The Irish Farmer's Association National Chairman, Jer Bergin, has called on the next Government to appoint an Independent Ombudsman to oversee the Grocery Goods Regulations. Bergin has described this as being essential to the success of the regulations in protecting suppliers.
Food and drink manufacturer Nestlé has ended its sponsorship of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF). The decision was taken due to the allegations of corruption and doping surrounding the IAAF, which Nestle believes might negatively affect its reputation and image.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has told the Irish Farmers Association that he plans to establish a retail watchdog to monitor below cost selling. IrishMirror.ie reports that the announcement received a round of applause at the meeting, noting that hundreds of farmers have been protesting over falling incomes in recent months.
Four Northern Irish breweries gained awards at the Alltech Craft Beer and Food Fair. Mourne Mountains craft brewery won a silver medal in the craft beer category, while MacIvors, Long Meadow Cider, and Tempted all won medals for their ciders.
United Biscuits has announced the relaunch of the Trio chocolate biscuit bar following demands from consumers keen to see it return to shelves after 13 years. The chocolate and toffee biscuit bar will be in supermarkets from March 2016 for a limited time only.
Co-owner of Dundrum Town Centre, Hammerson has reported annual profits of £726.8 million (approximately €941.8 million), an increase of 4%. In December of 2015, Hammerson increased its stake in Kildare Village when paid £12 million to grow its share by 21%.
EU Agriculture Ministers have met in Brussels this week to discuss the current crisis in the dairy and pigmeat sectors, with many EU countries calling for action from the European Commission to help the situation, as farmgate prices continue to fall for both.
