Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture, Andrew Doyle, revealed that Ireland’s small food and drink businesses are optimistic about future development opportunities at home and abroad.
As reported by Agriland, Doyle was speaking at the ninth annual Small Business Open Day.
There, he highlighted the significance of the sector to the Irish economy.
Crucial Importance
“Survival and growth not only bring investment returns for individual businesses but also underpin the wider local community and the image of Ireland as a provider of high quality, innovative and sustainable food,” he said.
“Small producers, often with close links to the farm, are of crucial importance to rural communities.”
At the event, the industry was praised for its positivity and durability, especially in the face of Brexit uncertainty.
It was revealed that despite a strong domestic focus, many food and drink companies see exporting as a vital key to future growth, and are keen to showcase their products in new European markets.
It is estimated that the small food and drink business sector is worth approximately €400 million to the Irish economy.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
