The number of Cuisine de France retail accounts have doubled to 4,500 stores since the French bread bakery group was acquired by IAWS in late 1997, said Mr Philip Lynch, IAWS's group managing director.

Speaking at the official opening of Cuisine de France's new €20 million (£15.75 million) plant in Tallaght, he said "prospects for continued growth through existing and new outlets are good, both for the current product range and through the introduction of innovative new products".

Mr Ronan McNamee, managing director of Cuisine de France, said the investment will triple its manufacturing capacity for speciality breads and incorporate facilities for flour based confectionery. The new plant, he added, allows the company "to produce more of its 200 product range inhouse". The plant was opened by formula one championship leader, Eddie Irvine.