Blog: Ireland's food sector can drive economy, say manufacturers

Michelle Russell | 31 July 2012

Ireland's food industry will create 30,000 new jobs across the economy by 2020, it has been claimed.

In a report published this week, industry association Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII) claims that if Ireland's Government puts the "right policies" in place, the sector, "more so than any other in manufacturing", will drive growth in the country's wider economy, which has had a difficult number of years.

FDII maintains support could also ensure the sector will also deliver ambitious exports of EUR12bn within the next eight years.

"The sector's exports have already rebounded from lows experienced in 2007 and reached a new high last year," said FDII director Paul Kelly. "However, continued export growth and the accompanying job creation are only possible if public policy is aligned with the needs of the sector.

"Ireland's food and drink sector is deeply embedded in the Irish economy, which means that an increased focus on food will drive growth in the wider economy as well as in the sector itself."

The report, which can be read here, outlines how to achieve ambitious targets and the needs for the sector, including financing facilities to support expansion and the development of new companies.