemistry
Introduction to the Manufacture and Science of Cheese
Fundamental Principles of the Microbial Analysis of Food
Sustainability in the Dairy Sector
The Science and Technology of Plant-based
Ingredients for Food Applications
Thermal Processing
Non Technical
Driving Food Leadership through Innovation
Future Agri Leaders
Lean Green Belt & Lean Yellow Belt
Production Supervisory Training
Rejuvenate
Sustainable Success: Professional Skills for Thriving in the Agri Food Sector
Bespoke Training
Courses
Available for individual companies
For further information please contact: Dr Amy-Jane Troy, Food Industry Training Unit, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, UCC.
Fintan McConnell, Product Manager, explains how NCC Food Ingredients can help clients in the food industry take advantage of low international prices for raw materials.
With prices for raw materials, including sustainable ingredients, from countries like China currently at an all time low, there is now a strong incentive for food producers to take advantage of this and to build up their inventory. This presents a significant opportunity to optimise production costs, increase profitability while still, potentially, passing on savings to the end user. However, it can be a challenge from a logistics perspective, especially with an ever-changing geopolitical landscape that leads to transportation routes being regularly updated and altered.
China’s Cost Advantage
China’s position as a significant producer of food ingredients makes it an attractive source for cost-effective raw materials. Following over-expansion since Covid 19, Chinese production output of some ingredients now far exceeds current market demand. These current market conditions present a unique opportunity for food producers to leverage buying power, securing lower prices and potentially
improving their bottom line. However, taking advantage of this requires careful planning and a deep understanding of the evolving global market.
Navigating Shipping Challenges
The global shipping landscape continues to be a significant challenge; ongoing geopolitical conflict creates uncertainty, potentially impacting shipping routes and further straining already congested ports. These factors can lead to longer lead times, higher shipping rates and potential disruptions in your supply chain.
NCC Food Ingredients: Your Trusted Partner for Success
The current market landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. By partnering with NCC Food Ingredients, you can leverage lower prices by sourcing from China but with the peace of mind that you will receive the ingredients in full and to your exact specifications. Our team of experienced food ingredient professionals possess a deep understanding of the global ingredient market, including the current
cost landscape in China and the ongoing shipping complexities. Here’s how we can be your strategic partner:
• Expert Sourcing: We leverage our extensive network of reliable suppliers in China to identify the most cost-effective and sustainable ingredient sources, ensuring you benefit from the current market advantage.
• Quality Guaranteed: With an in-house Quality and Compliance department, you can be rest assured that the ingredients you receive will be not only be compliant but to the exacting standards that you require.
• Risk Management: We proactively assess and manage potential risks associated with the geopolitical climate and shipping disruptions. This includes exploring alternative shipping routes and carriers to minimise potential delays.
• Inventory Optimisation: We collaborate with you to develop an optimised inventory management strategy, ensuring a steady flow of ingredients without incurring unnecessary storage costs.
• Logistics Solutions: Our in-house Operations and Logistics department allows us to identify the most efficient and cost-effective shipping routes tailored to your specific needs. This can significantly reduce lead times and associated costs.
Beyond Cost Savings: Ensuring Sustainability
While cost is a major consideration, sustainability is becoming increasingly important for food producers. Consumers are demanding transparency and ethical sourcing practices throughout the supply chain. The demand for sustainable ingredients is no longer a niche concern; increasingly, it is a driving force reshaping the food industry.
At NCC Food Ingredients, we are committed to supporting your sustainability goals. We can help you source sustainably, working closely with manufacturers who prioritise responsible environmental practices and ethical labour standards.
How Can we Help?
NCC Food ingredients are an awardwinning sourcing provider of functional and innovative ingredients. Our customer base ranges from international producers of foods and beverages to small niche artisan creators of fine foods. For further information, contact Fintan McConnell, on (086) 1740289, email fmcconnell@ncc.ie or check out our dedicated website: www.nccingredients.com
From reducing sugar to enhancing fibre and incorporating plantbased proteins, NCC Food Ingredients has the solution you need. We are committed to supporting your ingredient sourcing challenges and sustainability goals.
Join the leaders and unlock the potential of innovation with NCC Food Ingredients.
To learn more on how we can assist, contact NCC at: +353 1 613 1400 or email: foodsales@ncc.ie www.nccingredients.com
QUALITY PACKAGING MACHINERY
Sales, Service and Calibration to the Food, Pharmaceutical and Packaging Industries FOR ALL OF YOUR CALIBRATION NEEDS ON YOUR INSPECTION EQUIPENT CONTACT QPM
• METAL DETECTORS • CHECKWEIGHERS
• X-RAY INSPECTION SYSTEMS • SCALES & WEIGHTS
• TEMPERATURE MEASURING EQUIPMENT
• DATA LOGGERS • pH METERS • GAS ANALYSIS
• MAGNETIC SEPARATORS • FREEZERS / OVENS
All calibrations are traceable to the National Standard All manufacturers and models covered Onsite / In house Calibrations Our experienced engineers and technicians can calibrate and test your systems as part of regular quality assurance and risk management audits Email: service@qpm.ie Phone: 01 4502421
Accurately measure chilled and frozen food temperatures with no waste.
The Celsius instrument measures the mean temperature of chilled and frozen food without damaging the packaging or the product allowing you to sell your tested items instead of throwing them away.
Save product, save money, save the environment!
Protect Your Process - Magnetic Separation
A comprehensive range of high performance products to protect processes from metal contamination includes options for gravity, pneumatic or conveyor feed.
F ood
Product & Service Index
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Air Products Ireland Ltd
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AIS Ltd - Automatic Identification Systems
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Greencore Group
Heterochem (Dist.) Ltd
Innovate Solutions
Kiernan’s Food Ingredients Ltd
NCC Food Ingredients
Nutrition Supplies
O’Brien Ingredients
Ornua Puratos Crest Foods Ltd
IT SERVICES & OUTSOURCING
DSG Packaging Ltd
Weber Packaging Solutions Ltd
MATERIALS HANDLING
SERVICE
CONTROL / INSTRUMENTATION
Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd
Avery Weigh-Tronix
Bonner
Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd
Flexachem Manufacturing
Horan Automation and Robotics
Kevin Woods Machinery
KUKA Ireland Ltd
QPM Ltd
Tekpak Automation Ltd
WrenTech Ltd
MACHINERY / EQUIPMENT
ABB Ltd
Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd
AIC Plastic Pallets Ltd
Air Products Ireland Ltd
Avery Weigh-Tronix
Carabay Packaging Products
Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd
Ene Limited
Festo Ltd
Flexachem Manufacturing
Fischbein-Saxon
Horan Automation and Robotics
JMC Packaging Ltd
Kevin Woods Machinery
KUKA Ireland Ltd
NPP
Obeeco Ltd
QPM Ltd
Syspal
Tekpak Automation Ltd
Toyota Material Handling Ireland
WrenTech Ltd
PALLETS, CRATES & CONTAINERS
AIC Plastic Pallets Ltd
Carabay Packaging Products
Dollard Packaging Ltd
Donoghue Packaging
Festo Ltd
Horan Automation and Robotics
JMC Packaging Ltd
Mid Cork Pallets & Packaging
Quitmann O’Neill Packaging Ltd
Saica Pack Ireland
Schütz (Ireland) Ltd
Syspal
WrenTech Ltd
PUMPS & VALVES
Bonner
Festo Ltd
Flexachem Manufacturing
Horan Automation and Robotics
Kevin Woods Machinery
WrenTech Ltd
REFRIGERATION / COLD STORAGE
Air Products Ireland Ltd
CRS Mobile Cold Storage Ltd
DSG Packaging Ltd
Festo Ltd
Horan Automation and Robotics
Ornua
Syspal
SERVICE & CALIBRATION
Bonner
Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd
Horan Automation and Robotics
JMC Packaging Ltd
NPP
QPM Ltd
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS
Avery Weigh-Tronix
DSG Packaging Ltd
Horan Automation and Robotics
Ornua
Quitmann O’Neill Packaging Ltd
Toyota Material Handling Ireland
WrenTech Ltd
WASTE MANAGEMENT/RECYCLING
Avery Weigh-Tronix
Horan Automation and Robotics
Kevin Woods Machinery
Quitmann O’Neill Packaging Ltd
PACKAGING AUDITS
Carabay Packaging Products
NPP
Repak Ltd
product & service index
PACKAGING /DESIGN / LABELLING
AiP Thermoform Packaging
Air Products Ireland Ltd
ATLAS for Industry
Carabay Packaging Products
Com-Plas International
Corcoran Products (Irl) Ltd
Diamond Corrugated
Dollard Packaging Ltd
Donoghue Packaging
DSG Packaging Ltd
Ene Limited
Fischbein-Saxon
Greiner Packaging Ltd
GS1 Ireland
Horan Automation and Robotics
JMC Packaging Ltd
Kevin Woods Machinery
Kiernan’s Food Ingredients Ltd
Measom Freer & Co. Ltd
Mid Cork Pallets & Packaging
NPP
Obeeco Ltd
Ornua
Quitmann O’Neill Packaging Ltd
Repak Ltd
Schütz (Ireland) Ltd
Sealed Air Ltd
Smurfit Kappa Ireland
Syspal
Tekpak Automation Ltd
The Packaging Centre Ltd
Versatile Packaging Ltd
Waddington Europe
Weber Packaging Solutions Ltd
WrenTech Ltd
Xtrupak Ltd
PEST CONTROL /FLY SCREENS
Rentokil Pest Control
PLANT MAINTENANCE
AQS Environmental Solutions
Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd
Bonner
Corcoran Products (Irl) Ltd
Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd
Flexachem Manufacturing
Horan Automation and Robotics
Kevin Woods Machinery
Obeeco Ltd
QPM Ltd
PROCESSING EQUIPMENT
BAKERY
Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd
Air Products Ireland Ltd
Avery Weigh-Tronix
DSG Packaging Ltd
Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd
Ene Limited
Festo Ltd
Flexachem Manufacturing
product & service index
Horan Automation and Robotics
JMC Packaging Ltd
Kevin Woods Machinery
Obeeco Ltd
Puratos Crest Foods Ltd
QPM Ltd
Syspal
Versatile Packaging Ltd
WrenTech Ltd
DAIRY
Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd
Air Products Ireland Ltd
Avery Weigh-Tronix
David Kellett & Partners Ltd
DSG Packaging Ltd
Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd
Ene Limited
Festo Ltd
Flexachem Manufacturing
Horan Automation and Robotics
JMC Packaging Ltd
Kevin Woods Machinery
Obeeco Ltd
QPM Ltd
Syspal
Versatile Packaging Ltd
WrenTech Ltd
DRINK
Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd
Air Products Ireland Ltd
Avery Weigh-Tronix
DSG Packaging Ltd
Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd
Ene Limited
Festo Ltd
Flexachem Manufacturing
Horan Automation and Robotics
JMC Packaging Ltd
Obeeco Ltd
QPM Ltd
Syspal
Versatile Packaging Ltd
WrenTech Ltd
FRESH FOOD
Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd
Air Products Ireland Ltd
Avery Weigh-Tronix
DSG Packaging Ltd
Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd
Ene Limited
Festo Ltd
Flexachem Manufacturing
Horan Automation and Robotics
JMC Packaging Ltd
Kevin Woods Machinery
Obeeco Ltd
Puratos Crest Foods Ltd
QPM Ltd
Syspal
Versatile Packaging Ltd
WrenTech Ltd
MACHINERY AUCTIONEERS
Air Products Ireland Ltd
Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd
Festo Ltd
MEAT, FISH & POULTRY
Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd
Air Products Ireland Ltd
Avery Weigh-Tronix
DSG Packaging Ltd
Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd
Ene Limited
Festo Ltd
Flexachem Manufacturing
Horan Automation and Robotics
JMC Packaging Ltd
Kevin Woods Machinery
Obeeco Ltd
QPM Ltd
Syspal
Versatile Packaging Ltd
WrenTech Ltd
WASTE WATER EQUIPMENT
Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd
Festo Ltd
Flexachem Manufacturing
Kevin Woods Machinery
PRODUCTION OPTIMISATION
Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd
Fischbein-Saxon
Flexachem Manufacturing
Horan Automation and Robotics
JMC Packaging Ltd
KUKA Ireland Ltd
Versatile Packaging Ltd
PRODUCTION SKIDS
Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd
Flexachem Manufacturing
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
BIM/Irelands Seafood Development Agency
Bord Bia - The Irish Food Board
Horan Automation and Robotics
Innovate Solutions
JMC Packaging Ltd
KUKA Ireland Ltd
Ornua
safefood
Teagasc Food Research
UCC - School of Food and Nutritional
Sciences
Weber Packaging Solutions Ltd
WrenTech Ltd
STAINLESS STEEL FABRICATION
Ene Limited
Festo Ltd
Horan Automation and Robotics
Kevin Woods Machinery
Syspal
WrenTech Ltd
SUSTAINABILITY AND TRACEABILITY TRACKING
SOLUTIONS
Bord Bia
GS1 Ireland
Horan Automation and Robotics
TANK CLEANING
Flexachem Manufacturing
TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
Bord Bia
GS1 Ireland
company listings
aAbb Ltd
Address: 5th Floor, The Concourse, Beacon Court, Dublin 18.
Tel: (01) 4057300
Email: robotics@gb.abb.com
Web: www.abb.com
www.abb.com/robotics
Main Products & Services:
ABB is a leading supplier of industrial robots, modular manufacturing systems and service. A strong solutions focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 200,000 robots world wide.
AB Mauri UK & Ireland
Address: Barn Way, Lodge Farm, Northampton, NN5 7UW.
Contact: Director of Sales (Ireland): Damien McDonald
Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd
Address: 718 Northwest Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15.
Tel: (01) 861 2141
Email: info@test.ie
Web: www.packagingmachinery.ie
Main Products & Services: Metal detectors, x-ray inspection systems, check weighers & label applicators.
Contact: Director: Kevin Gaines
AIC Plastic Pallets Ltd
Address: The Woodlands, Carrigmore, Ballineen, Co. Cork.
Tel: (023) 884 7333
Email: info@aicplastics.com
Web: www.aicplastics.com
Main Products & Services: Plastic, timber and aluminium pallets, pallet boxes, totes, storage boxes, stacking containers, slipsheets, linbins, bespoke pallets and boxes (aluminium and plastic).
Contact: Joe O’Flynn
AiP Thermoform Packaging
Address: Unit 1 A Ballymaley Business Park, Barefield, Ennis, Co. Clare.
Tel: (065) 686 4486
Email: info@aip.ie
Web: www.aip.ie
Main Products & Services: Design and manufacture services of Thermoform Packaging for the Irish market.
Air Products Ireland Ltd
Address: Unit 950, Western Industrial Estate, Killeen Road, Dublin 12.
Tel: (01) 465 9650
Web: www.airproducts.ie
Main Products & Services:
Air Products brings you the latest, most innovative solutions in cryogenic freezing, chilling, cooling and Modified Atmosphere Packaging. Freshline Gases® include CO2, Nitrogen and Oxygen in liquid or gaseous form. Backed by over 40 years’ knowhow in food processing. To find out more please visit our website.
AIS Ltd - Automatic Identification Systems
Address: Unit 48, Canal Walk, Park West Industrial Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12.
Tel: (01) 620 5742
Email: info@aisltd.ie
Web: www.aisltd.ie
Main Products & Services:
RFID equipment,automatic labelling, print & applysystems, industrial barcode scanning, 2D barcode equipment, hand held readers, mobile computers, fixed mount scanning, label printers, mobile printers, desktop printers, industrial printers, barcode printers, labels & ribbons. Supply, install & maintenance of auto ID products. Custom solution development for product traceability suitable for you.
Manufacture of self-adhesive labels both plain & printed, in various substrates.
Predominantly, Mid-Gloss Paper, Thermal Paper, and synthetics. We also manufacture A4 Laser Labels in a range of formats, starting at 1/sheet; up to 84/ sheet (permanent & removable). Manufacture of tags & tickets for meat plants / garden centres / engineering etc.
Supply of label printers from Zebra / Citizen / Godex / TSC. Transfer ribbons for label printers, economy / mid-range & premium grades.
Contact: Managing Director: David Nethercote
BBIM/Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency
Address: Crofton Rd, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.
Tel: (01) 214 4100
Email: info@bim.ie
Web: www.bim.ie
Main Products & Services:
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) helps to develop the Irish Seafood Industry by providing technical expertise, business support, funding, training and promoting responsible environmental practice.
Main Products & Services: Mayonnaises, dressings, bouillons, cooking sauces, table sauces, carvery sauces, relishes in bulk catering, sachets, dip-pots and retail jar formats. Branded and private label.
Bonner
Instrumentation, Calibration and Automation Solutions
Address: 35 Western Parkway Business Centre, Ballymount Drive, Ballymount, Dublin 12, D12 X542.
Tel: (01) 450 5050
Email: contact@bonner.ie
Web: www.bonner.ie
Main Products & Services: Services inc. Calibration, Maintenance, Analysis & Temperature Mapping, Instrumentation products for measurement and control, Automation & Control solutions.
Contact: Managing Director: Patrick Bonner
Service Manager: Roddy Jefferson Automation Solutions Manager: Darran Roche
understand the application and customer
Lecithin that suits you and your product.
flow-properties, flavour, colour, viscosity, GM properties must be adapted to the product. We analyse your needs. We the individual processing plant and combined experience of Dairy across process and most importantly add
Search over
Bord Bia - The Irish Food Board
Camida Ltd
Corcoran Chemicals Ltd
Address: 17 Parkgate Street, Dublin 8.
Address: 140 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4, D04 NV34.
Tel: (01) 668 5155
a dedicated and experienced team and market knowledge and who focused approach to your business. So tailor-made solutions for you and
Email: info@bordbia.ie
Web: www.bordbia.ie
Main Products & Services: Marketing, promotion and development of Irish food, drink and horticulture.
Brenntag
Address: Unit 405, Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Dublin 24.
Tel: +353 (0) 1 4013500
Email: dublin.sales@brenntag.ie
Web: www.brenntag.com
Main Products & Services: Food ingredients, cake mixes, blends, NPD.
Contact: Key Account Manager: James Dixon
CCalor
Address: Long Mile Road, Dublin 12.
Tel: (01) 450 5000
Web: www.calorgas.ie
Main Products & Services: Supply of LPG in bulk tanks or cylinders.
Contact: Chief Commercial Officer: Oliver Kenny.
Address: New Quay, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, E91 YV66.
Camida Ltd., Tower House, New Quay, Clonmel, Co Tipperary, Ireland.
Address: Unit F5 & F6, Southern Link Business Park, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland, W91 RT9P.
Tel: +353 (0)45 874 088
Email: sales@complas.ie
Web: www.complasinternational.ie
Main Products & Services: Packaging products for food, pharma and chemical industries.
Tel: (01) 633 0400
Fax: (01) 679 3521
Email: info@corcoran-group.com
Web: www.corcoran-group.com
Main Products & Services: Distributors of raw materials for the food, pharmaceutical, polymer & chemical industry.
Contact: Sales
Corcoran Products (Irl) Ltd
Address: Unit 12 Northern Cross Business Park, Finglas, D11 DC67, Ireland.
Tel: (01) 864 4422
Email: info@corcoran-group.com
Web: www.corcoran-group.com
Main Products & Services: Suppliers of packaging to the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industry.
Contact: Derek Lennon
Coldmove Logistics
Address: Oranmore Co. Galway
Tel: +353 86 809 1893
Email: jason.mallon@cmls.ie
Web: www.cmls.ie
Main Products & Services:
Supply Chain Management, Barcoding/Labelling, Consultancy, Material Handling Services, Refrigeration/Cold Storage, Transport & Logistics.
Contact: Jason Mallon
company listings
CRS Mobile Cold Storage Ltd
Address: Summerhill Enterprise Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath, A83 XE40.
Tel: (046) 943 5000
Email: enquiry@crs.ie
Web: www.crs.ie
Main Products & Services:
Increase your on-site cold storage capacity: CRS offer a wide range of temperature controlled storage solutions both new and professionally refurbished for short and longterm rental. Our products include 1-400 pallet portable cold stores and 25-115kw portable blast freezers.
Main Products & Services: Conveyor systems and replacement belts.
Contact: Belting Manager: Darren Horner
Enviroclad Systems Ltd
Address: Unit 57B, Hebron Industrial Estate, Hebron Road, Co. Kilkenny.
Tel: (056) 775 2866
Email: info@enviroclad.com
Web: www.enviroclad.com
Main Products & Services: Supply and Fitting of Enviroclad Hygienic Wall and Ceiling Cladding in P.V.C. for the Food Industry.
FFesto Ltd
Address: Head Office: Unit 5, Sandyford Park, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin 18.
Tel: (01) 295 4955
Fax: (01) 295 5680
Email: sales_ie@festo.com
Web: www.festo.com/ie
Main Products & Services:
Automation Technology
· Industrial Automation
· Electrical Automation
· Process Automation
Training & Consulting Food, Beverage & Packaging Expertise.
Fischbein-Saxon
Address: 274 Alma Road, Enfield, Middlesex, EN3 7BB, England.
Tel: (0044) 208 344 6600
Email: salesuk@fischbein.com
Web: www.fischbein.com
Main Products & Services:
Through the recent partnership with VOTECH, FISCHBEIN enhances its ability to offer fully automatic Dosing, Bagging and Palletizing lines, as well as Pallet Wrapping and Stretch-Hooders. The Votech brand is known for providing high-precision, hygienic solutions, in the food and powder sectors such as Milk, Animal Feeds, Food Flavours, Flour Milling, Fertilizers, Pellets, Horticulture, and associated products.
Votech exudes quality, robustness, and reliability, and as a result, have thousands of successful installations, and a reputation with our clients, that precedes our name.
Address: Second Floor, The Merrion Centre, Nutley Lane, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, D04 KF62.
Tel: (01) 208 0660
Email: info@gs1ie.org
Web: www.gs1ie.org/food
Main Products & Services: Global Supply Chain Standards Body. Barcode Numbers, Barcode Manager Tool, Barcode Symbols, fTRACE, GS1 Digital Link, Verified by GS1, EDI Message Standards, EPC/RFID, Traceability Standards, Barcode and EDI Message Verification, Advisory and Training Services.
HHeterochem (Dist.) Ltd
Address: 2nd Floor, 6 South William Street, Dublin 2.
Main Products & Services: Brokering introductions to Northern Ireland’s food and drink sector. Invest NI’s Food and Drink Business Development team offers comprehensive support to retailers, foodservice and wholesale operators seeking innovative ideas from experienced food and drink producers to help build mutually beneficial and profitable business relationships.
Contact: Business Development
Executive: Jen Guiney
Irish Exporters Association
Address: 28 Merrion Square, Dublin 2.
Tel: (01) 661 2182
Email: contact@irishexporters.ie
Web: www.irishexporters.ie
Main Products & Services: Food and Drink Export Ireland, a division of the IEA, provides assistance to Irish food and drink companies in the home market and to increase their sales abroad.
Irish National Accreditation Board
Address: Metropolitan Building, James Joyce Street, Dublin 1, D01 KOY8.
Main Products & Services: Measom Freer manufacture and stock quality plastic bottles, custom moulded bottles, dropper caps, scoops, measures, boxes, jars, tubes, fasteners etc, for food use. Services include 3D design, in-house tool making and screen printing.
NNational Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)
Address: 1 Swift Square, Northwood, Santry, Dublin 9.
Tel: (01) 807 3800
Email: info@nsai.ie
Web: www.nsai.ie
Main Products & Services:
Certification and inspection services to national & international product & management system standards including ISO 22000, ISO 9001, OHSAS and BRC Global Food Standard.
Established in 1978, Mid Cork Pallets & Packaging (MCP) is Ireland’s leading manufacturer of pallets and supplier of corrugated packaging and storage solutions. With over 700,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and storage facilities and 2 locations in Cork and Meath, MCP are strategically located to service our ever growing customer base. We are currently expanding our operation in both sites and are in the process of building 2 new state-of-the-art warehouses, with the capacity of an additional 20,000 pallet spaces which will allow MCP to store and distribute more of our customers’ products.
Contact: sales@midcorkpallets.com
Main Products & Services: Food Ingredients: Natural Flavours, Acidulants, Preservatives, Biocides, Enzymes, Hydrocolloids, Stabilizers, Antioxidants, Carriers, Binders, Gelling agents, Fibres, Sweeteners (natural & high intensity), Amino Acids, Colours, Fats & Oils, Starches, Texturizers, Clean Label Ingredients, Prebiotics, Atlantic Sea Salts among other ingredients. Ingredients Sourcing: With a dedicated team of qualified food professionals, we have a deep and informed understanding of the many challenges facing the food industry today. Working in close partnership with highly innovative producers across the globe we provide our customers with a wide range of functional, clean label products and technologies. Our customer base ranges from international producers of foods and beverages to small niche artisan creators of fine foods. We support our customers from the very early stages of product development through to end production.
Main Products & Services: Vitamin & Nutrient Precision Premixes.
OObeeco Ltd
Address: Annaville Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
Tel: (01) 278 2323
Email: sales@obeeco.ie
Web: www.obeeco.ie
Main Products & Services: Packaging Processing and Automation Machinery. Coding and Printing Solutions and Materials.
Contact: Sales Director: Richard Burke Managing Director: Olive Walker
company listings
O’Brien Ingredients
Address: 11 Magna Drive, Magna Business Park, Citywest, Dublin D24 T97Y
Tel: 00353 (0)1 469 1400
Fax: 00353 (0)1 469 1360
Email: ingred@obrien-ingredients.ie
Web: www.obrien-ingredients.ie
Main Products & Services:
Supplier of ambient, frozen and chilled ingredients to Bakery, Beverage, Confectionery, Dairy, Ice Cream, Feed, Pharmaceutical, Infant Formula and Savoury sectors in Ireland.
Contact: Ailise McKay, Paul Wiseman
QQPM Ltd
Address: Unit 12, Robinhood Business Park, Robinhood Road, Dublin 22, D22 RD39.
Tel: (01) 450 2421
Email: anevin@qpm.ie
Web: www.qpm.ie
Main Products & Services: X-ray inspection, Metal Detection, Checkweighing, Scales, Temperature Probes, Data Loggers, pH Meters, Gas Analysis, Magnetic Separators, Automatic Labelling Machines and Automatic Sleeving Machines, Service & Calibration.
Address: Grattan House, Mount Street Lower, Dublin 2.
Tel: +353 1 661 9599
Web: www.ornua.com
Main Products & Services: Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products (butter, cheese and milk powders) and proud owner of the Kerrygold brand.
PPuratos Crest Foods Ltd
Address: 70 - 71 Dunboyne Business Park, Dunboyne, Co. Meath.
Tel: (01) 825 5505
Email: info_ireland@puratos.com
Web: www.puratos.com
Main Products & Services: Bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients. Belcolade Belgian chocolate, Puratos bakery & patisserie products, PatisFrance premium patisserie ingredients.
Quitmann O’Neill Packaging Ltd
Address: St Brendan’s Road, Portumna, Co. Galway, H53 HX51.
Tel: (090) 97 41148
Email: sales@quitmannoneill.com
Web: www.qonpack.com
Main Products & Services: Stockist and Distributors of Packaging.
Contact: Director: David O’Neill
RRentokil Pest Control
Nationwide Coverage
Tel: 0818 882 334
Email: pestcontrolinfo@rentokil.ie
Web: www.rentokil.ie
Main Products & Services: Suppliers of Pest Control to ISO 9001:2008 specification.
Contact: Pest Control: Michael O’Mahoney
Main Products & Services: Repak is an environmental notfor-profit organisation with a social mission. Repak is Ireland’s only government- approved packaging compliance scheme, licensed by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. Repak was set up in 1997 in accordance with EU Packaging Regulations. Repak has over 3,400 members (importers, brand-holders, retailers) whose fees fund household recycling bins, bottle banks, civic amenities and commercial back-door waste nationwide. Over the past 25 years, Repak members have invested over €514 million to help grow packaging recycling and recovery from under 15% in 1997 to an estimated 96% in 2021. There are many benefits tobecoming a Repak Member, including access to its Prevent & Save programme which can cut packaging waste at source and save your business money.
SSafe food
Address: 7 Eastgate Avenue, Eastgate, Little Island, Co. Cork. T45 RX01.
Tel: (021) 230 4100
Fax: (021) 230 4111
Email: info@safefood.net
Web: www.safefood.net
Main Products & Services:
Safefood is the all island public agency promoting food safety and healthy eating to the public through awareness campaigns. It also acts as an independent source of scientific advice, commissions and funds relevant research; co-ordinates scientific co-operation; provides free eLearning to small food businesses; and facilitates knowledge exchange among those working in the food sector and other key stakeholders.
SAI
Global
Address: Block 3, Quayside Business Park, Mill St, Dundalk, Co. Louth.
Main Products & Services: Cryovac® Packaging Solutions, including films, barrier bags, rigid trays, punnets and pots. Diversey Hygiene Solutions including detergents, disinfectants, dosing equipment and energy and water management solutions.
Main Products & Services: Ireland’s leading manufacturer of packaging and point of purchase displays, with a wide product range to suit the needs of the food industry. Standard packaging & promotional products can now be bought on-line via our webshop at www.smurfitkappadirect.ie
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
Address: 3 Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2.
Address: O’Rahilly Building, University College Cork, Cork. Tel: (021) 490 2788
UCD - School Of Agriculture and Food Science
Address: UCD Agriculture and Food Science Centre, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4.
Undergraduate Programmes: UCD Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine programme Office UCD Agriculture and Food Science Centre. Tel: (01) 716 7194
Email: agandfoodprogrammes@ucd.ie
Web: www.ucd.ie/agfood
Postgraduate Programmes: UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre. Tel: (01) 716 6100
Email: agfoodvet@ucd.ie
Web: www.ucd.ie/agfoodvet
VVersatile Packaging Ltd
Address: Silverstream Business Park, Silverstream, Co. Monaghan. Tel: (047) 85 177
Email: sales@versatilepackaging.ie
Web: www.versatilepackaging.ie
Main Products & Services:
Toyota Material Handling
Ireland
Address: Killeen Road, Dublin 12.
Tel: (01) 419 0200
Web: www.toyota-forklifts.ie
Main Products & Services: Toyota forklifts and BT warehouse equipment. Diesel/LPG and electric forklifts, powerpallet trucks, stackers etc.
51 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Tel: 01-602 8202
Lo-call: 1800 221 227
Email: info@justice.ie Web: www.justice.ie
SOCIAL PROTECTION
Aras Mhic Dhiarmada, Store Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 01-704 3000
Email: info@welfare.ie Web: gov.ie/dsp
VALUATION OFFICE
Block 2, Irish Life Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1. Tel: 01-817 1000
Email: info@valoff.ie Web: www.valoff.ie
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FOOD MANUFACTURING AND PACKAGING.
Highly efficient beverage bottling
Our hygienic, precise and durable automation solutions ensure that high-performance filling and packaging systems run reliably and without interruptions.
Food-safe meat processing
Automation solutions in clean design for precise and hygienic meat processingextremely sturdy and easy to clean, even in demanding conditions.
Automation in the baking industry
Always the best automation solutions for producing excellent bakery and confectionery products, from hygienic storage of the raw materials right up to s afe packaging.
In the food industry, food safety is crucial. But issues such as flexibility, viability for the future and sustainability also play an increasingly important role. We offer you smart solutions to meet these requirements.
Food safety
Food safety is a basic requirement. With Festo you can safely implement hygiene regulations. Our sturdy, clean design components can be cleaned easily, thoroughly and quickly.
Packaging industry
Festo supplies electric, pneumatic, and combined solutions for all packaging tasks and formats. For customized configuration and quick conversion.
Tirlán is Ireland’s leading 100% Irish farmer owned Co-op providing world-class dairy and grain ingredients across the globe.
