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Cork in prime position to benefit from growth in Food and Drink Exports
Last updated on 12 Jan, 2011
Summary:
Cork’s food producers are in prime position to benefit from an 11% jump in exports which is set to continue, according to Fianna Fáil TD and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin, TD.
“Food and drink exports increased to €7.88 billion in 2010, with the Government’s plan ‘Food Harvest 2020’ setting a target of bringing that total to €12 billion in the next decade.”
“Cork has many advantages to ensure that the plan will deliver investment and jobs into our communities. Already as Minister for Foreign Affairs I am keenly aware that a whole range of Cork products from seafood to black pudding and some of Ireland’s best know drinks are available in restaurants and from supermarket shelves across the globe. Now we must build on that.”
“In addition it is very encouraging to see the level of optimism in an industry which is key to the economy. A survey by Bord Bia found that 70% of companies are confident about the future, while 20% confirmed they had taken on new people over the past 12 months.”
“The Government through the Department of Agriculture, Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and other agencies stands ready to continue supporting the industry. We have introduced schemes such as the innovation Voucher to help Research and Development which allows over firms to develop new products and to overcome production problems.”
“Cork is widely recognised as a source of quality food. In addition thanks to the major investment in transport in recent years we enjoy ease of access to key markets in Europe and further afield.”
“I would also encourage the companies to avail of our network of embassies worldwide to break into new markets, as Minister I have ensured our missions abroad have a strong trade element and are there to assist firms from Cork and throughout the country to secure jobs at home by winning new business”, concluded Minister Martin.