Food producers urged to take ‘bigger slice’ of export market

Small Irish food producers should take a “bigger slice” of the growing export market for Irish-made food and drink, said to be worth an estimated €10 billion, according to the organisers of the Dublin Food Chain event.

Taking place as part of Fingal Enterprise Week, the aim of tomorrow’s event is to help small food producers and start-ups in Dublin connect with buyers in retail, food service and wholesale nationally and internationally.

Oisín Geoghegan, head of enterprise at the Fingal Local Enterprise Office and the organiser of Fingal Enterprise Week, said more small Irish food producers and start-ups should aim to break into export markets next year.

“Exports of Irish-made food and drink grew by nine per cent in 2013 and could reach €12 billion by 2020, according to Bord Bia. Irish food and drink brands are benefitting from this growth and there are substantial new market and sales opportunities for smaller food producers and new start-ups as well,” he said.

Ten up-and-coming Irish food manufacturers will also host tastings at the event, which is taking place at the Radisson Blu Hotel at Dublin Airport.

More than 1,500 small businesses are expected to attend Fingal Enterprise Week, with a start-up day and a seminar on future tech trends among the highlights.

The announcement revealing who will go forward to the regional finals of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur competition will also be made during the week.

Fourteen young entrepreneurs, all under 30, have been shortlisted. Their business ideas range from fashion to technology and food.

Three category winners as well as an overall best young entrepreneur award will be announced.

They will share a prize fund of €50,000 and will go on to compete at the regional finals in November.