Food_Ireland_2025

2 MINISTER’S INTERVIEW

Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, discusses the big challenges facing Irish agri-food in the months and years ahead, from sustainability to post-2027 CAP negotiations.

10 SECTOR OVERVIEW

Paul Kelly, Director, Food Drink Ireland, examines the results of FDI’s food and drink manufacturing report and advises on what state supports are necessary if we are to address the competitiveness challenges going forward.

14 DAIRY SECTOR

Conor Mulvihill, Director, Dairy Industry Ireland, reveals how Irish dairy is navigating Trump tariffs and strengthening US ties.

16 EU DEFORESTATION REGULATION

What are the potential implications of the EUDR on your business, asks Rian Morris, Environmental Sustainability Executive, Food Drink Ireland.

18 FOOD WASTE

Rian Morris reveals Ireland’s commitment to reducing food waste and driving sector sustainability.

20 FARMING FOR WATER EIP

Kevin Maher, Senior Executive at Dairy Sustainability Ireland, reports on a year of progress when it comes to the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership.

22 SOFT DRINKS MARKET

How Ireland’s soft drinks industry is prioritising health, investment, and sustainability, by Robert Kiernan, Director, Irish Beverage Council.

24 TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Food Drink Ireland Skillnet continues to address the critical skills needs for our industry.

26 DRINKS MARKET

As a nation, we are drinking less, and drinking better, explains Cormac Healy, Director of Drinks Ireland.

28 IRISH WHISKEY

In a uniquely challenging year, Irish exporters must broaden their horizons further than the US, writes Eoin Ó Catháin, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association.

30 BEER MARKET

Ireland’s beer market continues to be resilient, adaptable, and innovative, explains Jennifer Wallace, Director of Drinks Ireland | Beer.

32 PREMIUM GIN

The Irish Gin industry celebrates over a decade of exceptional growth and eyes a promising future, writes Aengus King, Director of Drinks Ireland | Spirits.

33 APPLE BRANDY

Jennifer Wallace, Director of Drinks Ireland | Cider, covers a landmark event celebrating the renaissance of Irish Apple Brandy on the island of Ireland.

34 FOODS FOR SPECIAL MEDICAL PURPOSES

Foods for Special Medical Purposes are scientifically formulated foods to meet the dietary needs of patients with specific disorders or disease-related medical conditions, explains Alice Moffitt, Specialised Nutrition Executive, Dairy Industry Ireland.

36 PALLETS, PACKAGING & WAREHOUSING

The recently rebranded MCP Group are your go-to partner for pallets, packaging and warehousing solutions.

38 FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY OF IRELAND

New Food Safety Authority of Ireland CEO, Greg Dempsey explains what he brings to the role of CEO, the impact of new technology on food safety, and why he wants the organisation to become more data-driven.

44 INVEST NI

NI food and drink companies tempted buyers’ taste buds at the Balmoral Show, the biggest food and agricultural event in Northern Ireland.

46 HUB PACKAGING

Hub Packaging can be your trusted partner in industrial packaging.

48 FOOD SAFETY TRAINING

Safefood is encouraging small food businesses to sign up to its free food safety e-learning training tool.

49 INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

Bonner specialise in industrial automation, upgrading legacy control systems and helping manufacturers modernise their operations without disrupting production.

50 INTERTRADEIRELAND

InterTradeIreland offers a suite of flexible supports designed to help food and drink companies unlock cross-border growth, reveals Colin McCabrey, Director of Trade at InterTradeIreland.

52 AGRI-FOOD REGULATOR CONFERENCE

Ireland’s Agri-Food Regulator’s inaugural conference revealed the results of its first supplier survey, while presentations also focused on the issues of fairness and transparency in the UK and EU supply chains.

56 LEVEL AND PRESSURE MEASUREMENT

Endress+Hauser’s new compact product line for level and pressure measurement is ideal for food and beverage applications.

58 INGREDIENTS: CAMIDA

Camida recently took on the challenge of enabling the UK’s leading oatcake producer to extend the shelf life of their products, using a natural solution that fits their healthy brand identity.

60 NCC FOOD INGREDIENTS

Fintan McConnell of NCC Food Ingredients explains how the right ingredients drive smarter food innovation.

62 GREENTECH PACKAGING

Circular plastics engineering company, Greentech Packaging are your sustainable, local packaging partner.

Leading with Confidence

Martin Heydon TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, discusses the big challenges facing Irish agri-food in the months and years ahead, from sustainability to post-2027 CAP negotiations.

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Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD has been a TD since 2011, representing Fine Gael in the Kildare South constituency.

A graduate of Kildalton Agricultural College, he served as a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and was a member of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action, which produced the cross party report on Climate Action ‘Climate Change: A Cross- Party Consensus for Action’.

In July 2020, he was appointed as Minister of State with special responsibility for Research and Development, Farm Safety and New Market Development, and was appointed as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in January 2025.

In a wide-ranging interview, Minister Heydon discusses Ireland’s impressive export performance, the progress made so far with Food Vision 2030, the development of the organic sector in Ireland, and the importance of the post-2027 CAP negotiations for Ireland’s agri-food sector.

The value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 5% last year to a record €17 billion, after a tough couple of years. How pleased were you by this performance?

“I am very pleased with the strong export figures achieved across food, drink and horticulture exports and, when other agrifood exports categories are added, they totalled €19.2 billion in 2024.

“This excellent performance is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our farmers, fishers, food producers and processors throughout the country and is a true reflection of the excellent reputation which Irish agri-food enjoys both at home and globally. Importantly, the growth of agri-food exports has been substantially driven by value in recent years, in keeping with our approach to delivering sustainable agriculture and food as set out in Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s stakeholder-led strategy.”

What do you view as the main challenges facing the sector this year?

“Recent years have been challenging for the sector. Geopolitical events and uncertainty in international markets resulted in significant volatility in both output and input prices. With highly competitive global markets, the agrifood sector has to work hard to protect its reputation and continuously strive to innovate and maintain a level of competitiveness and resilience that enables it to prosper and develop in the globalised trading environment.

“While slowing inflation for key inputs and normalising supply chains have helped to reduce agricultural input prices relative to their peak in 2022, prices remain at an elevated level compared to the 2015 baseline. Positively, output prices have recovered and Family Farm Incomes have risen significantly – by 87% in 2024. Notably, there were gains for all farm systems, including Dairy, Tillage, Cattle and Sheep. While this positive result must be interpreted in the context of a particularly challenging 2023, which saw Family Farm Incomes falling for the first time in five years, initial forecasts for 2025 also look promising.

“The Government and I remain vigilant of the evolving situation and will continue to support farmers through payments under the €10 billion CAP Strategic Plan and via specific supports where required.”

How are last year’s best performing sectors (seafood, prepared consumer foods (PCF), and meat and livestock) performing so far in 2025?

“Preliminary trade estimates indicate a very positive performance for these sectors in the first five months of 2025. Seafood exports have increased by 20% by value, compared to the same period in 2024. The value of Meat and Poultry exports has increased by almost 16% for the same period, while live animal exports have increased by nearly 9%.”

Are any other sectors exceeding expectations?

“Beef and dairy exports show strong growth in the first months of 2025, with both categories growing by 22% in value terms, when compared to 2024. Other trade categories are also demonstrating strong growth, including edible preparations, which is exceeding 25% by value.”

In February 2025, the European Commission published a Communication entitled ‘A Vision for Agriculture and Food - Shaping Together an Attractive Farming and Agri-food Sector for Future Generations’. How does this align with Ireland’s Food Vision 2030 strategy? Are there any concerns that Ireland should have about the EU’s vision?

“The EU's Vision for Agriculture closely aligns with Ireland’s Food Vision 2030 strategy. Both strategies share a clear recognition of the economic and social value of the agri-food sector, particularly for rural and coastal communities, while also placing sustainability at the heart of future growth.

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“Food Vision 2030 is a shared, stakeholder-led strategy that seeks to build a more resilient, sustainable, and trusted agri-food system. Like the EU’s Vision, it emphasises innovation, environmental responsibility, and generational renewal. There is strong policy coherence between the two, and I believe this alignment positions Ireland well to influence and implement future EU actions.

“While we remain supportive of the EU’s Vision, continued awareness is needed to ensure that implementation at EU level reflects the diversity of farming systems across Member States. A strong, flexible, well-funded CAP will be essential to support our primary producers in delivering on environmental and economic goals. Policies must ensure that farmers are adequately supported and rewarded for delivering public goods. Ireland’s farming systems are diverse, with a high proportion of grassbased, family-owned farms. It is critical that any future policy arising from the EU's Vision allows Member States sufficient flexibility to tailor implementation to national circumstances. Ireland is a major agri-food exporter. As the EU raises environmental standards, it must also ensure a level playing field with third country imports and that we can remain competitive. Ireland’s voice will remain active in shaping and responding to future EU initiatives.”

You recently launched the latest Food Vision 2030 dashboard. How is Food Vision 2030 developing? Are you happy with the progress made so far?

“Food Vision 2030 is progressing in a positive and determined way. The sector has shown real commitment to embracing sustainability, innovation and transformation. We have already seen tangible progress, such as reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, growth in organic farming, and the introduction of important supports for producers.

“The recent launch of the Food Vision 2030 Dashboard marks a key development. This real-time tool enhances transparency and accountability, enabling all stakeholders to track progress across its four core missions.

“We recognise the scale of the challenge ahead. Emissions reductions, water quality, afforestation, and generational renewal remain difficult but vital areas for progress. Priority actions over the coming year will include the implementation of the National Biomethane, Forestry, Horticulture, and Organic Strategies, along with strengthened uptake of environmental schemes.

“Food Vision 2030 commits to a more sustainable, resilient and trusted food

system. The journey is challenging, but the collective determination shown to date gives confidence that, together, the sector will continue to make meaningful progress towards national and global goals.”

Are we on track to deliver on the primary missions and goals of Food Vision?

“Yes, significant progress is being made across all four missions of Food Vision 2030. The third Annual Report is due to be released shortly and provides a comprehensive view of what has been achieved in 2024. I am encouraged that to date 172 actions (79%) have either been completed or have had substantial action undertaken, and a further 46 actions (21%) have commenced.

“Food Vision 2030 remains a living policy framework and the High Level Implementation Committee, which I chair, and other working groups continue to guide implementation in a structured, accountable way. The years ahead will demand continued focus, innovation and collaboration to fully realise our 2030 ambitions.”

What have been the key achievements so far and what are the biggest challenges still ahead?

“There have been a number of standout achievements in 2024. Among them are the publication of Ireland’s first National Biomethane and Organic Strategies, the launch of the Farming for Water EIP and the Better Farming for Water Campaign, and the roll-out of the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme.

“We have also introduced targeted supports like the Dairy Beef, and the

Beef and Sheep Welfare Schemes, and we’ve driven forward innovation through initiatives like the BIA Innovator Campus and the US–Ireland Research and Development Partnership.

“Innovation and knowledge transfer were further supported through the opening of the BIA Innovator Campus, increased funding for the Thematic Research Call, the launch of the US–Ireland Research and Development Partnership call for proposals, and the publication of the Sustainable Food Systems Ireland Statement of Strategy.

“Further significant developments included the Women in Agriculture National Action Plan, the Food Vision Tillage Group Final Report, the National Seafood Development Programme, and the Farm Safety Awareness Campaign, alongside the National Farm Safety Measure. Ireland also significantly increased its funding contribution to international development assistance.”

You recently completed a successful agri-food trade mission to the Republic of Korea and Japan. How important are these trade missions to reinforcing the perceptions of Ireland’s agri-food internationally?

“Ministerial led trade missions play a key role in both negotiating access to markets and in promoting Ireland’s high quality and sustainably produced food and drink produce around the world. They are key towards the agri-food sector’s ambition to develop, consolidate and diversify its footprint on international markets.

“My recent visit to Korea and Japan was an excellent example of the importance of this work, done in collaboration with

Minister Martin Heydon TD launches the Food Vision 2030 Dashboard.

Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland. During the course of the trade mission, I was joined by 22 Irish companies and took in visits to three cities, including two markets, two trade receptions, with 12 commercial engagements focusing on Ireland’s high quality, sustainably produced beef, dairy, consumer foods and seafood.

“The Korean leg of the trade mission followed on from last year’s successful launch of Irish beef into the Korean market. I was particularly delighted to be able to see the arrival of the first consignment of Irish beef from Liffey Meats in Korea, building on this significant achievement. While there, I was also able to attend Seoul Food, Korea’s largest international exhibition for food, drink, hotel and service industry.

“The Japanese leg of the mission had a particular focus on driving awareness of Irish drinks and Irish seafood, with participation by 12 Irish drinks companies and premium oysters returning to the Japanese market for the first time in five years.

“In Tokyo, I also met with my Japanese counterpart, and the Minister of State with responsibility for imported food safety and public health at the Japanese Ministry for Health, Labour and Welfare. These Government-to-Government meetings

provided valuable opportunities to strengthen the bilateral and mutually beneficial trading relationship between Ireland and Japan and to discuss expanded access for Irish beef products in Japanese markets.

“Lastly, in Osaka, I had the opportunity to represent the Government at Ireland’s National Day at EXPO. I was also able to participate in a panel discussion which gave the opportunity to discuss Ireland’s achievements in sustainability and innovation in the agri-food sector to an international audience.”

As Minister, both yourself and your Department have placed significant focus on the organic sector as one which is ripe for growth in Ireland. How far are we along the road to organic farming and why does it seem to be taking a long time to progress?

“I am happy to say there has been a very strong uptake in the Organic Farming Scheme over the last three years, coupled with a significant increase in the allocation for the scheme. Under the new CAP 2023-2027, a budget of €256 million was secured for the organic sector. This allocation has facilitated enhanced

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payment rates, including the introduction of a participation payment for farmers, to support the maintenance and conversion to organic farming. A total of 5,600 organic farmers are currently participating in the scheme, with 248,000ha of land being farmed organically. This represents a threefold increase in the land being farmed organically since 2020, which is 5.5% of Ireland’s total agricultural land. With the national target of 10% of organic farmland by 2030, progress is well underway. This growth has been supported by clear national policy and government supports.

“With a budget of €3.5 million, the Organic Processing Investment Grant scheme provides grant aid to processors, focusing on upgrading facilities for grading, packing, storage and traceability, which in turn helps organic farmers with a growth in demand for organic food and feed. On-farm investments for organic farmers are administrated through the TAMS 3 grant scheme. Organic farmers benefit from 60% grant rate and an investment ceiling of €90,000 per holding.

“A new Organic Strategy was recently developed to take the sector up to 2030. The strategy seeks to strengthen the organic market in Ireland, a barrier to entry

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, at the first ever Chefs’ Irish Beef Club in Asia with chefs Yuji Hayashi, Yuki Inoue, and Kenzo Nishizawa.

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for many farmers. It contains ambitious growth targets for the sector and an overall ambition of increasing the wholesale value of organic output from €200 million in 2024 to €750 million by 2030. The achievement of this target is being monitored and driven by the Organic Strategy Forum, which is made up of stakeholders from across the sector.

“In early 2025, my Department launched a Call for Promotion of Organics, with a €3 million budget over three years, 20252027. There were 10 projects selected, covering a broad area, from horticultural coordination - which is essential given the positive potential for growth in the sector - to a documentary series focusing on inspirational organic producers and rural entrepreneurs, following them through key events in their seasonal year.

“While converting to organic farming can require significant changes to existing

farming practices, as well as upskilling and education, I believe the supports and policies that my Department has put in place will ensure that growth of the sector continues over the coming years.”

How happy are you with the work of the Agri-Food Regulator so far?

There have been some issues with getting access to market data from certain players in the retail grocery industry. What more can be done in this area? Is there a possibility of changing legislation to compel retailers to provide the required information to the Regulator?

“I am very pleased with the performance to date of Ireland’s first independent AgriFood Regulator. Since it was established in December 2023, not even two years ago, the Regulator has been very successful

in delivering its functions, in particular regarding its enforcement of Unfair Trading Practices, including achieving a successful outcome to a prosecution for breach of a UTP for the benefit of a farmer.

“In regard to its other key function concerning price and market analysis and reporting on the agri-food sector, over the last 12 months or so, the regulator has published welcome analysis on the egg and horticulture sectors. Such reports are important to assist food suppliers in their decision-making. However, while there has been much positive engagement with the regulator from operators who have voluntarily responded to requests for information, a few operators did not provide the requested data. Considering its experience concerning those reports, the Regulator has reported to me that it requires enhanced powers to compel businesses to provide financial information that is not in the public domain. The Act itself does not permit the Regulator to compel such data. However, the Act provides that the Minister may make regulations on price and market information. I am fully committed to ensuring that the Regulator is equipped with the necessary powers to fulfil its statutory function, subject to the legislative and consultative process. This process is now well underway.”

Your colleague, Minister Dooley recently travelled to the 2025 Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona, where a host of Irish seafood producers took part in the Bord Bia Origin Green Pavilion. How important are events like this is highlighting the quality and provenance of Irish seafood?

“Seafood Expo Global is a significant event for showcasing Irish seafood, being the world’s largest seafood trade fair. Over 35,000 seafood professionals from 150 countries attend this trade show annually. It provides an important opportunity for the Irish seafood industry to demonstrate the quality, range and sustainability credentials of its produce to a global audience. It also acts as a forum for our industry to meet its existing customer base from around the world, as well as networking with new potential customers. Events like this are an excellent means of promoting Ireland’s Origin Green programme to international seafood customers, helping to increase awareness and highlighting the benefits of sourcing premium quality seafood from Ireland with its independently verified national sustainability programme. The Expo is also a valuable platform in order to generate ideas for new product

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, with Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Shinjiro Koizumi.

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Ireland’s stand at Seoul Foods, Korea.

development, to launch new products and is also very effective in helping to identify new trade leads for Irish seafood suppliers and in supporting their export businesses.”

How can we continue to add value to our seafood industry?

“Key strategies for continuing to add value to our seafood industry include responding to the market demand for new and innovative consumer ready products, ensuring we maximise the use and value of the whole fish, along with growing our existing markets and identifying new market opportunities for Ireland as a source of high quality, sustainable seafood.

“There has been significant capital investment in the Irish seafood processing industry, with funding supports of over €30 million provided to the sector under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve, and supports for further capital investment in the sector are also available under Ireland’s Seafood Development Programme, which is co-funded by the Irish government and the EU Commission under the European

Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). With the assistance of these critical funding supports, the Irish seafood processing industry is one of the most modern and progressive in Europe. In the last number of years, Irish seafood processors have secured major contracts and awards both within Europe and also in Asia and the USA. Most recently the Bedford, New Hampshire, USA-based Icy Waters won the Best New Retail Product award for its Atlantic Salmon with a Guinness Sweet Honey Mustard Melt & Pank Crumb, created in collaboration with Good Fish Co. of Ireland.

“Looking to the future, my Department, through its agencies, is supporting this value-driven approach; for example Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) in partnership with Irish Manufacturing Ireland (imr.ie) is conducting independent audits across the industry focused on digitisations, data utilisation and AI. The purpose of these audits is to benchmark and assist Irish seafood processors in maximising the digital resources available to them in order to support them to maximise costs efficiencies.

“Coupled with this, BIM has developed a Seafood Innovation Network to provide the industry with opportunities for collaboration and assessing best practice processes in other jurisdictions. The overall all aim is to enable Irish seafood processors to target premium markets with high-end products, produced in the most cost-effective manner. A key aspect of these measures is to support the development of innovative and new products, and to maximise the return on the whole fish. BIM, in partnership with Teagasc, is supporting a wide range of trials on the utilisation of what was previously termed 'by-product material' and is also exploring the development of consumer ready products with under-utilised species.

“Bord Bia, in turn, provides tailored supports for strategic brand design work which helps to elevate the premium positioning of Irish seafood in the marketplace. The Irish seafood industry is supported in identifying and better articulating its unique selling points and communicating these through more impactful packaging, websites, social

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media and other platforms. A suite of services is also available to the Irish seafood industry through Bord Bia’s global office network, including customer identification, customer prospecting, market research and market supports such as promotions and public relations, all offering valuable benefits to the sector.”

How important is the publication of the EU budget (the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) ) to the future development of Ireland’s agri-food sector?

“As many of you all know, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is a seven-year financial plan that outlines the European Union’s long-term’s spending priorities. The MFF and CAP proposals for the period 20282034 were formally adopted by the College of Commissioners and published on July 16.

“For Ireland, the agri-food sector is a cornerstone our national economy, rural life and workforce. For our farmers, producers and rural local communities, this framework is far more than a financial tool. We can all agree that over the last 50 years, the MFF, and the EU budget more broadly has been an instrumental tool in ensuring Ireland’s

competitiveness and positioning itself as a leader in the agri-food sector. However, with various challenges such as heightened geo-political tensions and climate change, the MFF is more essential than ever in improving the sustainability of our farms from an economic, social and environmental perspective.

“The MFF determines the allocation of funding under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The CAP is the main instrument for Ireland’s drawdown of the MFF funds, accounting for 75% of Ireland’s receipts (€1.5 billion annually) from the EU between Pillar I and Pillar II of the CAP. This support flows down directly to our family farms and rural communities, safeguarding stable incomes for farmers, rewarding environmental stewardship and supporting rural development and innovation in every pocket of the country. For many, the MFF is far more than a financial support. It is a reminder of both Europe’s and Ireland’s solidarity with rural communities that makes our local economies stronger and resilient. It incentivises sustainable farming practices, and rewards young farmers, which ensures that the next generation can see a bright future in farming and food production.

“Ireland has a record of fully drawing down all CAP funding available as this supports approximately 120,000 farmers each year. Therefore, it is quite evident how essential the funding is in sustaining the long-term viability of farming and food and safeguarding vibrant rural areas across the country.

“In regard to the post-2027 proposals and as the CAP and MFF negotiations progress, Ireland will continue to advocate for a simplified, well-funded and adaptable CAP framework that supports farm resilience, environmental ambition, and rural development.”

How

important will Ireland’s Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2026 be in dictating agrifood policy going forward, and particularly in terms of progressing the legislative framework for the next CAP?

“Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026 will come at a pivotal strategic moment for European Agriculture. Following the publication of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post 2027 proposals in July 2025, our Presidency will be at the helm of negotiations as they gather

Minister Heydon is pictured officially opening the National Brewing and Distilling Centre in Teagasc Oak Park, Carlow, with Professor Frank

O Mara, Teagasc Director; Gemma Merrins, National Brewing and Distilling Centre; Liam Herlihy, Teagasc Chair; Lisa Ryan, Manager of the National Brewing and Distilling Centre.

pace, at a time when steady leadership and consensus building will be critical.

“Our Presidency will also coincide with continued work to give effect to the Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, which outlines the EU’s ambition to build an attractive, competitive, resilient and future-proof agri-food sector. The next CAP will be the key instrument in translating that ambition into reality.

“Ireland’s role as Presidency is not to determine the outcome of the negotiations, but rather to act as a neutral and honest broker, facilitating agreements among Member States at Council and with the EU institutions. That means creating the conditions for progress by building trust, encouraging compromise and ensuring the CAP remains a truly ‘Common’ EU Policy. Our aim will be to guide discussions in a way that supports the CAP to be ambitious but workable, one that delivers for farmers and ensures the continued success of the European Agri-Food sector.”

You recently outlined Ireland’s priorities for post-2027 CAP negotiations, including making it more straightforward, more flexible, sustainable and ensuring an “adequate budget”. How confident are you that we can ensure these requirements are met?

“The CAP is essential in supporting a fair and sufficient income for farmers and provides us with the tools to strengthen both the resilience and sustainability of the European Union’s food supply and production capacity, while directly providing EU supports to rural communities.

“Experiences over the last few years, from the Covid pandemic to the war in Ukraine, to the current trade tensions with the US, have underlined the vital importance of this sector. Food supply chains have proved resilient, but we should not take our food, or the people who produce it, for granted. Ensuring the availability, accessibility and affordability of food is the bedrock of the European Union’s stability; this is why the CAP is enshrined in the EU Treaties as one of the original common policies of the EU.

The CAP proposals for the period 20282034 were published on July 16. While Ireland welcomes the timely publication of the draft Common Agricultural Policy post 2027 proposals, we need time to examine the text in detail.

“Regardless, our support for farmers and rural communities will remain steadfast.

The CAP represents a long-standing strategic investment in the EU’s food system and rural economy. It underpins the food security, competitiveness and

economic viability of the EU’s rural areas. The CAP must continue to provide certainty and stability for farmers, enabling them to plan effectively for the future.

“As I’ve previously highlighted, Ireland’s main priorities for the next CAP include: a CAP that is more straightforward for farmers; a CAP that is more flexible; a CAP that provides a reasonable balance between all elements of sustainability (economic, environmental and social); and above all, a CAP with a robust and effective budget which retains the full toolbox of current measures.

“Ireland is working with other Member States, to underline the importance of food security to EU autonomy and security; the vital role farming and food plays in our rural economies and communities and the important contribution farming and food makes to EU competitiveness, innovation, and climate and biodiversity ambitions.

I, along with 19 Ministers of Agriculture, recently signed a joint declaration on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy ‘towards an independent and strategic CAP for the next Multiannual Financial Framework’. This paper outlined the common priorities of the urgent need for an independent and forward-looking CAP; the importance of maintaining a separate, strong and ring-fenced two pillar architecture of the CAP, which continues to provide a balanced and coherent framework; and it emphasised the need for the CAP to be underpinned by a sufficient budget.

“It remains clear that the CAP is a central tool to the EU’s success in ensuring food security, supporting farm incomes and

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developing rural areas. The CAP also remains critical to the agri-food sector’s resilience and competitiveness, as it has since Ireland joined the EU more than 50 years ago.

“As CAP and MFF negotiations progress, Ireland will continue to advocate for a simplified, well-funded and adaptable CAP framework that supports farm resilience, environmental ambition, and rural development.”

How confident are you in the sector going forward towards 2026? What are the biggest challenges and opportunities ahead.

“Looking ahead, the challenges will require sustained efforts from all agri-food stakeholders, especially in the areas of climate action, water quality, and farmer viability. Equally, the opportunities are significant. Initiatives such as the National Biomethane Strategy and the Organic Strategy are opening new pathways for sustainable growth. With current global market uncertainty, the importance of on-going market diversification cannot be understated and international trade missions continue to deepen our global reputation as a trusted, high-quality food producer.

“With the right supports, policies and partnerships, I believe Ireland’s agri-food sector is well positioned to lead in building a more sustainable, secure and resilient food future for all.

“The collective determination shown by stakeholders in the implementation of Food Vison 2030 to date gives confidence that together the sector will continue to make meaningful progress towards national and global goals.”

Minister Heydon: “Ensuring the availability, accessibility and affordability of food is the bedrock of the European Union’s stability.”

Supports needed for sustainable growth

Paul Kelly, Director, Food Drink Ireland, examines the results of FDI’s food and drink manufacturing report and advises on what state supports are necessary if we are to address the competitiveness challenges going forward.

Food and drink manufacturing is Ireland’s largest indigenous sector and accounts for half of direct expenditure by the entire manufacturing sector in the Irish economy (payroll, Irish materials and Irish services). With almost 60,000 direct employees and the same in indirect employment, it remained resilient in 2024, with exports valued at €17 billion. Its extensive regional footprint means it is directly linked to the performance of the whole economy and is also at the heart of the social fabric of rural Ireland. The sector provides the exclusive outlet for much of farmer/SME produce, providing extensive added value and is thus crucially important to farm incomes.

In January, Food Drink Ireland published our Food and Drink Manufacturing Report 2025, ‘Appetite for Growth’, a sectoral extract of the overall Ibec ‘Manufacturing in Ireland’ report. There is a broadly positive sentiment in the food and drink sector, with 58% rating the manufacturing environment in Ireland as good or very good. However, this is lower than the 70% positive response rate across all manufacturing sectors.

Cost pressures weight heavily on the sector. The most widely expected cost increases are in the areas of wage growth (76% of respondents), investment in sustainability (76%) and the cost of raw materials (76%), followed by investment in digitalisation (62%) and cost of transport (62%).

The largest challenge facing businesses in the sector is cost of labour, where there was a similar response rate to the wider manufacturing sector at 71% of respondents. The next two challenges were much more sector specific - the cost of raw materials (62% vs 45% for all manufacturers) and the regulatory environment (62% vs 37% for all manufacturers).

52% of food and drink respondents expected an increase in productivity across 2025. This focus is coupled with 48% planning to adopt or enhance existing AI initiatives, primarily with a view to enhancing efficiency and productivity.

High cost levels and ongoing cost inflation (labour, energy and commodities) are impacting on margins, competitiveness, and investment decisions. At the same time, there is an increased need

to build resilience against increased costs, trade and supply chain disruptions and wider competitiveness pressures, whilst investing heavily in low carbon, resource efficient processes and accelerating digital transformation measures.

Addressing the

competitiveness challenges

It is thus critical that national policy can support the sector in addressing its competitiveness challenges and harness opportunities for further growth. So, what is needed?

There should be a focus on support for capital investment, innovation, and skills development to improve cost competitiveness in domestic and export markets. Trade support measures in market promotion, export credit insurance and other financing tools also remain important. Specific recommendations to improve competitiveness include:

• Supporting the capital investment plans of new or expanding exporters when they want to introduce enabling technology and when they want to transition their operations to lowercarbon technologies.

• Lowering the high cost of electricity in Ireland needs to be addressed by reducing the fixed cost component on Irish energy bills through a strategic annual subvention.

• Introducing accelerated capital allowances for advanced manufacturing, including computerised/computer-aided machinery and robotic machines.

• Introducing a PRSI rebate based on the number of lower earning workers on a company’s payroll.

Increasing the top rate of entry of employer PRSI in line with minimum wage increases.

• Introducing a National Training Fund Voucher Scheme to engage more employers in workforce development.

It

Ireland’s food and drink sector is preparing for a wave of far-reaching EU sustainability regulations that will impact everything from packaging and waste reduction to environmental claims, supply chain traceability, and corporate reporting.

Developing export markets

Irish food and drink can be found the world over and we punch above our weight as an exporter. However, in light of a changed global trade environment, market diversification and growth has increased in relevance but is also more challenging, requiring additional trade support measures. There is an underprovision of private export credit insurance in the Irish market, which insures against the risk carried by exporters who sell to buyers based on credit. A governmentguaranteed, comprehensive, export credit scheme is urgently required to safeguard the exposure diversifying businesses bear against commercial risk in export markets.

Developing new export markets is a costly proposition for food and drink businesses, particularly SMEs. Additional funding should be put in place for direct grant supports for marketing and trade promotion for companies looking to build new markets in the EU and internationally.

Supporting innovation via the tax system

Innovation underpins the success of many food and drink businesses, and the tax system can support this more effectively. A critical area for improvement is the R&D tax credit, which continues to be the single most important resource for incentivising business to engage in research. The recent

is critical that national policy can support the sector in addressing its competitiveness challenges and harness opportunities for further growth. There should be a focus on support for capital investment, innovation, and skills development to improve cost competitiveness in domestic and export markets. Trade support measures in market promotion, export credit insurance and other financing tools also remain important.

sectoral overview

increase in the tax credit to the 30% rate was very welcome, but further enhancements are needed to make the credit more accessible to companies and to modernise its parameters.

In particular, the incremental nature of innovation in the food sector should be brought into scope of the credit. The R&D tax credit should also reflect the full spectrum of innovation activities that take place across the food and drink industry, particularly if Ireland is to encourage the adoption of green and digital business processes.

Food Drink Ireland has also called for the introduction of a €5 million fund for the Irish food and drink sector to help companies meet the extremely ambitious reformulation targets set out in a Roadmap for Food Product Reformulation in Ireland. Working towards these targets will be costly for the sector and financial supports are needed to ensure that all companies can engage in this process.

Experience economy

A hugely important outlet for food and drink sector is the Experience Economy. It encompasses hospitality, retail, travel, food, drink, tourism, entertainment, technology, events, and organisations in the arts, cultural, sporting, and heritage sectors. Its complex supply chain reaches deep into cities, towns and villages across the country, supporting business and employment

Ireland punches above its weight as a food and drink exporter, but we need additional support measures if this is to continue, as developing new export markets is a costly endeavour.

Innovation underpins the success of many food and drink businesses, and FDI believe that our tax system can support this more effectively.

and many hard-to-reach elements of the economy and society.

This sector spends €4 billion every year on purchases of goods and services, including over €1 billion in purchases from domestic food and drink suppliers. As such, the vibrancy of the Experience Economy has a significant impact on the success of the food and drink sector. Central to the future development of this huge part of Irish business and society will be excise rates moving in the direction of European norms, lower VAT rates and no further discriminatory taxes on food and drink products.

Sustainable food and drink

Along with emissions reduction efforts, the food and drink sector is preparing for a wave of far-reaching EU sustainability regulations that will impact everything

from packaging and waste reduction to environmental claims, supply chain traceability, and corporate reporting. These new requirements, although likely to be less onerous that originally envisaged, are unprecedented in their complexity and scope, demanding significant investment and operational change across the entire value chain.

While companies are already expanding internal capacity to meet these obligations, the scale of the challenge means that industry cannot deliver alone. To ensure Ireland meets its EU obligations, government funding and resource allocation must match the unique and unprecedented demands of this regulatory shift.

The tax system can be a driver too and we have called on Government to launch a new super deduction capital allowance for

business investment in environmental and sustainability related capital investments.

Waste management infrastructure

Finally, the development of the Irish waste management infrastructure is a major non-regulatory barrier that will need to be addressed for the further development of the circular economy in Ireland. Meeting upcoming EU requirements for packaging to be “recycled at scale” will depend heavily on the availability of national recycling systems. This includes widespread separate collection, advanced sorting capabilities, and sufficient domestic recycling capacity.

More supports are needed to accelerate the development of this infrastructure and work with the waste sector to better manage waste and its re-use and to further enhance the circular economy, where possible.

providing extensive added value, and is thus crucially

Ireland’s agri-food sector provides the exclusive outlet for much of farmer/SME produce,

important to farm incomes.

Dairy Sector Proves its Resilience

Conor Mulvihill , Director, Dairy Industry Ireland, reveals how Irish dairy is navigating Trump tariffs and strengthening US ties.

As new tariffs from the Trump administration loom over transatlantic trade, Ireland’s dairy industry - long a cornerstone of rural prosperity and global nutrition - is once again demonstrating its resilience, adaptability, and strategic importance. Far from retreating, the sector is leaning into its strengths, forging deeper international ties, and reaffirming its vital role in both the Irish and US economies.

Irish dairy is no ordinary industry. Often described as “rural Ireland’s Google”, it is the country’s largest native sector, rooted in a unique grass-based, family-farm cooperative model. According to a 2023 EY economic impact report, the industry generates an impressive €17.6 billion in annual economic activity and supports 55,000 jobs across Ireland, including nearly 17,000 farm families. These figures underscore not just economic value, but a way of life that sustains communities and traditions across the island.

Conor Mulvihill, Director, Dairy Industry Ireland.

In

the face of uncertainty, Irish dairy is not just surviving; it’s evolving. By embracing innovation, strengthening alliances, and staying true to its cooperative roots, the industry is turning a potential setback into a springboard for future growth.

The US is a key partner in this success story.

Irish dairy exports to the United States are valued at approximately €830 million annually, about 11% of total dairy exports.

Butter leads the charge, but Irish cheese, whey, casein, and specialised nutrition products are also highly prized by American consumers. These exports are more than just commodities; they are symbols of quality, sustainability, and trust.

Facing the tariffs challenge

The introduction of new tariffs presents undeniable challenges. Higher prices could reduce competitiveness in the US market, potentially impacting demand and squeezing profit margins for Irish producers. There is a risk of a tariff border on the island of Ireland. There’s also the risk of losing market share to countries like New Zealand or the UK, which may face lower trade barriers with differential deals.

Yet, the Irish dairy sector has weathered storms before, Brexit, Covid-19, and the Ukraine energy crisis among them. Each time, it has emerged stronger, more agile, and more globally connected. The current situation is no different.

Industry leaders are already mobilising. Dairy Industry Ireland, which represents the sector and is affiliated with Ibec, is working closely with the Irish government, EU officials in Brussels, and partners in Washington and London to de-escalate tensions and find constructive solutions.

Minister Martin Heydon’s recent visit to the US signalled Ireland’s commitment to maintaining a strong, mutually beneficial trade relationship.

Innovation and diversification

Beyond diplomacy, the industry is seizing this moment to innovate and diversify. There is a renewed focus on expanding into new export markets, while strengthening ties within the EU Single Market. Investments in research and development are being ramped up to create high-value, specialised nutrition products that can command premium prices and open new doors globally.

Irish dairy companies such as Glanbia, Kerry, Ornua, Carbery, and Tirlan already have a strong presence in the US, while American giants like Abbott and Leprino have invested significantly in Ireland. These transatlantic partnerships are built on shared values and mutual benefit, and they will be crucial in navigating the current turbulence.

‘Keep calm and carry on’

The message from the industry is clear: ‘Keep calm and carry on’. This isn’t just a slogan; it’s a strategy rooted in experience, collaboration, and a long-term vision. With Ibec already conducting impact assessments and government support in full swing, the sector is well-positioned to adapt and thrive.

The dairy industry generates an impressive €17.6 billion in annual economic activity and supports 55,000 jobs across Ireland, including nearly 17,000 farm families.

In the face of uncertainty, Irish dairy is not just surviving; it’s evolving. By embracing innovation, strengthening alliances, and staying true to its cooperative roots, the industry is turning a potential setback into a springboard for future growth. And in doing so, it continues to nourish not only millions of consumers around the world but also the enduring bond between Ireland and the United States.

Ireland’s dairy industry is the country’s largest native sector, rooted in a unique grass-based, family-farm cooperative model.

EUDR is Coming: Is Your Business Prepared?

Rian Morris, Environmental Sustainability Executive, Food Drink Ireland, assesses the potential implications of the EUDR on your business.

Following a contentious roll-out, the EU

Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is now set to take effect for many companies from December 30, 2025. Its main goal is to ensure products sold within the EU haven’t contributed to deforestation or forest degradation anywhere in the world. This initiative is part of the EU’s broader effort to combat greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss caused by deforestation. EUDR has faced criticism over its complexity and implementation challenges, ultimately resulting in the last-minute announcement of a 12-month delay in December 2024. However, the key requirements are now established, and a new cut-off date is fast approaching. As the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) steps up preparation for

enforcement of EUDR in Ireland, it is now crucial to understand the implications for your business.

Who needs to comply?

Determining if EUDR applies to your business requires an understanding of the commodities and products derived from them that are within scope, as well as your role in the supply chain.

The relevant products include:

• Commodities: EUDR targets seven specific commodities known to be major drivers of global deforestation: cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy, and wood.

• Derived Products: The regulation covers not just the commodities but also many products made from them. These are listed by specific customs (CN)

codes in Annex I of the regulation. It’s important to check these codes carefully, as connections might not be obvious e.g. leather (from cattle), palm oil derivatives used in various industrial applications, and even books (using paper from wood).

Activities & roles

EUDR applies to companies that engage in any of the below activities under two categories:

1. Operators: Anyone who places relevant products on the EU market for the first time or exports them outside of the customs union, including: Importing relevant products into the EU;

• Exporting them from the EU;

• Directly supplying them within the EU.

2. Traders: Anyone in the supply chain other than the operator who supplies a relevant product for distribution, consumption or use on the EU market whether in return for payment or free of charge.

Key dates

Key dates include:

• December 30, 2025: EUDR enforcement begins for large and medium-sized companies.

June 30, 2026: Small and microenterprises must comply by this date.

Transitional Rules: EUDR replaces the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR). Timber harvested before June 29, 2023, can still follow EUTR rules until December 31, 2028. Further exemptions are in place for other in-scope products placed on the market before the relevant EUDR application date.

Core requirements for products For relevant products to be legally sold in or exported from the EU, they must meet three conditions:

1. Be Deforestation-Free: The commodities used must not originate from land deforested after December 31, 2020.

2. Be Legally Produced: Production must comply with the laws of the origin country, including land use rights, environmental protection, and human/ labour rights.

3. Be Covered by a Due Diligence Statement (DDS): Before a product is placed on the market or exported, a DDS must be submitted electronically via a dedicated EUDR Information System (IS) to confirm that due diligence was performed.

The due diligence process explained To declare “negligible risk”, Operators and Non-SME Traders must follow a structured process:

1. Information Collection: Gather detailed data for each product batch, including geolocation coordinates and proof of legal compliance. Downstream companies can reference the suppliers’ Due Diligence Statement (DDS) but need to verify the data as they remain liable.

2. Risk Assessment: Analyse the collected information to assess the risk of the product not meeting EUDR standards.

3. Risk Mitigation: If the assessment shows a non-negligible risk, the Operator must take steps to reduce that risk to negligible before selling or exporting. If the risk can’t be reduced, the product cannot enter the EU market or be exported.

EU deforestation regulation

4. Submit Due Diligence Statement (DDS): Once negligible risk is achieved, submit the DDS via the IS. This is in effect a declaration of compliance; detailed records of the due diligence measures must be kept for five years.

Two important points to note: SMEs are subject to simplified due diligence procedures in certain circumstances, and since May 2025, Ireland has been classified as a low-risk country under Article 29 of the EUDR. Under Article 13, this means that operators sourcing exclusively from Ireland are not required to carry out full risk assessment and mitigation procedures (Articles 10 and 11), provided they:

• Have assessed the complexity of their supply chain and determined there is negligible risk of circumvention or mixing with products from unknown or higher-risk origins;

• Can provide documentation to support this conclusion if requested.

Steps for Irish businesses to prepare

1. Build Organisational Knowledge: Review the materials listed in the Useful Resources section below, in collaboration with colleagues in procurement or supply chain roles.

2. Identify Exposure: Regularly assess your products and raw materials to determine whether they contain in-scope commodities or derivatives.

3. Understand Your Role: Determine your classification based on activities and business size, as this will define your specific compliance obligations under EUDR.

4. Map Your Supply Chains: Trace relevant products back to their origin, identifying all supply chain actors.

5. Develop Data Systems: Implement systems to collect, verify, and securely store the required information needed to demonstrate compliance.

6. Establish Risk Assessment Procedures: Design internal processes for assessing deforestation and legal compliance risks in line with EUDR criteria.

7. Engage with Suppliers: Clearly communicate your compliance expectations and data requirements.

8. Plan Risk Mitigation Measures: Define how your company will respond when a non-negligible risk is identified.

9. Train Staff on Due Diligence Statements (DDS): Ensure relevant teams understand the DDS process and are prepared to submit accurate statements through the EU’s central Information System.

10. Stay Informed: Monitor updates from DAFM and Ibec for further guidance related to EUDR implementation.

The European Commission has produced a range of documents, available online, to help with EUDR compliance: [environment. ec.europa.eu/topics/forests/deforestation/ regulation-deforestation-free-products_en]

Consequences of non-compliance

Failure to comply means products cannot legally be sold in or exported from the EU. Penalties are designed to be “effective, proportionate and dissuasive” and can include: Significant Fines: Potentially at least 4% of the company’s annual EU turnover.

Confiscation: Seizure of non-compliant products and related revenue.

Market Bans: Temporary prohibition from trading relevant products in the EU. Exclusion: Temporary bans (up to 12 months) from public contracts and funding.

Future Restrictions: Loss of access to simplified procedures.

Looking ahead

EUDR fundamentally changes supply chain responsibility, demanding traceability of components down to the specific plot of land. Given the complexity and severe consequences of non-compliance, starting the preparation process by mapping supply chains, implementing internal systems and engaging early with suppliers is an urgent strategic priority.

Useful Resources

DAFM’s dedicated EUDR webpage features updates, a series of explanations including webinar recordings and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.

The European Commission’s EUDR landing page for business, includes detailed guidance on the requirements and technical details of the Information System.

Reducing Food Waste: an Industry Commitment

Rian Morris, Environmental

Sustainability Executive, Food Drink Ireland, reports on Ireland’s commitment to reducing food waste and driving sector sustainability.

Food waste in Ireland spans from farms to homes, affecting the environment, economy and food security, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions across complex supply chains.

Recognising the urgent need for action, Irish food and drink manufacturers are focused on identifying practical measures to drive more sustainable patterns of production and consumption.

Global food waste impact

Recent UN figures indicate that globally, almost a third of all food goes to waste. In Ireland, this amounts to around 1.27 million tonnes of food annually, which adds the equivalent of 3.6 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere. It can also contribute to issues with water quality and biodiversity. In addition to the environmental cost, food waste leaves both producers and consumers

out of pocket, with vital resources being squandered and hard-earned money effectively being thrown away.

Embracing sustainable food practices

As individuals, we all have a part to play. However, our food and drink manufacturers, alongside the retail sector, have a unique role in shaping a more sustainable food ecosystem.

Food Drink Ireland (FDI) member companies are embracing this by utilising crop by-products to power farms with clean energy, introducing operational efficiencies in processing plants and investing in new technologies to extend the shelf-life of foods.

Collaborative approach to zero-waste

However, many challenges remain for food and drink producers in driving towards Ireland’s vision of a zero-waste circular economy. As a key step, FDI is committed

to supporting the Government’s Food Waste Charter, a cross-industry pledge for companies to reduce their waste. We aim to encourage increasing participation in the scheme among our 150 member companies and facilitate knowledge sharing of best practices within the sector.

We also collaborate with social enterprises that offer innovative approaches to tackling food waste. These include services finding alternative customers for food that would otherwise go to waste and labelling schemes that help consumers avoid discarding edible food.

FDI urges companies to explore all available options together with suppliers, customers and third-party support. The food system is complex, but through collaboration, we can protect natural resources and create more value for communities by ensuring nothing goes to waste.

farming for water EIP

Making a Splash

Kevin Maher, Senior Executive at Dairy Sustainability Ireland, reports on a year of progress when it comes to the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership.

Ireland's agricultural landscape, while vital to its economy and heritage, faces increasing pressure to maintain and improve water quality. The Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) is an innovative initiative, demonstrating how a collaborative, farmer-centric approach can drive significant environmental benefits. With a substantial €60 million funding, of which €50 million is ringfenced for farmers, launched in March 2024, it is is making tangible strides in protecting and restoring Ireland's water resources.

Impressive progress made

Since its official launch in March 2024, the Farming for Water EIP has witnessed a year of progress. More than 11,000 measures designed to protect and maintain water quality in Ireland's rivers, lakes, and watercourses nationwide have already been approved in Priority Areas for Action (PAA). The initial 2024 target of 1,000 farmers signing up to the EIP was not only met but significantly surpassed, with over 1,700 applications received to date. This overwhelming interest has resulted in

almost €12 million in funding committed so far towards on-farm mitigation measures, with the average value of applications exceeding €10,000.

The 1,700 participating farmers have created Rainwater Management Plans, gaining a far better understanding of the movement and impact of water on their individual farms. This foundational step ensures that interventions are precisely targeted for maximum impact, ensuring that the right measures are being applied in the right place.

What is the Farming for Water EIP?

The Farming for Water EIP is a collaborative project under the European Innovation Partnership for Agriculture (EIP-Agri framework). Its primary aim is to tackle water quality issues stemming from agricultural activities in Ireland.

This €60 million project is delivered by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), in partnership with Teagasc and Dairy Industry Ireland (DII). The project also receives significant support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM),

which provides €50 million in funding for participating farmers, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), which allocates €10 million for administrative and operational costs.

The EIP focuses on developing and implementing innovative, on-farm solutions that go beyond existing regulatory requirements. The overarching goal is to reduce losses of nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus), sediment, and pesticides from agricultural lands, thereby protecting and improving the ecological status of rivers, lakes, estuaries, and groundwaters across Ireland.

A key aspect of the Farming for Water EIP is its emphasis on "measures in the right place, at the right time". This means working directly with farmers to identify specific areas on their land where interventions will have the greatest impact on water quality. The project also aims to deliver multiple benefits, including climate change mitigation and biodiversity protection, by promoting naturebased solutions.

The Farming for Water EIP provides financial support to farmers for implementing a wide range of supplementary measures.

What kind of financial supports are available?

The EIP provides direct financial incentives for specific mitigation measures to ease the burden on farmers. Examples include:

• Rainwater Management Plan (Mandatory): €250

• Farmer training course: €156

Nitrogen efficiency: €250/year

• Multi species sward: €300/Ha (max 10Ha).

• Catch or cover crops on tillage fields:

• Nutrient management plans: €400

• Hedgerow and tree planting: €16/whip

• Fencing (e.g., to exclude livestock from watercourses): €2.77/ metre (max 100 metres)

• Farmyard bucket and brush: 50% of the cost, up to a maximum of €2,000.

• Farmyard settlement tank: €6,500 for one unit.

How Farming for Water benefits water quality

The interventions supported by the Farming for Water EIP directly target the primary pathways of agricultural pollution. By reducing the loss of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), sediment, and pesticides from farms, the EIP aims to:

Reduce eutrophication: excessive nutrients lead to algal blooms and overgrowth of aquatic plants, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life. Measures like targeted nutrient management plans, multi-species swards that better utilise nutrients, and catch crops help keep these vital elements on the land, where they belong.

• Minimise sedimentation: run-off carrying soil particles can smother aquatic habitats and transport attached pollutants. Riparian margins, hedgerow planting, and fencing to prevent livestock access to watercourses stabilise banks and filter run-off, preventing sediment from entering rivers and lakes.

• Protect biodiversity: cleaner water with balanced nutrient levels and reduced sediment allows native fish, invertebrates, and plant species to thrive, supporting healthier, more resilient ecosystems.

Support climate goals: many water quality measures, such as planting trees and hedgerows, and promoting healthy soils, also deliver co-benefits for climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon.

An overview of water quality in Ireland and agricultural pressures

In Ireland, all water policy and management is guided by the Water Framework Directive. Under this directive, Ireland has been set a target of achieving at least ‘good status’ for all waters in the country, along with no deterioration.

While Ireland's overall water quality ranks among the highest compared to its EU counterparts, meeting the Water Framework Directive's (WFD) objective of achieving good status for all water bodies by 2027 will undoubtedly be challenging, a reality shared by every other Member State.

As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regularly highlights, water quality faces significant challenges. Historically, nearly half (46%) of Ireland's surface waters have not achieved good ecological status, with nutrient pollution being the most prevalent issue. Agriculture, being the dominant land use, naturally contributes to these pressures. While farmers are custodians of the land and work tirelessly to produce food, certain farming practices, particularly in areas of freely draining soils, can lead to losses of nutrients (especially nitrogen in the south-east and phosphorus in areas with poorly

farming for water EIP

draining soils) to water bodies. This is not for a lack of care, but often a complex interplay of soil types, weather patterns, and the very nature of food production. Sediment run-off and, less frequently, the incorrect use of pesticides can also impact water quality.

Signs of improvement from the EPA

Despite these ongoing challenges, there are encouraging signs, and the proactive engagement of the farming community is beginning to show positive trends. The EPA's ‘Early Insights Nitrogen Indicator’ for 2024, published in March 2025, revealed a welcome reduction in nitrogen levels in selected rivers. While nitrogen levels remain too high in certain regions, particularly the south-eastern half of the country, this early insight suggests that the collective efforts and various measures being adopted at farm level are starting to make a difference. The EPA noted that agriculture is the primary source of nitrogen in these areas and that “significant actions are underway by the sector to reduce nitrogen losses”.

This initial positive trend provides confidence that targeted measures, like those championed by the Farming for Water EIP, are vital for delivering tangible improvements. The EPA will publish its full, comprehensive assessment of water quality for the period 2019-2024 later in 2025, which will provide a more complete picture, combining nutrient data with biological quality monitoring.

Future outlook

The Farming for Water EIP, now well into its first year of operation, is playing a crucial role in Ireland's efforts to retain its Nitrates Derogation, a key factor for many dairy and livestock farmers. By demonstrating a proactive and collaborative approach to water quality improvements, the Farming for Water EIP contributes significantly to national environmental targets.

The Farming for Water EIP is paving the way as a blueprint to addressing complex environmental challenges. By empowering farmers with the knowledge, tools, and financial support to adopt sustainable practices, it is not only cultivating cleaner waters but also fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious agricultural sector across Ireland. Its ongoing success, supported by a dedicated network of partners and the commitment of farmers, will serve as a vital case study for future agri-environmental initiatives.

Responsible Refreshment

How Ireland’s soft drinks industry is prioritising health, investment, and sustainability, by

Robert Kiernan , Director, Irish Beverage

Council.

Ireland’s soft drinks sector has been a key feature of our economy for decades. Today, the sector employs well over 3,500 people directly, supports another 3,000 jobs, with the domestic market worth over €780 million a year, and exports worth over €290 million.

Products, in ready to drink and concentrate form, are exported across the globe, and companies invest heavily in research and development, making Ireland a key global leader in the industry. The soft drinks sector is also at the forefront of comprehensive health and sustainability initiatives, prioritising both the wellbeing of the consumer and the environment.

Deposit Return Scheme

Since plans for a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) were announced by Government several years ago, Ireland’s beverage sector has been central to the successful design, implementation, and operation of Ireland’s DRS. Following go-live in February 2024, Ireland’s DRS has introduced a momentous change in how beverage producers, retailers and consumers interact with the market. Underpinned by continued partnership across the beverage industry, retailers, Government, and the scheme operator, Re-turn, Ireland’s DRS has moved from strength to strength, with over one and a half billion bottles and cans collected to date.

A Deposit Return Scheme sees a deposit placed on single-use drinks containers, which is then refunded to the consumer when they return their bottles and cans. Consumers are incentivised to bring back their used products, which facilitates a reduction in litter and increased recycling.

Unlike traditional recycling methods, a DRS aims to create a ‘closed-loop’ recycling system, allowing the returned material to be recycled into new drinks containers, and contributing to Ireland’s separate collection target for plastic bottles - 77% by 2025, increasing to 90% by 2029.

Our members, supported by the Irish Beverage Council, Drinks Ireland, and Retail Ireland, applied a dynamic partnership

approach to achieve a shared goal – the establishment of a world-class DRS for Ireland, delivered on time and on budget. Industry, and their representative associations, continue to remain actively engaged to ensure the sustained success of Ireland’s DRS, including continued and regular engagement with Re-turn, and the introduction of the Scheme’s high-quality recycled material into production chains.

Tethered caps

Since 2024, single-use bottles and cartons up to three litres in size are required to have their caps attached to the main part of the container (i.e. a 'tethered cap') reducing plastic waste, increasing

circularity, and preventing litter. Previously, loose caps were often lost or discarded, leading to plastic pollution.

The Irish Beverage Council, and our members, engaged extensively in the policy development process, with our members applying innovative approaches to product design to ensure effective integration of the tethered caps requirement into their supply chains.

Recycled content

Since 2025, single-use plastic bottles must contain at least 25% recycled content, increasing to 30% by 2030. Irish Beverage Council members are actively engaged in implementing this measure in our supply chains, and, in many cases, have exceeded these targets far in advance of deadlines, demonstrating the clear focus of the sector in ensuring packaging sustainability.

Sugar reduction and consumer choice

The Irish soft drinks sector has been engaged in comprehensive reformulation, recipe changes, and new product launches for more than two decades, providing consumers with the widest range of choice available

(including both low and no-sugar alternatives). Our goal has been to ensure that choice is not limited, and the consumer is facilitated in making an informed decision about their purchases of soft drinks.

• IBC research highlights the shift by industry away from sugarsweetened drinks, in favour of low and no sugar products. The volume and proportion of product portfolio related to beverages over 5g sugar per 100ml has declined considerably since 2016. Concurrently, the production of low and no sugar beverages has risen, and continues to increase rapidly.

• Our members have also taken an active role in prioritising the marketing of low and no sugar products to consumers, with almost all advertising and new product launches focused on this category.

• Euromonitor research has concluded that, in Ireland, soft drinks now contribute only 1.8% of daily energy intake.

According to the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children and Healthy Ireland studies, there has been a significant decrease in sugar sweetened drinks consumption amongst Irish children and adults over the past decade.

• Following an independent evaluation of the Sugar Sweetened Drinks Tax in 2024, commissioned by the Department of Health, it was concluded that soft drink manufacturers have engaged in extensive reformulation of their products – demonstrating our sector’s focus on the wellbeing of our customers.

Investing in Ireland

The soft drinks sector has invested significantly in Ireland, with production, research, and corporate sites located across the island of Ireland. Made up of domestic and multinational companies, the industry actively supports employment, innovation, and economic

soft drinks market

Ireland’s DRS has moved from strength to strength, with over one and a half billion bottles and cans collected to date.

growth. Our members also engage with local communities throughout the island, through various outreach, sustainability, advocacy, and charity initiatives.

The future

In the face of growing global trade uncertainty and economic pressures, the Irish Beverage Council, and our members, remain committed to supporting a resilient beverage industry that contributes positively to Ireland’s economy and ensures continued value for both consumers and businesses.

Furthermore, with various upcoming initiatives in the area of sustainability, such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the Irish Beverage Council will continue to demonstrate dedicated and responsible leadership in delivering for customers, the economy, and the environment.

About the author

Robert Kiernan is Director of the Irish Beverage Council (IBC), the dedicated representative body of the non-alcohol beverage industry in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. The group is comprised of brand owners, producers, distributors and marketers of still and carbonated soft drinks, sports and energy drinks, juices and packaged waters.

The IBC is a unit of Food Drink Ireland and one of the family of sectoral associations operated by Ibec. The IBC represents the interests of the industry at local, national and international level and is an active member of UNESDA (Soft Drinks Europe) and NMWE (Natural Mineral Waters Europe).

Made up of domestic and multinational companies, the soft drinks industry actively supports employment, innovation, and economic growth across Ireland.

training & development

FDI Skillnet: for The Right Skill-Set

Food Drink Ireland Skillnet continues to address the critical skills needs for our industry.

For companies investing in learning and development, three elements have always been essential: the relevance of the programme, the quality of delivery, and overall value for money. As the industry continues to navigate significant external opportunities and challenges, it is more important the ever that all of these “pillars” are met when making L&D investments.

As part of Ibec, all of Food Drink Ireland Skillnet’s training programmes have been developed from this perspective. “Our approach is to identify the key issues impacting the food and drink sector, look at their implications for talent, and then examine how learning and development can play a role in addressing them,” explains Mark Skinner, Food Drink Ireland Skillnet Network Manager.

Programmes delivered by the network cover a wide range of areas, from sustainability to food regulations, and people management to graduate attraction. However, what is common across all programmes is their industry-led nature, driven by their steering group of experts from industry, as well as their very close working relationship with Ibec.

That close collaboration with member companies is a critically important success factor for Food Drink Ireland Skillnet, according to Anita Gallagher, Capability Development Manager at Britvic Ireland and Chair of Food Drink Ireland Skillnet. “The team spends a lot of time with industry, understanding the needs and working out how training can help to meet them,” Anita stresses. “Every programme offered is directly relevant to the industry. We also know that if we identify a particular gap and there is no course relevant to it at the moment, Food Drink Ireland Skillnet will work with us on creating one. That kind of responsiveness is invaluable.”

Examples of where Food Drink Ireland Skillnet have developed new learning programmes from the perspective of key issues impacting the sector include:

• Attraction and retention of talent: graduate programmes to support attraction as well as people management programmes, developed with deep understanding of the role managers play in employee retention and team performance.

• Increasingly complex regulatory landscape: a new MSc in Food Regulatory affairs was designed to increase

knowledge of food and drink regulations, as well as developing the critical thinking skills required to understand practical implications of specific regulations for participants’ businesses.

• Sustainability: an MSc in Sustainable Food Systems as well as a Certificate in Sustainable Food Packaging, both of which require participants to deliver projects demonstrating how they have applied key learnings to their day-to-day role in industry.

A final area where Food Drink Ireland Skillnet will be supporting industry is in Digitalisation and Technology. Having recently collaborated with I-Form and CeADAR on a comprehensive research project, they have a deep understanding of current levels of digitalisation in industry, as well as the opportunities and challenges for increased adoption of digital technologies. As talent and skills are a major barrier for our industry in relation to digital transformation, key areas for skills development in this area have been identified and are leading to new programmes being developed for industry.

Membership of Food Drink Ireland Skillnet is

Mark Skinner, Network Manager, Food Drink Ireland Skillnet.

free, and is open to companies from the Meat, Dairy, Consumer Foods and Beverages sector. Benefits of membership include: Industry specific training that’s relevant to your business.

• Up to 60% saving on the cost of training due to network purchasing power plus part-government funding through Skillnet Ireland, funded by the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills.

• Flexible training that is delivered at times that suit your company.

• Saving time on procurement, as all courses procured by the network are done so to ensure all trainers meet the quality standards of the sector and that value for money is achieved.

• Opportunity to collaborate and learn from colleagues across the industry.

More information can be found on www.fooddrinkirelandskillnet.ie or if you would like to join the network for free, or would like to input into the Food Drink Ireland Skillnet Steering Group, please contact Mark Skinner, Food Drink Ireland Skillnet Manager on (01) 6051615 or mark.skinner@ibec.ie

Pictured at the launch of the report on Digitalisation of the Food and Drink industry are (l-r): Mark Jordan, CEO, Skillnet Ireland; Larry Murrin, CEO, Dawn Farms; Minister James Lawless TD, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; Tracey Donnery, Director Policy and Communications, Skillnet Ireland; Mark Skinner, Network Manager, Food Drink Ireland Skillnet; Paul Kelly, Director of Food Drink Ireland.

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Fostering Change in Ireland’s Drinking Culture

We are drinking less, and drinking better, explains Cormac Healy, Director of Drinks Ireland.

The story of alcohol consumption in Ireland since the turn of the millennium has changed dramatically. A recent Health Research Board report revealed that Ireland’s average alcohol consumption now stands below that of the United States, the United Kingdom, and 14 other European countries, including Spain, France, and Germany.

In fact, over the last two decades, we are drinking more than one third less.

This is driven by a number of factors. One of those factors is the drive by many of us to live healthier lives, where having a sociable drink is part of our week but as part of a more balanced lifestyle.

This trend is evidenced in all age cohorts but particularly amongst Gen Z. Indeed, we have witnessed a growing trend of young adults opting for premium experiences and products when enjoying a drink.

Alcohol and a balanced lifestyle

Research conducted by Drinks Ireland with Opinions, the market research company, shows that almost two-thirds of Irish consumers believe that drinking alcohol can coexist positively with a balanced lifestyle. Moreover, there has been a notable rise in the preference

Irish consumers have shown a preference for consuming ‘less but better’.

for consuming ‘less but better’, with the percentage of people holding this view, jumping from 45% to 58% in just over a year, marking a 13% increase.

Another factor driving the reduction in consumption is undoubtedly the growing acceptance and appreciation for nonalcohol products. Sales of these products have grown exponentially in the last few years, and we forecast that growth will continue.

Our research shows that a majority of Irish consumers say the availability of zero alcohol products has led to a reduction in alcohol consumption and that the availability, and advertising, of these drinks is encouraging responsible behaviour. One in four adults now consider a non-alcoholic option when they socialise and say that brands they know and trust encourage them to try these products.

This is not unique to Ireland. In advanced markets, non-alcohol beer has reached nearly 14% market share, and Irish producers are confident that Ireland is on course to see similar market growth of non-alcohol products, supporting industry and government aims of increasing moderation.

But it is not just beer. Zero alcohol wines, ciders and spirits are on sale too.

A growing premiumisation

The move to zero alcohol products is matched by a growing premiumisation in the drinks we consume when we do choose alcohol. From cocktails made with premium Irish spirits and new tipples from abroad to craft beers and ciders, consumers have shown that while they might drink less, they will pay more for a premium experience.

This is not to suggest that there are not problems - binge drinking remains too high, for instance. But all the evidence suggests we are going in the right direction.

Throughout Ireland, brewers and distillers are working hard, creating new products for both the home and export markets. They do so in lockstep with pubs and restaurants who themselves are grappling with the new reality of moderation and a more mature, European-style relationship with alcohol.

This new drinking culture is here to stay- and that is a good thing.

Our research shows that a majority of Irish consumers say the availability of zero alcohol products has led to a reduction in alcohol consumption and that the availability, and advertising, of these drinks is encouraging responsible behaviour.

Irish consumers have shown that while they might drink less, they will pay more for a premium experience.

The growth of zero alcohol beer in Ireland has been phenomenal in recent years.

A Wider Worldview: Exports Need to Look Beyond US

In a uniquely challenging year, Irish exporters must broaden their horizons further than the US, writes Eoin

Ó Catháin, Director of the Irish

Whiskey Association.

Ireland is famed for its heritage and history when it comes to distilling, a tradition going back 700 years, when aqua vitae or uisce beatha (what we now know as whiskey) was first mentioned in the medieval text, the Red Book of Ossory.

The past 701 years have been interesting for Irish Whiskey and Irish spirits, but this year might stand out as one of the more challenging. 2025 started out very positively. The Bord Bia Performance and Prospects report showed a marked increase in the export value of Irish spirits, including the three Geographical Indications (GIs) of Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream and Irish Poitín, but also Irish Gin and Ready-To-Drink (RTDs). The export value of Irish Whiskey hit €1 billion euro for only the second time ever.

US is the biggest market for Irish Whiskey and other spirit drinks

This strength has always been powered by the US market, where almost one in every two bottles of Irish Whiskey is sold worldwide. However, with changes in trade policy under the new US Administration, this growth and success has been threatened.

Over almost the last three decades, EU and US spirits had unfettered and tariff-free access to each other’s markets. This led to a 450% increase in the value of the sector in the two jurisdictions, and EU spirits exports to the USA were worth €3 billion per annum – almost one third of this were Irish drinks.

The new US Administration announced an immediate disruption to the zero-for-zero tariff environment which EU and US spirits had almost universally enjoyed since 1997, with little warning.

Following the initial introduction of a 10% tariff on EU spirits, Irish and EU drinks exports now face a 15% tariff when exporting to the US since August 7. This is costing Irish exporters thousands with every shipment to the USA.

The European Commission continues to negotiate with the USA, but little consideration has yet been given to GI products in particular, which are bound to the land, and our manufacturing jobs cannot relocate or “re-shore”, as President Trump desires.

Market development and diversification

In the face of this, Irish Whiskey and Irish drinks exporters have shown their signature resilience. While the work of the Irish Whiskey Association and our colleagues in Europe continues apace, and

while we continue to advise on negotiations, our members are looking at other markets to ensure continued success. This is also a priority for the Irish and UK governments, and the European Commission in Brussels.

The newly-appointed European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen of Luxembourg, is no stranger to the agri-food sector. In his former position as parliamentary assistant to Astrid Lulling MEP, Mr Hansen was pivotal in establishing the European Parliament Intergroup on Wines, Spirits and Quality Foodstuffs, an essential forum which offers the opportunity to EU producers to meet with and engage with those writing our laws in Europe.

The Irish Whiskey Association was delighted to participate in the first trade mission of Commissioner Hansen’s mandate, travelling to Tokyo and Osaka in Japan to promote EU agri-food exports. Both Irish Whiskey and Irish Cream were featured heavily throughout the trip, and Commissioner Hansen shows a deep understanding of the challenge currently faced by our producers, and the opportunity in exciting markets such as Japan. The impact

of the visit was heightened by the fact that it also coincided with a trade mission to Japan led by Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Martin Heydon TD.

The enthusiasm for market diversification is matched in Dublin. The Irish Whiskey Association is delighted to engage with Agriculture Minister, Martin Heydon TD and Noel Grealish TD, Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Food Promotion, New Markets, Research and Development. A key component of the Ministers’ responsibility is identifying new markets, providing the requisite funding for entry into these markets (additional supports are required to overcome cultural or linguistic barriers) and ensuring that Irish agri-food exports gain a foothold in these markets of tomorrow.

The pursual and conclusion of Free Trade Agreements will be integral to future growth. The Irish Whiskey Association is proud to be an All-Island Association, and to represent Northern Ireland companies in their engagement with the relevant governments and departments.

The UK recently concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement with India, which will see the tariff for Irish Whiskey produced in Northern Ireland halve from 2026. This progress is very welcome, particularly as India is the world’s biggest whiskey market and where Irish Whiskey has seen the greatest growth yearon-year in recent years. A key priority

for the Association is ensuring that all Irish Whiskey will have access to these favourable conditions, and our outreach with the European Commission on this issue will continue.

The US remains the biggest market for Irish Whiskey and other spirit drinks, but the potential of other markets cannot be

ignored. We now sell more Irish Whiskey in Poland and Germany than Ireland, and the growth in markets in Asia and Africa, which is double digit every year, is truly promising.

More established markets such as Canada and Australia are seeking to learn more about Irish Whiskey and the variety of the category, which opens doors for boutique distillers and SMEs in particular. There are now 15 markets in which we sell over 200,000 cases of Irish Whiskey every year; our mission is to ensure that future growth is more evenly spread.

Each market has its own unique characteristics, but the need for securing local cooperation, investing in brand/ category awareness and marketing to the consumer on their preferred platform in their preferred mode of communication remain constant. Here is where the guidance and advice of state agencies, government departments and experts in the field is invaluable.

Deirtear sa Ghaeilge: “Anáil na beatha an t-athrú ” - change is the essence of life. More and more often, Irish drinks producers are coming around to this way of thinking, and are exploring the opportunities that await them all over the world. We must continue to push for government and industry supports in this endeavour. The future is bright, and it often just a plane ride away!

Eoin Ó Catháin, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association, in conversation with Noel Grealish TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine with responsibility for Food Promotion, New Markets, Research and Development.

Eoin Ó Catháin, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association, and Christopher Hansen, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food during the trade mission to Japan.

beer market

Beer: Ireland’s Favourite Alcoholic Beverage

Ireland’s beer market continues to be resilient, adaptable, and innovative, explains Jennifer Wallace , Director of Drinks Ireland | Beer.

Drinks Ireland’s annual beer market report for 2024 found that production levels increased, following a previous stabilisation seen in 2023. Higher production was aided by additional brewing capacity coming onstream, growing non-alcohol beer demand and increased exports.

While overall beer sales saw a slight decline, the standout trend is the remarkable 25% growth in sales of non-alcohol (0.0%) beer. This surge reflects a clear and growing consumer appetite for products that are supporting moderation, transforming drinking habits and encouraging a culture of responsible consumption.

According to Revenue data, total beer sales in Ireland declined by 1.6% in 2024 – the second consecutive year of decline –after a strong rebound in 2022. Per capita consumption also fell by nearly 3%, aligning with the long-term downward trend in overall alcohol consumption, which has dropped by 34% over the past 23 years. This change reflects a broader shift towards balanced consumption and moderation among Irish consumers, with younger age groups driving this trend.

|Beer.

Rising

domestic beer production

Encouragingly, domestic beer production rose by almost 9%. This recovery is welcome, given the regulatory and economic pressures facing the industry. Notably, the production of 0.0% beer again grew substantially, by over 85% in 2024, as producers responded to strong consumer demand through investment in brewing capacity, innovation, and new product development.

Beer remains Ireland’s most popular alcoholic beverage, with a 43.3% share of the drinks market in 2024, a gain of nearly 1% on 2023.

The Irish beer market report shows that beer sales in the on-trade category, which encompasses pubs, restaurants, and hotels, remain dominant at 61.3% of all sales. However, this represents a 4% drop from

the previous year, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the hospitality sector due to rising costs and inflationary pressures.

Lager is still the dominant beer category in the Irish market, despite decreasing slightly for the second consecutive year by 1.6% to 56.7% of the market. In 2024, stout saw its market share continue to grow with a 3.4% increase to 36.8%. Ale’s market share fell by 10% to 4.3%.

Rising demand for non-alcohol beer

Non-alcohol beer continued its exceptional growth, now accounting for more than 2.5% of the market, a 150% increase in market share over five years. This sustained growth in the 0.0% segment marks one of the most significant innovations in the Irish drinks industry in decades. These products offer a real alternative for consumers looking to

In 2024, Ireland maintained its position as the third highest payer of excise tax on beer when compared to the other 26 EU member states and the United Kingdom.

Jennifer Wallace, Director of Drinks Ireland

moderate. There is a growing acceptance and appreciation for non-alcohol products, which are transforming drinking habits and fostering a culture of responsible consumption.

Hurdles for Irish beer industry

In 2024, Irish beer exports grew by 3.8% to €330 million, building on the recovery of beer exports since 2022. Exports to the United Kingdom account for almost 50% of total exports, followed by exports to the United States (14.2%), France (10%), and Germany and Canada (both at 4.8%). Based on the latest available Eurostat data, Ireland was the fifth largest exporter of beer in the European Union (EU).

However, the international environment remains challenging. Exports to the United States- Ireland’s second-largest market, have faced several challenges: a 15% tariff on beer, a 50% tariff on beer packaged in aluminium cans, a weaker dollar, and ongoing trade uncertainty. This presents a challenging environment for all exporters. Drinks Ireland | Beer supports the Government and European Commission’s approach to negotiate a trade resolution with the United States and avoid further tariff escalation. We also emphasise the importance of increased investment through state agencies such as Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland to support market development and diversification.

Ireland’s excise duties

In 2024, Ireland maintained its position as the third highest payer of excise tax on beer when compared to the other 26 EU member states and the United Kingdom, and in the past decade, the Irish beer sector has contributed over €4.4 billion in excise receipts.

On every pint of lager, 55 cents in excise go to the exchequer, and when excise and VAT are combined, €1.70 of every pint is paid to Revenue. The drinks industry is a substantial economic asset, playing a crucial role in

beer market

job creation and supporting both rural and urban local economies. It is an Irish success story that needs to be protected.

As a key economic contributor and global success story, the Irish beer industry deserves strong policy support. Drinks Ireland | Beer is once again calling on Government to begin reducing Ireland’s excise rates to align with EU norms.

The Irish drinks industry continues to be resilient, adaptable, and innovative. In the face of ongoing market and policy changes, Drinks Ireland | Beer will continue to support our members in the future growth of the drinks sector, both nationally and internationally.

Lager is the dominant beer category in the Irish market.

Jennifer Wallace, Director, Drinks Ireland / Beer at The Brewers of Europe General Assembly in Warsaw with newly elected President, Christian Weber, CEO of Karlsberg Brauerei and President of Deutscher Brauer-Bund.

Beer remains Ireland’s most popular alcoholic beverage, with a 43.3% share of the drinks market in 2024.

Over a Decade of Premium Irish Gin

The Irish Gin industry celebrates over a decade of exceptional growth and eyes a promising future, writes Aengus King , Director of Drinks Ireland | Spirits.

Ireland’s premium gin sector is marking more than ten years of remarkable expansion, with industry leaders setting their sights on continued growth and global recognition. Since the early 2010s, Irish Gin has transformed from a niche offering into a key player in the country’s drinks industry, increasing its share of the domestic spirits market from just 5% to 11.4% according to IWSR data.

Despite a -2.2% decline in overall spirits sales across Ireland in 2024, super-premium gin in Ireland defied the trend with a +11.5% increase in sales - a testament to the category’s resilience and growing consumer appeal.

From humble beginnings with just a handful of producers, the sector has flourished. Today, nearly 50 distilleries operate across all 32 counties, cementing Ireland’s reputation for producing worldclass gin. This momentum has positioned Irish Gin as a global standard-bearer for quality and authenticity.

Unique production process that values provenance

A defining feature of Irish Gin is the distinct characteristics which are directly attributable to the geographical areas from which the gin originates. One of the most defining traits is the use of local and wild botanicals that reflect the natural flora of specific regions.

For example, Glendalough Wild Botanical Irish Gin, produced in the Wicklow Mountains, features hand-foraged herbs like wild mint, elderflower, woodruff, and sorrel. These ingredients, gathered from a lush, mountainous landscape, result in gins with fresh, floral, and herbaceous profiles. In contrast, gins from inland regions such as Gunpowder Gin from The Shed Distillery in Leitrim, or Longford’s Lough Ree Distillery’s Sling Shot Gin, showcase the area’s boggy terrain and feature botanicals like meadowsweet and local berries, creating earthy and complex flavour profiles. Gins from Kerry, such as Dingle Gin and Skellig Six18 Gin, meanwhile, use botanicals such as dillisk, gorse flowers and bog myrtle,

drawing on the region’s rugged Atlanticinfluenced environment to produce gins that are crisp, citrusy, and subtly floral. Other coastal distilleries like those in Donegal add a distinct, local maritime character to gin. Atlantic pepper dulse and sugar kelp infuse a saline, mineral quality that reflects their sea-swept surroundings; a good example of this is Sliabh Liag Distillery’s An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin. Cultural traditions influence Irish Gin too. For example, one Waterford Irish Gin-maker, Blackwater Distillery, produced a gin infused with Barry’s Tea, reflecting the cultural importance of tea in Ireland; while another producer, Rademon Estate Distillery in Co. Down, uses wild clover and elderberries when making its Shortcross Gin in homage to Ulster’s hedgerow foraging heritage. Whichever source it comes from, on sea or land, botanicals are a foundational element tying Irish Gin to its place.

Prospects of premium Irish Gin

David Boyd Armstrong, Chair of Drinks Ireland | Spirits and co-founder of Rademon Estate Distillery, highlighted the industry’s progress: “The gin industry in Ireland has flourished in the last ten years. Through the hard work of the producers and the premium quality of Irish Gin, its reputation has grown worldwide. Celebrating over ten years of premium Irish Gin was a great opportunity to share ideas among industry experts for the next ten years of Irish Gin. Through a growth in tourism, through our distillery visiting centres, support for export sales, and protection of premium Irish Gin, the next ten years will be the best yet for the industry.”

With strong foundations in place and a collaborative vision for the future, the Irish Gin industry is poised for even greater success in the decade ahead.

Leading figures in the Irish Gin sector, gathered with Drinks Ireland to celebrate a decade of exceptional growth and to envision the future of Premium Irish Gin.

The Renaissance of Irish Apple Brandy

Jennifer Wallace , Director of Drinks Ireland | Cider covers a landmark event celebrating the renaissance of Irish Apple Brandy on the island of Ireland.

Acollective of proud Irish Apple Brandy producers - The Apple Farm (Co. Tipperary), Boann Distillery (Co. Meath), Longueville House Distillery (Co. Cork), Orr Irish Apple Brandy (Co. Cork), and Tipperary Boutique Distillery - recently came together to herald the resurgence of Irish Apple Brandy and to champion a shared mission: elevating Irish-grown apples into world-class apple brandy expressions.

What is Irish Apple Brandy?

For those unfamiliar with this product, Irish Apple Brandy is a distilled spirit made from the fermentation of apples. Its flavour profile is characterised by tannic, caramelised apple notes, complemented by hints of dried fruit, earthy undertones, and a subtle touch of spice.

A landmark event

The event was hosted by renowned Irish food and drinks journalist Suzanne Campbell, Founder of the Irish Food Writing Awards, and the evening brought together guests from across the food, drink, and hospitality sectors for an engaging and insightful introduction to the heritage and distillation of Irish Apple Brandy.

Attendees heard directly from the producers and were guided through a curated tasting, showcasing the unique flavour profiles of each apple brandy.

Irish Apple Brandy boasts a deep-rooted history dating back to the

17th century, and its revival reflects the drinks industry’s commitment to authenticity, innovation, and locally sourced ingredients.

Cornelius Traas of The Apple Farm and Jennifer Nickerson shared the story behind ‘The 80’ Irish Apple Brandy, a collaboration recently awarded a Silver Medal at the 2025 Berlin International Spirits Competition.

William O’Callaghan of Longueville House spoke passionately about the legacy of Longueville House Irish Apple Brandy, made entirely on their estate from orchard to bottle, using apples grown on-site in the Blackwater Valley, Co. Cork.

Peter Cooney of Boann Distillery introduced attendees to Boann’s new-make Irish Apple Brandy spirit and offered a tasting of 1848 Apple Brandy, a blend of triple-distilled Irish Apple Brandy and the refined tradition of French Calvados.

The evening concluded with a lively Q&A session, during which all producers acknowledged the vital role of Irish apple growers. Their contribution is central to the industry’s success, particularly at a time when sustainability and traceability are more important than ever.

Looking ahead

This special gathering marked a pivotal moment for Irish spirits - a true renaissance not just in name, but in the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and authenticity that defines the future of Irish Apple Brandy. Watch this space!

Tackling Diseaserelated Malnutrition

Foods for Special Medical Purposes are scientifically formulated foods to meet the dietary needs of patients with specific disorders or disease-related medical conditions, writes Alice Moffitt, Specialised Nutrition Executive, Dairy Industry Ireland.

Malnutrition is both a cause and a consequence of disease and can significantly impact patient outcomes. It can delay recovery, prolong hospital stays, increase the risk of infections and readmissions and ultimately lead to substantially higher healthcare costs1

A 2023 survey by IrSPEN highlighted the rising prevalence of disease-related malnutrition (DRM) in Ireland, closely linked to an aging population and increased incidences of cancer diagnoses 2

Incidences of disease-related malnutrition

New data shows a sharp 59% rise in the number of patients either malnourished or at risk —now over 222,000 people2 While malnutrition is often associated with hospitals, most affected individuals live in the community. This widespread issue is straining our healthcare system, with annual costs associated with malnutrition doubling to €2.8 billion since 20123. Older adults, now making up 16% of the Irish population, are particularly vulnerable due to the combined effects of aging, illness, and reduced dietary intake.

In the hospital setting, cancer patients, in particular, often face the highest risk of malnutrition, with approximately half reporting nutrition-related issues during treatment⁴. Many of them receive little or no nutrition support, despite clear evidence linking weight loss to poorer treatment outcomes and reduced survival rates.

Foods for Special Medical Purposes

Addressing DRM requires more than just general dietary advice. It demands a clinical approach, including early identification and intervention. Ireland has made strong progress in improving nutritional care through national policies like NCG22, investment in community dietetics, and strengthened hospital screening practices⁵. Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMPs) are a key part of this strategy. FSMPs are scientifically formulated foods for use under medical supervision. They are designed to meet the dietary needs of

patients with specific disorders or diseaserelated medical conditions, when their dietary management cannot be met by modification of diet alone.

FSMPs include oral nutritional supplements (ONS), enteral feeds, and specialised products for patients with metabolic or rare diseases. If a patient can feed orally, they may receive standard or disease-specific ONS. These are used in a wide range of conditions, such as cancer, kidney failure, cystic fibrosis, and more. For those who struggle to feed orally, enteral tube feeds can be administered via the gastrointestinal tract, either by a nasogastric tube (NGT) or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). ONS and enteral feeds may be needed short-term or long-term, depending on the patient's condition.

Medical supervision

FSMPs are not a substitute for food. They are used to support a patient’s recovery when needed in a variety of settings such as hospitals, care homes, patient homes and clinics. Their use is guided by trained healthcare professionals, including dietitians who:

1. Assess individual patients by screening for malnutrition risk;

2. Recommend suitable FSMPs/nutritional interventions if needed;

3. Monitor the use of FSMPS and advise on their continuation/discontinuation/ adaptation etc.

Policy context and community impact

On foot of recommendations from NCG22, efforts should now focus on expanding access to dietetic care, along with providing malnutrition screening and support services for vulnerable people in the community, such as cancer patient and older adults living with frailty. This approach supports the government’s priority to keep patients in their home for longer and reducing the length of hospital stay, which aligns with the Sláintecare vision of an integrated care model - bridging the gap between self-care, community services, general practice, and hospital care.

Adopting this strategy will contribute to the development of a truly age-friendly healthcare system in Ireland, a current focus of government policy, a commitment that is further underscored by Ireland’s recognition by the WHO as the first country with an Age-Friendly Health System (AFHS).

References

1. Rice, N., Nugent, A., Byrne, D. & Normand, C., 2016. Potential of earlier detection and treatment of disease related malnutrition with oral nutrition supplements to release acute care bed capacity. Irish Medical Journal, 109(5), pp.201–204.

2. Sullivan, E. & Rice, N., 2023. National Malnutrition Survey 2023. [online] IrSPEN. Available at: https://irspen. ie/wpcontent/uploads/2024/06/ National-Malnutrition-Survey-2023IrSPEN-Report.pdf

3. Rice, N., 2025. Health and economic analysis. Presented at the IrSPEN Conference 2025 (under formal publication review). Data integrated from: Healthcare activity statistics (2022–2023); Central Statistics Office demographic and costing data; National Malnutrition Screening Survey Republic of Ireland 2023 (IrSPEN & INDI).

4. Sullivan, E.S., Rice, N., Kingston, E., Kelly, A., Reynolds, J.V., Feighan, J., Power, D.G. & Ryan, A.M., 2021. A national survey of oncology survivors examining nutrition attitudes, problems and behaviours, and access to dietetic care throughout the cancer journey. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 41, pp.331–339.

5. Department of Health, n.d. National Clinical Guideline 22: Nutrition screening and use of oral nutrition support for adults in the acute care setting. [online] Government of Ireland. Available at: https:// gov.ie/en/department-of-health/ collections/nutrition-screeninganduse-of-oral-nutrition-supportfor-adults-in-the-acute-care-setting/

pallets, packaging & warehousing

A Recipe for Success from MCP Group

The recently rebranded MCP Group are your go-to partner for pallets, packaging and warehousing solutions.

Since their rebrand earlier this year, MCP Group have been cooking up something special - attracting fresh attention and whetting the appetite of clients across the Food & Beverage industry and beyond. Fortunately, MCP Group came well-prepared, serving up a consistent mix of quality products and smart solutions to satisfy the growing hunger for dependable, high-performance supply chains.

Built on a robust legacy of quality, innovation, and deep sector expertise, MCP Group are Ireland’s go-to partner across pallets, packaging, and warehousing. MCP Group’s rebrand marks more than just a new look; it reflects who they have become - a sharper, more dynamic organisation equipped to meet the ever-changing demands of today’s fast-paced industries.

“At MCP Group, our customers aren’t just clients - they’re longterm partners,” explains Aidan Harty, Managing Director of MCP Group. “We understand their operations are only as strong as the suppliers behind them. That’s why we go beyond transactions to build relationships grounded in trust, collaboration, and results.”

Expert team delivering expert solutions

Whether you're whipping up fresh products for the food aisle or need sturdy solutions to support heavy-lifting logistics, MCP Group deliver the essential ingredients your supply chain needs. From sourcing the right pallet to designing packaging that pops on the shelf, they approach every project with seasoned expertise and a customer-first mindset.

“From Euro pallets to shelf-ready cartons, our team is here to listen, advise, and deliver. Every touchpoint is backed by deep industry knowledge and a service culture that’s second to none,” stresses Aidan Harty.

At the heart of everything MCP Group do is their dedication

to quality and compliance. MCP Group are certified to EPAL, ISO, and ISPM 15 standards, ensuring their products meet the strictest regulations. Their warehousing and distribution operations are AA+ certified by BRCGS, serving industries like ambient food, consumer goods and packaging material with the highest standards of hygiene, traceability, and reliability that they require.

Ireland’s pallet powerhouse

As the largest pallet manufacturer in Ireland, MCP Group produce over 3.5 million pallets annually, supplying industries that include Food & Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, and Manufacturing. Whether it’s heat-treated, reconditioned, custom-built, or even crate solutions, MCP Group plate up the widest variety available - produced in their high-capacity, automated Cork facilities.

MCP Group are the largest pallet manufacturer in Ireland, producing over 3.5 million pallets annually.

pallets, packaging & warehousing

With the most extensive footprint in Ireland, MCP Group are committed to one simple mission: keep your operations moving smoothly, with no risk of spoilage or stoppage.

Packaging that pops - and protects Presentation matters, especially when it comes to food. That’s why MCP Group offer a full menu of packaging options, including Corrugated, Solidboard, Shelf Ready, and Cartonboard solutions. With a library of over 15,000 packaging products and services from design to fulfilment, MCP Group offer a one-stop-shop, helping brands not only stand out on shelves but also reduce waste and optimise logistics.

Specialising in working with SMEs in the Food & Drinks, Pharma, and e-commerce sectors, MCP Group help customers maximise shelf impact, improve sustainability, and simplify palletisation, all from one trusted source.

Warehousing

that works around the clock

MCP Group offer more than storage – they also serve logistics solutions that are always scalable and cost-effective. With over 1,000,000 square feet of warehouse space across Cork and Meath, MCP Group provide bonded and non-bonded warehousing, fulfilment services, and advanced stock management. Whether you’re storing ambient food goods or high-value items, their warehousing operation is built to keep your goods in top condition and your business in full flow.

Sustainability commitment

The raising agent for MCP Group’s

Your recipe for success

Whether you're a food producer scaling up production, a logistics manager refining storage strategies, or a procurement lead hunting for sustainable packaging, MCP Group are your partner for operational success.

“We tailor our support to your unique needs, because no two operations are the same,” says Aidan. “Our commitment is straightforward: responsive service, expert advice, and consistent quality. That’s why our customers keep coming back for seconds (and thirds); they know we deliver value that lasts, with no compromise on taste or timing.

“While our name may have evolved, our promise remains the same: trusted service, top-quality products, and an unwavering commitment to keeping your supply chain moving with confidence,” he concludes. “Whether you’re shipping, storing, or showcasing, MCP Group are here to support you, from pallet to plate.”

MCP Group offer a full menu of packaging options, including Corrugated, Solidboard, Shelf Ready, and Cartonboard solutions.

MCP Group provide bonded and non-bonded warehousing, fulfilment services, and advanced stock management.

food safety authority of ireland

A Safe Pair of Hands

New Food Safety Authority of Ireland CEO, Greg Dempsey explains what he brings to the role of CEO, how new technology impacts not just the food industry but the safety systems we employ within it, and why he wants the organisation to become more data-driven.

food safety authority of ireland

Stepping into a new role can be a daunting prospect, especially when you’re joining an organisation that has been running smoothly and effectively for a long time. For Greg Dempsey, who took over as Chief Executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on March 1, replacing long-term incumbent Dr Pamela Byrne, his first days were “nervous and exciting”.

Greg’s last two years of a “really interesting” decade in the Department of Health saw his role encompass oversight of the FSAI, which he found “immediately fascinating”. It was this fascination that ultimately drew him to the role of CEO.

“I was aware that my predecessor, Pamela’s tenure was coming to an end and I knew that the organisation's function was crucial to Ireland and to the public and that it was really well run, with a great team in place. What the FSAI does in terms of science, operations, oversight, and engagement with the public, is quite diverse, but they were all areas I was interested in. So I thought I could bring to bear my experiences in managing an organisation, co-ordinating, progressing reform, governance etc. and that these could complement the skill-set in the FSAI and further our mission.”

A varied career in private and public sectors

A native of Donnycarney in Dublin, Greg is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, holding a BSc in Financial Information Systems and is qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant. He was formerly a member of the Board of the Institute of Public Administration and a member of the State Claims Agency Advisory Committee. He is currently a member of the Management Board of the European Food Safety Authority.

Prior to joining the FSAI, Greg worked in the Department of Health for over a decade, where he was Assistant Secretary and Head of Finance before becoming Deputy Secretary, where he headed up the Corporate Affairs Division, overseeing the highest standards of corporate governance in the Department. Prior to that, he was Chief Finance & Operations Officer with the Department of Finance, having joined there from the Central Bank. Before he joined the public sector, Greg enjoyed a distinguished career in the private sector, where he worked in a number of Financial Services firms, including as CEO of Zurich Bank.

“The first half of my career was in the private sector, in financial services, in some of the biggest homegrown companies like Irish Life and Irish Permanent. Then I joined an international capital markets firm, and was back and forth to New York, London,

and Sydney, working as an accountant on fairly complex financial deals,” he recalls. When the 2008 financial crash shook the world economy, Greg felt that it was time for a change. “I had a lot of experience across the financial sector,” he explains. “I’d gone through the licensing process. I knew a lot about regulation. So I said to myself: I wonder can I be part of the solution here? So I joined the Central Bank of Ireland.”

He spent the following years developing new legislation governing bank resolution and recovery, which was “very enjoyable, particularly working with the really professional, really expert staff at the Department of Finance”, which was also Greg’s next step in his career, before a move to the Department of Health.

“I hadn't planned on staying in the civil service,” he admits with a smile. “Whilst working in the Department of Health, I spent a couple of years working with the HSE on finances, but then my role extended to governance, oversight, performance, and I found myself staying there for 10 years, during which time I pretty much covered most areas in health, including clinical indemnity, private hospitals, waiting lists and trolleys. I'd like to think I was part of the team that made some improvements.”

FSAI Strategy 2025-2029

While Greg doesn’t come from a science background, he strongly believed that the FSAI would benefit from “someone with a different skill-set” to come in when the opportunity arose to apply for the CEO’s role.

“The timing was perfect,” he says. “The organisation had just published its latest strategy document, and I argued during the recruitment process that someone with my sort of skills - governance, transformation, reform, leadership - could actually be the perfect person to bring that forward.”

The FSAI Strategy for 2025-2029 sets out an ambitious strategic roadmap to safeguard consumer health and assure continued trust in Ireland’s food systems. At its core is a commitment to protect consumers in Ireland and consumers of Irish food in more than 180 markets across the world. The five-year Strategy seeks to ensure that Ireland’s food safety regulatory system is robustly equipped to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented to food safety, within an evolving global food supply chain, with new innovations and changing consumer preferences and tastes. As the central competent authority, the FSAI will continue to lead and support Ireland’s food safety inspectorate to implement a fair, consistent and effective system of enforcement.

food safety authority of ireland

We want to get to a situation whereby food businesses that are compliant should be seeing us less frequently, so we can then focus our resources on those who are non-compliant.

It has four strategic goals, which are:

Advocate and Engage: Advocate for the importance of food safety and authenticity in engagement with all stakeholders to better protect consumers’ health and interests and increase compliance. Actions include a commitment to streamline communications to food businesses using technology platforms and examining the evidence surrounding a hygiene-based rating scheme and its potential role in Ireland’s food control systems.

Reduce Risk: Enhance the ability to protect consumers’ health and interests by anticipating, assessing, and managing risks that impact on the safety and authenticity of food. Key commitments include the adoption of a multi-agency agreement on the management of incidents based on best practice. It also identifies the importance of strengthening capabilities to manage risk, through increased participation with European and international partners.

Enforce Food Law: Ensure and verify compliance with food law and take appropriate action to protect consumers within a national regulatory framework. Priority actions include continued improvement in official food control systems; working on a crossagency basis, with partners across Europe and globally; leading and supporting the national food safety inspectorate.

Drive Organisational Excellence: Deliver better food safety outcomes for consumers through empowering staff, aligning systems, and demonstrating adaptive, value-driven leadership. Key commitments include maintaining a best-in-class approach to governance and improving efficiencies through maximising the use of digital technologies.

Greg sees his role as CEO as two-fold: firstly, to engage with the FSAI Board and the various stakeholders on the organisation’s function, and secondly, to support the FSAI team in carrying out their day-to-day activities.

“I'm blessed with the team here, who include really expert scientists, dieticians, nutritionists and other specialists, who intrinsically understand the core functions,” he insists. “My job is to support them, to clear the path for them to do their jobs.”

He has already found that, similar to his work in the Department of Health, having a non-scientist in the room can be a real benefit: “Sometimes scientists and doctors have a way of speaking that uses a lot of scientific terminology and it can be useful for them to explain this to someone from a different field. Ultimately our budget, our authority, and the support we sometimes need in some of our actions, comes from a non-scientific area within the Department, so I can act as a bridge between the scientists and the civil service.”

The

evolving role of the FSAI

The FSAI’s role remains broadly the same as it was at its establishment in 1999. Its principal function, as Ireland’s independent regulator and the central competent authority for

the enforcement of food safety legislation, is to protect consumers’ health and interests by:

• Building a culture of food safety;

• Improving food safety within a risk analysis framework;

• Leading a robust food safety control system;

• Continuing to drive organisational excellence.

Last year saw the Department of Health undertake a periodic critical review of the FSAI, which all government departments must carry out every few years. “It essentially asks, ‘does the original reason for the agency still exist and if it does, are they delivering it?’,” Greg explains. “That report was published this year and it answers in the affirmative and actually is very complementary of the organisation. But it does suggest that it would be worth considering, given it has been 25 years since we were established, if there are additional powers or legislation needed. So I could see perhaps that the legislation and our role might change as a result of that. But ultimately, that will be down to the Department of Health, whether we need to change legislation to reflect changes in the environment, like the move towards e-commerce, new technologies, the drive for sustainability etc. The world we're regulating and overseeing has changed and we need to keep up with that.”

The other big difference to the FSAI’s role, according to the CEO, is that their new Strategy emphasises the “advocacy, the support, and the training” part of their remit, as well as the enforcement side: “This is already evident through the delivery of the online training portal that a lot of your readers will be familiar with; we're encouraging, supporting and helping compliance with food legislation. And for those small number of businesses who aren't compliant, we're taking action.”

The CEO stresses that the majority of Irish food and drink businesses actively want to comply with food safety regulations: “The culture around the organisations that make up your readership is one that sees food safety as an important element of the trust that consumers have in their products. You can spend years building up trust, but you can lose it with one food safety incident. So I see ourselves and the food producers and processors as having that responsibility to ensure the food produced in Ireland is safe. We carried out a survey last year, as part of our Strategy, which found that Ireland scored very highly with the public in terms of trust in its food. There are, however, a small number of food businesses who flout the regulations, and these are the ones that end up with Enforcement Orders and Closure Orders.”

Greg is proud that the FSAI oversight system is recognised internationally as being world class, and the organisation regularly

Greg Dempsey, CEO, Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

hosts international delegations who visit Ireland to learn from how effectively the FSAI works. The Dublin office recently hosted a visit from Malawi officials keen to bring learnings from our best-in-class food system back to their home country.

The effect of new technology

The development of new technologies, including of course Artificial Intelligence, brings benefits for food producers, but is not without its challenges.

“Food companies are using new technologies to develop new ways of producing food and new ways to monitor the safety of that food. Both of those are positive for the sector itself and for consumers,” Greg notes. “As an organisation, our challenge will be to understand what these new technologies mean in terms of food safety. We don’t want to stifle innovation in any way. So I think the way forward will be much greater communication between the producers and ourselves, in terms of helping us to understand how the technology works, so we can then make a judgement as to what that means in terms of official food safety controls and how they're exercised.

“In order for us to give recognition to the improvements food producers have made, we need to understand them. It may involve food producers sharing more than they might have felt they had to in the past. But in that way, we can adjust our risk approach and our inspection approach to reflect those advancements.”

The FSAI itself is already using AI in some parts of the organisation, in terms of document drafting, summarising research papers, and a pilot project involving the use of AI to monitor signals of emerging risks. Greg foresees a bigger role for AI as the technology evolves, perhaps in terms of the FSAI Advice Line, “which could have some level of automation, provided it doesn't undermine the basic function of the core experience”, and in data analysis: “I think with AI, we can get more data, do more real time analysis, and use that data more effectively”.

A big element of the FSAI strategy is a stronger emphasis on a more data-driven future. “We're doing this in a very structured way, putting a lot of focus into data governance, to give people assurances that when we collect data, it's safe and properly managed,” Greg notes. “Ultimately, I want to get to where this organisation is using data much more progressively in terms of early identification of risk, better allocation of resources and so forth. It will take a few years and will involve engaging with our agencies and with the wider food sector, but we want to get to a situation whereby food businesses that are compliant should be seeing us less frequently, so we can then focus our resources on those who are non-compliant.”

Towards a national food hygiene rating scheme?

As part of its five-year Strategy, the FSAI has engaged a public consultation on the possibility of a national food hygiene rating scheme, similar to those which run in some other EU Member States.

“We’re currently assessing the results,” the CEO explains. “I’d like to thank everybody who contributed. We got loads of responses from members of the public and really great engagement with food businesses as well. That's brilliant because that helps us in terms of what we're trying to do. Ultimately, the decision whether to move forward with this will be for the Minister for Health. What we're doing as a science-based organisation through our Scientific Committee and our Food Safety Consultative Council is trying to determine whether a system like this would work in Ireland, given the particular circumstances here. If the answer is a yes, we'll go to the Department of Health and say we believe a scheme like this can work and then the Minister will make a decision on it. The idea behind the scheme would be to raise standards, to give consumers

food safety authority of ireland

Greg Dempsey: “As an organisation, our challenge will be to understand what these new technologies mean in terms of food safety. We don’t want to stifle innovation in any way. So I think the way forward will be much greater communication between the producers and ourselves.”

more information so they can make more informed decisions about the food they buy and where they buy it from.”

The area of online ordering, from takeaway foods to food supplements, is another challenge for the FSAI. “Nobody picks up a phone anymore; everyone orders their takeaway online and somebody brings it to the door,” Greg notes. “There is also the area of people buying supplements, vitamins etc online. These are great when they're properly done and safely, but with any new market, there's always room for bad actors to take advantage. What we want to ensure is that we're able to identify those bad actors and take effective action against them, because you don't want the whole market being sullied by bad actors. Because in a lot of cases there isn’t an obvious premises where you can knock on the door and inspect, it makes things a bit trickier.”

Sustainability is another area that is never far from people’s lips when it comes to the agri-food business. Here too, the FSAI has a role to play.

“The move towards sustainability in Ireland is being co-ordinated and led by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under Food Vision 2030, which has the ambition over 10 years to promote Ireland as a sustainable source of quality food and drink products.” Greg notes. “We're a member and contribute to that strategy. We advise on food safety within Food Vision 2030, which could be advising on whether new food containers designed to increase shelf-life are safe or not, or perhaps a company has added chemicals to a product to improve shelf-life or to maintain the shape or texture of a product, and we will advise on whether that additive is safe.”

Looking to the future

Looking ahead, as he settles into his new role, Greg has specific ambitions. “Our new strategy to 2029 predates my arrival here but I think it’s a very strong strategy and I'd like to deliver on that,” he insists. “Secondly, which is harder to measure, I would like the organisation to become far more data-enabled, using data to be much more flexible, responsive, agile, and to equip our workforce with the analytical skill sets to use that data effectively.

“For our staff - the scientists, the dieticians, the nutritionists, the specialists - I'd like the overall organisation to continue to be a place that people are very happy to work in, where we have a mission, and people are very proud of what they do. That would be a good legacy, a good organisation to leave to my successor.”

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A Taste of the North

NI food and drink companies tempted buyers’ taste buds at the Balmoral Show, the biggest food and agricultural event in Northern Ireland, with Invest NI hosting more than 70 buyers.

Over one hundred Northern Ireland based food and drink companies tantalised the taste buds of key retail buyers and food writers within the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Pavilion at the recent 156th annual Balmoral Show, the biggest food and agricultural event in Northern Ireland.

Once again this year, the Balmoral show was visited by over 120,000 people, who flocked to the Eikon Exhibition Centre over four days, according to show organisers, the Royal Agricultural Society.

Local brands showcasing innovative ranges included Punjana, Ballylisk of

Armagh, Wavey Ice, Melting Pot Fudge, Feedwell, Cloughbane Farm, Glastry Farm Ice Cream, Green Fingers Family, Papa’s Mineral Company, Morellis, Craic Foods, Irish Black Butter, Fluffy Meringue, Hellbent,

Milgro Onions and Clandeboye Yoghurt.

The NI Drinks Area returned due to popular demand in celebration of excellent local beer, cider, gin and whiskey producers, including Long Meadow Cider, who launched their new 0% alcohol cider, as well as Hinch, Symphonia, McConnell’s and Titanic Distilleries.

NI Food & Drink Pavilion

Invest NI’s Business Development team hosted over 70 retail and foodservice buyers from Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland on visits to the NI Food & Drink Pavilion, co-ordinated annually by food and drink membership organisation, Food NI.

“Invest NI hosted over 70 buyers, predominantly from the Republic of Ireland,” reveals Jen Guiney, Invest NI Business Development Manager in the Republic of Ireland. “Our guests enjoyed fabulous pre-show hospitality from Stevie Higginson of The Square Bistro, Lisburn, as well as a Northern Ireland showcase breakfast supplied by Food NI, followed by a private viewing of the food pavilion on the first day of the show.

“This type of event supports our role, which is to broker mutually beneficial and profitable business relationships between Northern Ireland companies and retailers and foodservice operators in the Republic of Ireland.”

For more information, visit buynifood.com or contact jen.guiney@investni.com

Buyers viewing the NI Supplier Showcase Breakfast Menu at the Balmoral Show.

Invest NI’s Jen Guiney, second from right, and Drew McIvor, third from right, with Buyers for M&S and Tesco Ireland at the Balmoral Show.

We work with NI producers to help identify new trends, bring forward innovative products and grow their business.

Northern Ireland.

Bringing our world-class food and drink to your table.

When you source food and drink from Northern Ireland you can be sure of its pure, natural, quality. That’s why Invest Northern Ireland’s Food and Drink division works with local producers to help them take their products around the world. Whether it’s helping companies to find new markets in the Republic of Ireland, or working with UK supply chains to drive new sales, Invest NI partners with our local producers to help them identify new trends, bring forward innovative products and grow their business.

Learn how you can serve our quality food and drink.

Northern Ireland. Altogether more.

Grand

industrial packaging: hub packaging

At the Hub of Industry

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Having the right packaging solutions is critical to running an efficient, reliable and safe business. Hub Packaging are a leading provider of industrial and transit packaging solutions, working with businesses across all sectors to protect their products and goods.

Hub Packaging are the go-to partner for businesses looking for optimal highperformance packaging solutions.

Protection to meet your every need

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Hub Packaging offer one of the most extensive ranges of packaging solutions, stocking over 3,500 lines.

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Hub Packaging are the go-to partner for businesses looking for optimal highperformance packaging solutions.

Free Online Food Safety Training from Safefood

With

almost two

thirds

of

food businesses ‘extremely concerned’ about the impact of a poor food safety audit or enforcement on their business, Safefood is encouraging small food businesses to sign up to its free food safety e-learning training tool.

Safefood, the all-island agency, is encouraging small food businesses to sign up to its free food safety e-learning training tool - Safefoodforbusiness.comas research reveals almost two in three (64%) small food businesses say they are extremely concerned about the impact of a poor food safety audit or enforcement on their business.

The research conducted by Ipsos B&A for Safefood also found just under half (45%) of food businesses claim that ‘food safety and ensuring compliance with regulations’ is their top priority. While the majority (72%) of food business owners/managers believed they are very knowledgeable about food safety, only 52% feel that their staff are very knowledgeable about the issue.

Free, flexible and online training

“We know that running a food business comes with a long list of to-do’s and that training can often go on the back-burner due to competing demands,” says Trish Twohig, Director of Food Safety with Safefood. “More than half (58%) of the business who took part in our survey said

that finding time for training was the biggest challenge for them when it came to staff training. The cost of training was the next biggest challenge for more than one in three food businesses (39%). To help with that, we’ve created safefoodforbusiness.com. It’s free, flexible and all online to meet the needs of food business owners and managers.

“When we looked at those who access the training at ‘Safefood for business.com,’ more than two in three (67%) are learners from the food retail or catering industry, followed by almost one in five (17%) in education and 14% working in food or feed processing and production,” she continued. “With more than 14,000 unique users already, this reflects the real demand that’s out there among food business owners and managers to provide training that’s commensurate with the demands of their staff.”

Practical and useful

Safefoodforbusiness.com has been designed to be practical for small food businesses and uses short training modules with real-life scenarios.

Because managers and small-business owners can track staff progress while training, it is ideal both for new staff as part of their induction process, as well as re-training staff returning to the industry or as a refresher training.

To sign up for free, visit www.safefoodforbusiness.com

Trish Twohig, Director of Food Safety with Safefood.

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Backed by decades of experience and trusted across Ireland’s food sector, Bonner is your partner for smarter, more agile manufacturing. Automation isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a strategic advantage.

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InterTrade Ireland

Accelerating Trade Opportunities Across the Island

InterTradeIreland offers a suite of flexible supports designed to help food and drink companies unlock cross-border growth. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, these resources are tailored to fuel your expansion across the island, writes Colin McCabrey, Director of Trade at InterTradeIreland.

The food and drink sector continues to be a powerhouse of cross-border trade, generating €3.2 billion in 2024 alone. That figure is a clear indicator of the sector’s resilience and growing potential. In today’s climate of global economic uncertainty, the importance of all-island trade has never been more evident. It offers businesses a clear route to expansion.

Cross-border trade isn’t just the easiest first step into exporting; it’s a smart strategic move. In terms of policy, both jurisdictions on the island prioritise supporting domestic firms to export. In fact, the Irish Government’s SME Taskforce has recommended that there should be 2,000 new first-time exporters by 2030.

For many businesses, the cross-border market is the ideal proving ground before scaling further afield. It offers businesses a low-risk, high-reward entry point into exporting.

The island-wide impact of cross-border trade

In a turbulent global economic landscape, firms on the island are defying international trends through deeper co-operation and sustained growth. There is remarkable momentum in crossborder trade, which has now reached a record high of €15 billion. This growth is more than just a statistic, it’s a clear signal of the opportunities that lie ahead.

For small and medium enterprises, especially in the agri-food sector, this growth presents a chance to scale operations, diversify product offerings, and access a dynamic market nearby. It also opens the door to shortening supply chains, reducing costs, and improving efficiency through closer-home sourcing and distribution. For the food and drink sector in particular, trading across the border not only drives growth but also strengthens food security and sustainability.

Whether you're just starting to explore exporting or you're already trading across the border, InterTradeIreland is here to support you at every stage. We connect businesses to opportunity across the island, helping you trade, collaborate, innovate, and grow. Our strong track record of delivery speaks for itself. To date we have directly assisted more than 60,000 business, while thousands of more SMEs have benefitted from our specialist advice. Our support has generated more than €1.95 billion / £1.7 billion in business development value.

We work hand-in-hand with business groups and economic agencies across the island to drive impact where it matters most.

Agile, accessible, and built to help business

Our programmes are designed with your business in mind: flexible, and easy to access.

We don’t just offer support, we work alongside you. From

identifying market demand and analysing competitors to scaling your team and navigating customs or regulatory hurdles, we help you ask the right questions and find the right answers. Our specialist support and expert guidance provides focused advice and practical support to help you take the next step in your cross-border journey.

Case Study: O’Flynn’s Gourmet Sausages.

O’Flynn Gourmet Sausages is a great example of a company that is growing its presence in Northern Ireland with the support of InterTradeIreland.

Established in 1921 and located in the heart of Cork City, the family business boasts four generations of expertise, offering products that combine local tradition with contemporary flavours.

The company availed of support through InterTradeIreland’s Acumen Programme, which provides funding for a salesperson in Northern Ireland and also took part in our recent Trade Missions @ Home programme.

“We are proud of the quality of our products,” says Declan O’Flynn, MD of O’Flynn’s Gourmet Sausage Company.

“InterTradeIreland’s support has given us access to valuable local insights, helping us generate more sales opportunities in Northern Ireland and effectively follow up on leads. I would strongly recommend InterTradeIreland to other businesses.”

Pictured at the O’Flynn’s Gourmet Sausage stall at Cork’s famous English Market is Declan O’Flynn, Managing Director of O’Flynn’s Gourmet Sausage Company.

InterTrade Ireland

Trade Missions @ Home

InterTradeIreland’s ‘Trade Missions @ Home’ programme is an initiative that brings the benefits of cross-border exporting directly to the doorstep of SMEs. Designed to fast-track growth, the programme offers up to five days of expert mentoring, sales coaching, and at least four pre-qualified sales meetings, connecting businesses with key buyers and decision-makers across the island.

This summer, 19 food and drink businesses from Northern Ireland participated in a two-day cross-border trade mission to Dublin. As part of the programme, participating businesses engaged in a dedicated workshop and had the opportunity to hear keynote addresses from both the Minister for Enterprise, Peter Burke TD, and the Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.

As well as these initiatives, we also provide comprehensive resources and guidance through our Trade Hub. A unique, all-island trade support, the Trade Hub provides fully funded one-to-one expert advice across key areas, including customs, VAT, regulation, employment and crossborder sales, helping businesses navigate trade complexities with confidence. We are also building on our supply chain offerings, most recently helping SMEs gain direct access to supply chain opportunities within large companies, as well as continuing to link businesses and support them through our award-winning Go-2-Tender

programme, as they seek to maximise crossborder public procurement opportunities.

Supporting cross-border innovation

In

across the border, we also empower them to innovate across the border. Many small companies, especially in the food and drink sector, are family-run and often lack the time or resources to focus on innovation. That’s where InterTradeIreland steps in.

We connect businesses with academic experts from the opposite jurisdiction, bringing fresh perspectives and new thinking to the table. This collaboration often sparks innovative solutions to realworld challenges.

Through our programmes, we can also help fund the placement of a qualified academic or industry specialist within an SME. Whether it’s refining a product, improving packaging, or developing more sustainable practices, this hands-on support helps businesses turn ideas into action.

Whether you're just beginning your cross-border journey or looking to grow your presence, we accelerate growth by connecting you to the right customers, suppliers and opportunities across the island of Ireland - with expert guidance every step of the way.

Visit www.intertradeireland.com or contact us via our Trade enquiry form https://intertradeireland.com/salesgrowth/trade-enquiry to find out more about how InterTradeIreland supports businesses in the food and drink sector to reach their full potential across the island.

Pictured at the launch of InterTradeIreland’s Cross-Border Trade Mission to Dublin are (front row, l-r): Colin McCabrey, Director of Trade at InterTradeIreland; Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald; and Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD; and (back rows) other speakers and representatives from the 19 food and drink businesses from Northern Ireland that participated in the two-day event.

Pictured together to mark the re-launch of InterTradeIreland’s Go-2-Tender Programme are (l-r): Randal MacDonnell, Head of Service Delivery – Public Procurement Policy, Service Delivery & Digitalisation Division, Office of Government Procurement (OGP); Emer Higgins TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; Colin McCabrey, Director of Trade, InterTradeIreland; Finance Minister, John O’Dowd; and Sharon Smyth, Chief Executive of Construction and Procurement Delivery (CPD).

addition to supporting business to trade

Agri-Food Regulator Publishes Findings of First Supplier Survey agri-food regulator conference

Ireland’s Agri-Food Regulator recently held its inaugural conference, where the results of its first supplier survey were revealed, while presentations also focused on the issues of fairness and transparency in the UK and EU supply chains.

IRELAND’S Agri-Food Regulator, An Rialálaí Agraibhia, held its inaugural conference in May at Johnstown Estate, Co. Meath, where the Regulator released the findings of its first supplier survey, having gathered feedback from agri-food suppliers on their experiences of trading with eight specific buyers in the retail and wholesale sectors.

Conducted by Coyne Research, the Agri-Food Regulator’s Suppliers Survey covered two main areas: compliance with the Unfair Trading (UT) Regulations and other general trading issues.

The survey, which provided feedback on over 940 trading relationships, found:

• A high overall level of supplier satisfaction with how buyers conduct their business;

• High levels of compliance with the UT Regulations, but one in seven respondents still report being subject to an unfair trading practice;

• Requiring the supplier to pay for loss or product deterioration and delayed payments were the two most common issues faced by respondents;

• Lack of awareness on rights and the wish to maintain long-term relationships were the key reasons for suppliers in not raising issues with buyers;

Cost increases and inflation raised as the biggest concern facing suppliers in the year ahead (70%).

Niamh Lenehan, CEO, Agri-Food Regulator, revealed that the Regulator plans these findings to be the first in an annual suppliers’ survey, and thanked the six businesses who co-operated by distributing the survey to their agri-food suppliers: Aldi Ireland, BWG Foods, Lidl Ireland, Marks and Spencer Ireland, Musgrave Group and Tesco Ireland.

“Their willingness to engage ensured that this survey gave a voice to their suppliers and the findings allow the Regulator and the businesses themselves to get a better understanding of the current operating landscape – capturing both the positives and the challenges,” noted Niamh Lenehan.

The survey findings will be used to inform the Regulator’s work programme for the year ahead, according to the CEO. This will include using the information received to progress the development of guidelines for buyers and the conducting of further risk-based inspections with respect to compliance with unfair trading law.

“There is a lot to be positive about regarding the survey findings and I note that a majority of the respondent suppliers expressed satisfaction with how buyers conduct their business,” she said.

“However, I am concerned that 14% of respondents reported experiences that they characterised as unfair trading practices.

As the Regulator, we need to ensure full compliance with the regulations in place.

“In particular, it is concerning that some suppliers reported that they may not raise a potential breach of UT Regulations with either

agri-food regulator conference

their buyer or with the Regulator itself.”

Fear of retaliation and potential damage to trading relationships are clear concerns expressed and which then potentially impact negatively on the efficient functioning of the supply chain, according to the CEO, who highlighted the fact that the Regulator operates a confidential complaint process.

Niamh Lenehan led a panel discussion on the supplier survey findings, alongside

Conor Kilduff, Executive Director, Love Irish Food, and Niamh Brennan, Senior Policy Executive, Irish Farmers’ Association, and event MC, broadcaster Jonathan Healy.

Inaugural conference

The conference also examined wider aspects of the agri-food landscape, including the biggest challenges facing suppliers in the year ahead, and the progress being made at national and EU level

towards greater transparency and fairness for primary producers, following the recent publication of the EU Commission’s ‘Vision for Agriculture and Food’.

Guest speakers included Michael HealyRae TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Patricia Reilly, Cabinet of President Ursula von der Leyen at the European Commission, and Mark White, Groceries Code Adjudicator, UK.

Joe Healy, Chair of the Agri-Food Regulator, welcomed guests to the conference, the Regulator’s first major public event since its establishment in December 2023.

“The foundation of the Agri-Food Regulator is rooted in a very simple yet powerful principle: fairness,” he noted, highlighting how the conference provides an opportunity to engage, to listen and to set a course for real progress.

“In the eyes of the Agri-Food Regulator, transparency is not optional; fairness is not a luxury,” Joe stressed. “For a proper functioning food supply chain – these are both necessities.”

Additional powers for the Regulator

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, in a video presentation, noted how the Agri-Food Regulator has marked “a significant step forward in promoting fairness and transparency across the food supply chain”.

He stressed how the Regulator has “hit the ground running with a number of significant achievements already”,

Niamh Lenehan leads the panel discussion with Conor Kilduff, Executive Director, Love Irish Food, Niamh Brennan, Senior Policy Executive, Irish Farmers Association, and event MC, broadcaster Jonathan Healy.

Pictured at the Agri-Food Regulator’s inaugural conference are Niamh Lenehan, CEO, Agri-Food Regulator; Mark White, Groceries Code Adjudicator, UK; and Joe Healy, Chair of the Agri-Food Regulator.

agri-food regulator conference

noting how the Regulator has already undertaken very active enforcement of the law on unfair trading practices, including initiating legal proceedings.

Minister Heydon acknowledged that while the Regulator has enjoyed co-operation from most stakeholders, “it has encountered some difficulty in obtaining the full range of data it has sought” and has called for additional powers to be able to obtain the data it needs.

“The Programme for Government commits to give the AgriFood Regulator enhanced powers to ensuring transparency in the food supply chain, with regard to providing market information,” noted the Minister. “I am currently in detailed discussions with the Agri-Food Regulator and other key stakeholders to see how this can be achieved, taking account of the appropriate legislative and consultative processes.”

Learnings from the UK

Mark White explained his role as the UK’s Grocery Code Adjudicator, ensuring that 14 large UK grocery retailers, all designated by the Competition and Markets Authority, treat their direct suppliers fairly and lawfully, complying with the UK Groceries Code.

“My aim is to prevent a range of negative behaviours by retailers set out in the Code, including delaying payments, delisting products without reasonable notice and handling promotions incorrectly,” he noted.

He stressed the importance of the GCA’s annual supplier survey, which he explained “help me to better understand supplier concerns, and to focus my engagement to ensure the retailers treat all suppliers fairly and lawfully. They also inform my priorities for the year ahead and help me understand if issues are unique to certain retailers or are affecting the whole sector.”

He explained that retailers themselves now “set increasing store by the survey results as a barometer of how well they are executing their commercial strategies”, and celebrate publicly when they have done well.

The European viewpoint

Patricia Reilly, Cabinet of President Ursula von der Leyen at the European Commission, joined the conference virtually from Brussels, sharing the EU Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, a strategic roadmap that puts primary producers at the heart of agri-food policy for the next five years, which was launched on February 19, 2025, by Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen.

Patricia reflected on the farmers’ protests across Europe in recent years, which have called for “much more equitable balance of power in the food chain”. She acknowledged that farmers “have always been a vulnerable link” in the supply chain, and that vulnerability has become much more acute over the last four years.

She described the EU proposals as balanced, upholding the fundamental freedom of free price formation, but also ensuring the rights of the parties aren’t restricted beyond what’s absolutely necessary.

She noted how proposed amendments to the Common Market Organisation are specific and limited, and could be implemented before the next CAP reform. These fall into three main areas: enhanced cooperation within producer organisations and their associations; a reinforced framework for written contracts to ensure transparency and stability in that relationship between farmers and buyers, and in price transmission mechanisms; the promotion of voluntary approaches, increasing the possibilities to collaborate on improved social sustainability.

Niamh Lenehan, CEO, Agri-Food Regulator, stressed the need for collaboration to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the supply chain.

Joe Healy, Chair, Agri-Food Regulator, addresses attendees.

Michael Healy-Rae TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (centre), with Niamh Lenehan and Joe Healy.

agri-food regulator conference

Patricia Reilly, Cabinet of President Ursula von der Leyen at the European Commission (on screen), with Maria Dunne, Assistant Secretary General, Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine; Kevin Hanrahan, Principal Research Officer, Teagasc; Karen Lynch Shally, Assistant Professor of Law, Maynooth University; and MC Jonathan Healy.

Fairness and transparency within the EU

Patricia was then joined by Kevin Hanrahan, Principal Research Officer, Teagasc; Karen Lynch Shally, Assistant Professor of Law, Maynooth University; and Maria Dunne, Assistant Secretary General, Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, for a lively panel discussion on fairness and transparency within the EU.

The panel discussed the impact of food inflation within the EU, with Kevin Hanrahan stressing that when food inflation is divided by general inflation, the trend has been downwards. “The European food system is delivering affordable food,” according to Kevin, a view echoed by Patricia, who noted that food is no more expensive now relatively than when Ireland joined the EU, citing the example of customers being able to purchase a chicken for €5.

The panel then discussed the costs of adopting ESG practices into the supply chain, noting that consumers are generally not willing to pay a premium for more sustainable food, with the result that the costs of ESG are being pushed to primary producers, who are the least able to afford these hikes. Kevin stressed that we need to persuade not just the Irish but the European consumer to pay more for sustainable, well produced food.

The panel discussed the establishment of the Agri-Food Chain Observatory (AFCO) within the EU, whose purpose is to promote a better functioning and sustainable food chain. The Observatory will also help to provide expertise and to identify trading practices and contractual arrangements that can either positively or negatively impact the functioning of the agri-food supply chain.

Highlighting the progress made

Michael Healy-Rae TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, reflected on the evolution of Irish agriculture and highlighted the great progress we have made, and paid tribute to the farmers who have helped that to happen. He praised the resilience of the agri-food sector, particularly in recent years with the successive challenges of Brexit and Covid and the impact of these events on supply chains and the market.

He stressed the importance of fairness and transparency in the

food supply chain in order to continue to see the sector thrive and noted how the establishment of the Agri-Food Regulator has been “a landmark step” in this regard: “The Regulator, in the short time since it was established, has already shown that it listens and delivers successful outcomes. Such successes send a clear message that Unfair Trading Practices will not be tolerated in Ireland’s agri-food system.”

He stressed that Ireland’s stellar reputation for the quality of our food and drink products is based on trust, and the work of the Regulator will help to cement trust in Irish producers: “The regulator can help to shine more light on the agri-food sector by providing sectoral price and market analysis reports.”

He acknowledged that there has been “much positive engagement with the regulator”, but warned the “minority of operators” who have not provided the requested data that this is “not good enough”, and advised them to provide the data needed so “we can all work better and in a more productive way”.

A future of collaboration

In her closing address, Niamh Lenehan, described the journey of the Agri-Food Regulator from its official formation in December 2023 to now, emphasising how their work is about building relationships and increasing trust along the supply chain.

She described the conference as an important day in the journey to increased fairness and transparency in terms of the “evolution of cultural change”. One of the key roles of the Regulator, she noted, is to facilitate opportunities for learning, understanding and discussion.

She stressed that the Agri-Food Regulator will work with buyers to follow-up on the findings of the survey, and stressed that suppliers can reach out to the regulator with complete anonymity if they suspect or are worried that they are victims of an Unfair Trading Practice. She finished by noting how they’re looking for all stakeholders to collaborate and actively engage with the Regulator to make its work a success for everyone involved.

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Empowering an Iconic Oatcake Brand to go Global

Camida recently took on the challenge of enabling the UK’s leading oatcake producer to extend the shelf life of their products, using a natural solution that fits their healthy brand identity.

Camida recently embarked on a challenge with a major UK client, a heritage brand and household name that produces a large range of healthy and gluten-free snacks. They’re a market leader in the UK, but want to increase exportation across global markets, particularly to North America.

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The solution

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In partnership with BTSA, Camida then experimented with different blends to see which would be the best at protecting the fat content within the product. The most effective result was a blend of tocopherolrich extract with a secondary antioxidant of ascorbyl palmitate (a powerful form of vitamin C), mixed with sunflower lecithin. They then tested a number of concentrations and found that a very small

Donal O’Neill, Ingredients Sales Manager, Camida.

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For more information on how Camida can support your sourcing and supply needs, email Donal O’Neill: donal.oneill @ camida. com or visit www.camida.com

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Better Food Starts Here: Ingredients That Make the Difference

Fintan McConnell of NCC Food Ingredients explains how the right ingredients drive smarter food innovation.

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NPP

QPM Ltd

TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

Avery Weigh-Tronix

DSG Packaging Ltd

Horan Automation and Robotics

Ornua

Quitmann O’Neill Packaging Ltd

Toyota Material Handling Ireland

WrenTech Ltd

WASTE MANAGEMENT/RECYCLING

Avery Weigh-Tronix

Horan Automation and Robotics

Kevin Woods Machinery

Quitmann O’Neill Packaging Ltd

PACKAGING AUDITS

Carabay Packaging Products

NPP

Repak Ltd

product & service index

PACKAGING /DESIGN / LABELLING

Air Products Ireland Ltd

ATLAS for Industry

Carabay Packaging Products

Com-Plas International

Corcoran Products (Irl) Ltd

Diamond Corrugated

Dollard Packaging Ltd

Donoghue Packaging

DSG Packaging Ltd

Ene Limited

Fischbein-Saxon

Greiner Packaging Ltd

GS1 Ireland

Horan Automation and Robotics

JMC Packaging Ltd

Kevin Woods Machinery

Kiernan’s Food Ingredients Ltd

Kiernan’s Food Ingredients Ltd

MCP Group

Measom Freer & Co. Ltd

NPP

Obeeco Ltd

Ornua

Quitmann O’Neill Packaging Ltd

Repak Ltd

Schütz (Ireland) Ltd

Sealed Air Ltd

Smurfit Kappa Ireland

Syspal

Tekpak Automation Ltd

The Packaging Centre Ltd

Versatile Packaging Ltd

Waddington Europe

Weber Packaging Solutions Ltd

WrenTech Ltd

Xtrupak Ltd

PEST CONTROL /FLY SCREENS

Rentokil Pest Control

PLANT MAINTENANCE

AQS Environmental Solutions

Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd

Bonner

Corcoran Products (Irl) Ltd

Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd

Flexachem Manufacturing

Horan Automation and Robotics

Kevin Woods Machinery

Obeeco Ltd

QPM Ltd

PROCESSING EQUIPMENT

BAKERY

Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd

Air Products Ireland Ltd

Avery Weigh-Tronix

DSG Packaging Ltd

Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd

Ene Limited

Festo Ltd

Flexachem Manufacturing

product & service index

Horan Automation and Robotics

JMC Packaging Ltd

Kevin Woods Machinery

Obeeco Ltd

Puratos Crest Foods Ltd

QPM Ltd

Syspal

Versatile Packaging Ltd

WrenTech Ltd

DAIRY

Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd

Air Products Ireland Ltd

Avery Weigh-Tronix

David Kellett & Partners Ltd

DSG Packaging Ltd

Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd

Ene Limited

Festo Ltd

Flexachem Manufacturing

Horan Automation and Robotics

JMC Packaging Ltd

Kevin Woods Machinery

Obeeco Ltd

QPM Ltd

Syspal

Versatile Packaging Ltd

WrenTech Ltd

DRINK

Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd

Air Products Ireland Ltd

Avery Weigh-Tronix

DSG Packaging Ltd

Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd

Ene Limited

Festo Ltd

Flexachem Manufacturing

Horan Automation and Robotics

JMC Packaging Ltd

Obeeco Ltd

QPM Ltd

Syspal

Versatile Packaging Ltd

WrenTech Ltd

FRESH FOOD

Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd

Air Products Ireland Ltd

Avery Weigh-Tronix

DSG Packaging Ltd

Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd

Ene Limited

Festo Ltd

Flexachem Manufacturing

Horan Automation and Robotics

JMC Packaging Ltd

Kevin Woods Machinery

Obeeco Ltd

Puratos Crest Foods Ltd

QPM Ltd

Syspal

Versatile Packaging Ltd

WrenTech Ltd

MACHINERY AUCTIONEERS

Air Products Ireland Ltd

Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd

Festo Ltd

MEAT, FISH & POULTRY

Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd

Air Products Ireland Ltd

Avery Weigh-Tronix

DSG Packaging Ltd

Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd

Ene Limited

Festo Ltd

Flexachem Manufacturing

Horan Automation and Robotics

JMC Packaging Ltd

Kevin Woods Machinery

Obeeco Ltd

QPM Ltd

Syspal

Versatile Packaging Ltd

WrenTech Ltd

WASTE WATER EQUIPMENT

Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd

Festo Ltd

Flexachem Manufacturing

Kevin Woods Machinery

PRODUCTION OPTIMISATION

Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd

Fischbein-Saxon

Flexachem Manufacturing

Horan Automation and Robotics

JMC Packaging Ltd

KUKA Ireland Ltd

Versatile Packaging Ltd

PRODUCTION SKIDS

Endress + Hauser Ireland Ltd

Flexachem Manufacturing

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

BIM/Irelands Seafood Development Agency

Bord Bia - The Irish Food Board

Horan Automation and Robotics

Innovate Solutions

JMC Packaging Ltd

KUKA Ireland Ltd

Ornua

safefood

Teagasc Food Research

UCC - School of Food and Nutritional

Sciences

Weber Packaging Solutions Ltd

WrenTech Ltd

STAINLESS STEEL FABRICATION

Ene Limited

Festo Ltd

Horan Automation and Robotics

Kevin Woods Machinery

Syspal

WrenTech Ltd

SUSTAINABILITY AND TRACEABILITY TRACKING

SOLUTIONS

Bord Bia

GS1 Ireland

Horan Automation and Robotics

TANK CLEANING

Flexachem Manufacturing

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS

Bord Bia

GS1 Ireland

company listings

aAbb Ltd

Address: 5th Floor, The Concourse, Beacon Court, Dublin 18.

Tel: (01) 4057300

Email: robotics@gb.abb.com

Web: www.abb.com www.abb.com/robotics

Main Products & Services:

ABB is a leading supplier of industrial robots, modular manufacturing systems and service. A strong solutions focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 200,000 robots world wide.

AB Mauri UK & Ireland

Address: Barn Way, Lodge Farm, Northampton, NN5 7UW.

Tel: (0044) 1604 755 522

Email: info.ukie@abmauri.com

Web: www.cereform.co.uk

Main Products & Services: Dough conditioners, yeast, soya flours, sour doughs, cake & donut mixes, icings & fillings.

Contact: Director of Sales (Ireland): Damien McDonald

Advanced Packaging Machinery Ltd

Address: 718 Northwest Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15.

Tel: (01) 861 2141

Email: info@test.ie

Web: www.packagingmachinery.ie

Main Products & Services: Metal detectors, x-ray inspection systems, check weighers & label applicators.

Contact: Director: Kevin Gaines

AIC

Plastic Pallets Ltd

Address: The Woodlands, Carrigmore, Ballineen, Co. Cork.

Tel: (023) 884 7333

Email: info@aicplastics.com

Web: www.aicplastics.com

Main Products & Services: Plastic, timber and aluminium pallets, pallet boxes, totes, storage boxes, stacking containers, slipsheets, linbins, bespoke pallets and boxes (aluminium and plastic).

Contact: Joe O’Flynn

Air Products Ireland Ltd

Address: Unit 950, Western Industrial Estate, Killeen Road, Dublin 12.

Tel: (01) 463 4200

Web: www.airproducts.ie

Main Products & Services: Air Products brings you the latest, most innovative solutions in cryogenic freezing, chilling, cooling and Modified Atmosphere Packaging. Freshline Gases® include CO2, Nitrogen and Oxygen in liquid or gaseous form. Backed by over 40 years’ knowhow in food processing. To find out more please visit our website.

AIS

Ltd - Automatic

Identification Systems

Address: Unit 48, Canal Walk, Park West Industrial Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12.

Tel: (01) 620 5742

Email: info@aisltd.ie

Web: www.aisltd.ie

Main Products & Services: RFID equipment,automatic labelling, print & applysystems, industrial barcode scanning, 2D barcode equipment,

hand held readers, mobile computers, fixed mount scanning, label printers, mobile printers, desktop printers, industrial printers, barcode printers, labels & ribbons. Supply, install & maintenance of auto ID products. Custom solution development for product traceability suitable for you.

Andrew Ingredients Ltd

Address: 27 Ferguson Drive, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, BT28 2EX.

Tel: +44 289267 2525

Email: info@andrewingredients.com

Web: www.andrewingredients.ie

Main Products & Services:

• Food and bakery ingredients, flour, bread, cake & confectionery mixes, gluten free & vegan products, icings, dried fruit, savoury & sweet sauces, colours & flavours, baking powders, raising agents, sugar etc.

• Dedicated technical and quality teams.

• Test Bakery and Kitchen available to existing and potential customers to support NPD, innovation and problem solving.

AQS Environmental Solutions

Address: Galmoy via Thurles, Castletown, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny.

Tel: 0504 57841

Email: stan@aqssolutions.ie

Web: www.aqssolutions.ie

Main Products & Services:

Industrial Cleaning Services.

Contact: Commercial Director: Stan O’Reilly

company listings

Astatine

Address: Suite 301, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Dublin 8, D08 T1WY.

Tel: (01) 525 3006

Email: info@astatine.ie

Web: www.astatine.ie

Main Products & Services: Solar PV and High Temperature Heat Pump installation.

Contact: Commercial manager: Jill Beck

Azelis Ireland Limited

Address: Unit 23, Sandyford Office Park, Blackthorn Avenue, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Foxrock, Dublin 18. D18 X9X7

Tel: (01) 295 6977

Fax: (01) 295 8338

Email: graeme.locke@azelis.com

Main Products & Services: Food Ingredients.

Contact: Managing Director: Graeme Locke

ATLAS for Industry

Atlas for Industry

Address: Glen Vale, 178 Portadown Road, Richhill, Co. Armagh, BT61 9LJ.

Tel: 0044 (0) 28 3887 0166

Web: www.atlasforindustry.ie

Main Products & Services:

Manufacture of self-adhesive labels both plain & printed, in various substrates. Predominantly, Mid-Gloss Paper, Thermal Paper, and synthetics. We also manufacture A4 Laser Labels in a range of formats, starting at 1/sheet; up to 84/ sheet (permanent & removable). Manufacture of tags & tickets for meat plants / garden centres / engineering etc.

Supply of label printers from Zebra / Citizen / Godex / TSC. Transfer ribbons for label printers, economy / mid-range & premium grades.

Contact: Managing Director: David Nethercote

Avery Weigh-Tronix

Tel: (01) 400 0700

Address: Antrim: 1 Sentry Lane, Newtownabbey, BT36 4XX.

Tel: (028) 9083 9092

Email: webinfo@awtx-itw.com

Web: www.averyweigh-tronix.com/ ireland

BBIM/Ireland’s Seafood

Development Agency

Address: Crofton Rd, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

Tel: (01) 214 4100

Email: info@bim.ie

Web: www.bim.ie

Main Products & Services: Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) helps to develop the Irish Seafood Industry by providing technical expertise, business support, funding, training and promoting responsible environmental practice.

Blenders

Address: Whitestown Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 VY75.

Tel: (01) 453 6960

Fax: (01) 453 7607

Email: sales@blenders.ie

Web: www.blenders.ie

Main Products & Services: Mayonnaises, dressings, bouillons, cooking sauces, table sauces, carvery sauces, relishes in bulk catering, sachets, dip-pots and retail jar formats. Branded and private label.

Bonner

Instrumentation, Calibration and Automation Solutions

Address: 35 Western Parkway Business Centre, Ballymount Drive, Ballymount, Dublin 12, D12 X542.

Tel: (01) 450 5050

Email: contact@bonner.ie

Web: www.bonner.ie

Main Products & Services: Services inc. Calibration, Maintenance, Analysis & Temperature Mapping, Instrumentation products for measurement and control, Automation & Control solutions.

Contact: Managing Director: Patrick Bonner

Service Manager: Roddy Jefferson Automation Solutions Manager: Darran Roche

Bord Bia - The Irish Food Board

Address: 140 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4, D04 NV34.

Tel: (01) 668 5155

Email: info@bordbia.ie

Web: www.bordbia.ie

Main Products & Services: Marketing, promotion and development of Irish food, drink and horticulture.

Brenntag

Address: Unit 405, Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Dublin 24.

Tel: +353 (0) 1 4013500

Email: dublin.sales@brenntag.ie

Web: www.brenntag.com

Main Products & Services: Food ingredients, cake mixes, blends, NPD.

Contact: Key Account Manager: James Dixon

CCalor

Address: Long Mile Road, Dublin 12.

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Carabay Packaging Products

Address: Units 1-5

Coldmove Logistics

Tel: (01) 450 5000

your

Web: www.calorgas.ie

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Main Products & Services: Supply of LPG in bulk tanks or cylinders.

is over

Contact: Chief Commercial Officer: Oliver Kenny.

Camida Ltd

overAddress: New Quay, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, E91 YV66.

Camida Ltd., Tower House, New Quay, Clonmel, Co Tipperary, Ireland.

Tel: (052) 612 5455

Mobile: (087) 622 6810

t: +353 52 6125455

Email: michael.odonovan@camida.com

Web: www.camida.com

e: joe.guiney@camida.com

m: +353 86 2413223 w: www.camida.com

Main Products & Services: Ingredients (Food, Beverage, Feed). Natural Emulsifiers (Soya & Sunflower Lecithin), Synthetic Emulsifiers (Esters) Sweeteners (Sucralose, Sodium Saccharin and Sodium Cylamate), Antioxidants and Natural Vitamin E, Spray Crystallised High Performance Fats. Feed Sector – Glycinates (Copper, Iron, Manganese & Zinc), Dicalcium Phopshate, Xanthan Gum, Stevia Extract, Glucose Syrup, Glycine, Oils & Waxes.

Contact: Sales Manager: Michael O’Donovan

Liosban Industrial Estate, Tuam Road, Co. Galway, H91 C793.

Tel: (091) 773 370

Web: carabay.ie

Contact: Sales Director: Kenneth Casburn

Com-Plas International

Address: Unit F5 & F6, Southern Link Business Park, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland, W91 RT9P.

Tel: +353 (0)45 874 088

Email: sales@complas.ie

Web: www.complasinternational.ie

Main Products & Services: Packaging products for food, pharma and chemical industries.

Address: Oranmore Co. Galway

Tel: +353 86 809 1893

Email: jason.mallon@cmls.ie

Web: www.cmls.ie

Main Products & Services:

Supply Chain Management, Barcoding/Labelling, Consultancy, Material Handling Services, Refrigeration/Cold Storage, Transport & Logistics.

Contact: Jason Mallon

Corcoran Chemicals Ltd

Address: 17 Parkgate Street, Dublin 8.

Tel: (01) 633 0400

Fax: (01) 679 3521

Email: info@corcoran-group.com

Web: www.corcoran-group.com

02/06/2015 12:48

Main Products & Services: Distributors of raw materials for the food, pharmaceutical, polymer & chemical industry.

Contact: Sales

Corcoran Products (Irl) Ltd

Address: Unit 12 Northern Cross Business Park, Finglas, D11 DC67, Ireland.

Tel: (01) 864 4422

Email: info@corcoran-group.com

Web: www.corcoran-group.com

Main Products & Services: Suppliers of packaging to the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industry.

Contact: Derek Lennon

CRS Mobile Cold Storage Ltd

Address: Summerhill Enterprise Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath, A83 XE40.

Tel: (046) 943 5000

Email: enquiry@crs.ie

Web: www.crs.ie

Main Products & Services:

Increase your on-site cold storage capacity: CRS offer a wide range of temperature controlled storage solutions both new and professionally refurbished for short and longterm rental. Our products include 1-400 pallet portable cold stores and 25-115kw portable blast freezers.

Contact: Michael O’Keefe

DDiamond Corrugated

Address: 12-13 Pennyburn

Industrial Estate, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, BT48 OLU.

Tel: +44 (0) 02871 262 957

Email: info@diamondcorr.com

Web: www.diamondcorr.com

company listings

Dollard Packaging Ltd

Address: Units 6-11, Eklad Park, Malahide Road Industrial Park, Malahide Road, Dublin 17.

Tel: (01) 847 0044

Email: sales@dollard-packaging.ie

Web: www.dollard-packaging.ie

Main Products & Services: Print and Packaging.

Donoghue Packaging

Address: Donpack Business Park, Bandon, Co. Cork

Tel: (023) 884 2111

Email: donpack@donpack.ie

Web: www.donpack.com

Main Products & Services: Manufacturers of Waxed Solid Board & Corrugated Packaging Products.

Contact: Managing Director: Ray Donoghue

DSG Packaging Ltd

Address: Unit 1D Willow Drive, Newhall, Naas Enterprise Park, Co. Kildare.

Tel: (045) 884 200

Email: pmoloney@dsgpack.ie

Web: www.dsgpack.ie

Main Products & Services: Specialists in Contract Packaging, Outsourcing and “End of Line” Filling and Packaging Services.

EEne Group

Address: Unit 24, Scarva Road Industrial Estate, Banbridge, Co. Down, BT32 3QD

Tel: +44 28 4062 2215

Email: info@eneconveyors.com

Web: www.enegroupltd.com

Main Products & Services: Conveyor systems and replacement belts.

Contact: Belting Office Manager: Nikki Burwell

Enviroclad Systems Ltd

Address: Unit 57B, Hebron Industrial Estate, Hebron Road, Co. Kilkenny.

Tel: (056) 775 2866

Email: info@enviroclad.com

Web: www.enviroclad.com

Main Products & Services: Supply and Fitting of Enviroclad Hygienic Wall and Ceiling Cladding in P.V.C. for the Food Industry.

FFesto Ltd

Fischbein-Saxon

Address: Vancouver Suite, Maple House, EN6 5BS, Potters Bar, UK.

Tel: (0044) 208 344 6600

Email: salesuk@fischbein.com

Web: www.fischbein.com

Main Products & Services:

Through the recent partnership with VOTECH, FISCHBEIN enhances its ability to offer fully automatic Dosing, Bagging and Palletizing lines, as well as Pallet Wrapping and Stretch-Hooders. The Votech brand is known for providing high-precision, hygienic solutions, in the food and powder sectors such as Milk, Animal Feeds, Food Flavours, Flour Milling, Fertilizers, Pellets, Horticulture, and associated products. Votech exudes quality, robustness, and reliability, and as a result, have thousands of successful installations, and a reputation with our clients, that precedes our name.

Contact: Sales & Services Director: Barry Cox

Fisher Scientific

Address: Head Office: Unit 5, Sandyford Park, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin 18.

Tel: (01) 295 4955

Email: sales_ie@festo.com

Endress+Hauser Ireland Ltd

Address: Exchequer House, Embassy Office Park, Kill, Co. Kildare.

Tel: (045) 989 200

Email: info.ie@endress.com

Web: www.ie.endress.com

Main Products & Services: Endress+Hauser are a global leader in instrumentation solutions and services for the food and beverage industry.

Web: www.festo.com/ie

Main Products & Services: Automation Technology

· Industrial Automation

· Electrical Automation

· Process Automation

Training & Consulting Food, Beverage & Packaging Expertise.

Address: 3rd Floor, Kilmore House, Park Lane, Spencer Dock, Dublin 1.

Tel: (01) 885 5854

Email: fsie.sales@thermofisher.com

Web: www.fishersci.ie

Business: Laboratory supplies, Chemicals, Consumables, Reagents, Equipment & Instruments.

Flexachem Manufacturing

Address: Donnybrook Commercial Centre, Douglas, Cork, T12 X68Y.

Tel: (021) 461 7200

Email: michael.bradley@flexachem.com

Web: www.flexachem.com

Main Products & Services:

Mechanical & Process Solutions, Pumps, Valves, Mechanical Seals.

Contact: Business Development Manager: Michael Bradley

Foodology by Univar Solutions

Address: 536 Grants Crescent, Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin.

Email: alan.odonnell@univarsolutions.com

Web: univarsolutions.com/foodology

Main Products & Services: Food Ingredients.

Contact: Alan O’Donnell

GGivaudan Sense Colour

Address: Unit D, Island Corporate Park, Little Island, Co. Cork.

Tel: (021) 435 3821

Email: info@ddwmson.com

Main Products & Services: Caramel colours, natural colours, burnt sugars, natural colour blends, liquids & powders.

Web: www.ddwcolor.com

Greencore Group

Address: 4th Floor, Block 2, Dublin Airport Central, Dublin Airport, K67 E2H3.

Tel: (01)605 1000

Email: hello@greencore.com

Web: www.greencore.com

Main Products and Services: Convenience foods. Supplier of chilled, frozen and ambient foods.

Greiner Packaging Ltd

Address: Killyman Road Industrial Estate, Dungannon, County Tyrone, BT 71 6LN, Northern Ireland. Tel: (0044) 28 8772 3131

Email: office.dungannon@greiner-gpi.com

Web: www.greiner-gpi.com

Contact: Sales Manager: Philip Hogan

GS1 Ireland

Address: Second Floor, The Merrion Centre, Nutley Lane, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, D04 KF62.

Tel: (01) 208 0660

Email: info@gs1ie.org

Web: www.gs1ie.org/food

Main Products & Services:

Global Supply Chain Standards Body. Barcode Numbers, Barcode Manager Tool, Barcode Symbols, fTRACE, GS1 Digital Link, Verified by GS1, EDI Message Standards, EPC/RFID, Traceability Standards, Barcode and EDI Message Verification, Advisory and Training Services.

HHeterochem (Dist.) Ltd

Address: Unit 49, Baldoyle industrial estate, Baldoyle, Dublin 13, D13H2N2

Tel: +353 1 8393127

Email: info@heterochem.com

Web: www.heterochem.com

Main Products & Services: Antifoams, Antioxidants, Colours, Distilling & Brewing Additives, Emulsifiers, Flavours, Gums, Preservatives & Sweeteners.

Contact: info@heterochem.com

HH Solutions

Address: 12 Ritaville, Old Cork Road, Limerick.

Tel: (061) 603 742

Email: info@hhsolutions.ie

Web: www.hhsolutions.ie

Main Products & Services: Food Probes & Data Services: Loggers & Wireless Monitoring Systems. Irish agents for Eltex of Sweden & Comark Ltd.

HORAN

Horan Automation and Robotics

Address: Drangan, Thurles, Co Tipperary, E41 DA36.

Tel: (052) 915 2208

086 780 9668 / 087 396 0744

Email: gary@horan.ie

Web: www.horan.ie

Main Products & Services: Automation, Integration, Service, Packing, Palletising, Filling machinery, Robotics, Consulting, Design, Prototyping, Medical device assembly, Sub Component assembly. Contact: Managing Director, European Operations: Gary Monks

company listings

IInnovate Solutions

Address: 82 Claremont Court, Glasnevin, Dublin 11.

Tel: (01) 707 9856

Email: sales@innovatesolutions.ie

Web: www.innovatesolutions.ie

Main Products & Services: Consumer Research – NPD taste testing, product benchmarking, expert sensory panels, focus group research.

Invest

Northern Ireland

Address: Bedford Square, Bedford Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Tel: 0044 7985 111024

Email: jen.guiney@investni.com

Web: www.investni.com

Main Products & Services: Brokering introductions to Northern Ireland’s food and drink sector. Invest NI’s Food and Drink Business Development team offers comprehensive support to retailers, foodservice and wholesale operators seeking innovative ideas from experienced food and drink producers to help build mutually beneficial and profitable business relationships.

Contact: Business Development

Executive: Jen Guiney

Irish Exporters Association

Address: 28 Merrion Square, Dublin 2.

Tel: (01) 661 2182

Email: contact@irishexporters.ie

Web: www.irishexporters.ie

Main Products & Services: Food and Drink Export Ireland, a division of the IEA, provides assistance to Irish food and drink companies in the home market and to increase their sales abroad.

Irish National Accreditation Board

Address: Metropolitan Building, James Joyce Street, Dublin 1, D01 KOY8.

Tel: (01) 614 7182

Email: inab@inab.ie

Web: www.inab.ie

JJMC Packaging Ltd

Address: 37 Seagoe Industrial Estate, Craigavon, Co. Armagh, BT63 5QE.

Tel: 028 3839 1723

Email: sales@jmcpackaging.co.uk

Web: www.jmcpackaging.co.uk

Main Products & Services: Specialists in packaging materials and equipment. Shrink wrap equipment, tray sealing equipment, automatic label applications, automatic stretch wrappers, checkweighing & metal detections, polyolefin shrink film, smoothwall foil trays, soft fruit punnets, food grade stretch film & lidding film and meat & poultry trays.

KDavid Kellett &

Partners Ltd

Address: Maple Court, Wormbridge House, Wormbridge, Hereford, HR2 9DH.

Tel: (0044) 1981 570 611

Email: davidkellett@davidkellett.co.uk

Main Products & Services: Dairy Engineering, Filtration Systems/Membranes, RO, UO, UF & MF. Osmosis®, Ultra Filtration and Micro Filtration, Effluent Treatment, Spiral Wound and Plate & Frame, Cheese Maturing Vacuum Pouches.

Contact: Managing Director: David Kellett

Kevin Woods Machinery Limited

Address: The Inch, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Tel: 086 859 5532 / 086 170 8791

Web: www.kevinwoodsmachinery.ie

Main Products & Services: Suppliers of machinery and service to the processing and packaging sector.

Kiernan’s Food Ingredients Ltd

Address: Unit 8 Steadfast Industrial Estate, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan.

Tel: (042) 966 2096

Email: info@kiernans.ie

Web: www.kiernans.ie

Main Products & Services: Food ingredients - seasonings, cures, sauces, marinades etc. Food packaging - aluminium trays, vac pack, shrink bags, etc.

Contact: Martin Kiernan Mobile 087 2567694

James Kiernan Mobile 087 6866993

KUKA Ireland Ltd

Address: Unit 16 Brewery Business Park, Ardee Rd, Cambrickville, Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0) 42 93 95034

Email: sales.ie@kuka.com

Web: www.kuka.com

Main Products & Services: Robotics & Automation

Contact: Brian Cooney, Managing Director – KUKA Ireland

MManotherm Ltd

Address: 4 Walkinstown Road, Dublin D12 RP83

Tel: (01) 452 2355

Email: info@manotherm.ie

Web: www.manotherm.ie

Main Products & Services: Distributor of process instrumentation and controls.

Matheson

Address: 70 Sir John Rogersons Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Tel: 00 353 1 232 2000

Email: dublin@matheson.com

Web: www.matheson.com

Main Products & Services: Legal Services.

Measom Freer & Co. Ltd

Address: 37/41 Chartwell Drive, Wigston, Leicester, LE18 2FL, England.

Tel: (0044) 116 288 1588

Email: sales@measomfreer.co.uk

Web: www.measomfreer.co.uk

Main Products & Services: Measom Freer manufacture and stock quality plastic bottles, custom moulded bottles, dropper caps, scoops, measures, boxes, jars, tubes, fasteners etc, for food use. Services include 3D design, in-house tool making and screen printing.

NNational Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)

Address: 1 Swift Square, Northwood, Santry, Dublin 9.

Tel: (01) 807 3800

Email: info@nsai.ie

Web: www.nsai.ie

Main Products & Services:

Certification and inspection services to national & international product & management system standards including ISO 22000, ISO 9001, OHSAS and BRC Global Food Standard.

Food

Ingredients

NCC Food Ingredients

Address: NCC House, 42 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2.

Tel: (01) 613 1400

Fax: (01) 661 6261

Email: foodsales@ncc.ie

Web: www.nccingredients.com

Main Products & Services:

MCP Group

Address: Clondrohid, Macroom, Co. Cork. Oranstown, Dunboyne, Co. Meath. Tel: +353 26 41311 +353 1 825 2059

Email: sales@mcpgroup.ie

Web: www.mcpgroup.ie

Main Products & Services:

MCP Group offers bespoke Pallet manufacturing, the widest range of customisable Packaging and Warehousing solutions that are tailored to our customers’ needs. Leveraging our 47 years of experience, MCP Group operates from a 1,000,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and storage space, where we produce over 3.5 million pallets per annum. We supply more than 15,000 types of Packaging products and 50,000 Pallet Warehouse capacity. MCP Group also strategically provides Warehousing opportunities for its customers’ existing products or other packaging options, which allows its customers to expand their own operations while having a centralised depot for key supply chain products backed by our Distribution and Fulfilment service.

Contact: sales@mcpgroup.ie

Food Ingredients: Natural Flavours, Acidulants, Preservatives, Biocides, Enzymes, Hydrocolloids, Stabilizers, Antioxidants, Carriers, Binders, Gelling agents, Fibres, Sweeteners (natural & high intensity), Amino Acids, Colours, Fats & Oils, Starches, Texturizers, Clean Label Ingredients, Prebiotics, Atlantic Sea Salts among other ingredients. Ingredients Sourcing: With a dedicated team of qualified food professionals, we have a deep and informed understanding of the many challenges facing the food industry today. Working in close partnership with highly innovative producers across the globe we provide our customers with a wide range of functional, clean label products and technologies. Our customer base ranges from international producers of foods and beverages to small niche artisan creators of fine foods. We support our customers from the very early stages of product development through to end production.

Contact: Product Manager: Fintan McConnell (fmcconnell@ncc.ie)

NPP

Address: Unit 2, Vantage Business Park, Coldwinters, Dublin 11, D11 WP2P, Ireland.

Tel: +353 (0) 1 880 9299

Email: sales@npp.ie

Web: www.npp.ie

Main Products & Services: Packaging Materials, Machinery & Systems, Parts, Service & Engineering.

Nutrition Supplies

Address: Innishannon, Co. Cork, T12 F248.

Tel: (021) 477 5522

Web: www.nutritionsupplies.ie

Main Products & Services: Vitamin & Nutrient Precision Premixes.

OObeeco Ltd

Address: Annaville Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

Tel: (01) 278 2323

Email: sales@obeeco.ie

Web: www.obeeco.ie

Main Products & Services: Packaging Processing and Automation Machinery. Coding and Printing Solutions and Materials.

Contact: Sales Director: Richard Burke

Managing Director: Olive Walker

company listings

O’Brien Ingredients

Address: 11 Magna Drive, Magna Business Park, Citywest, Dublin D24 T97Y

Tel: 00353 (0)1 469 1400

Fax: 00353 (0)1 469 1360

Email: ingred@obrien-ingredients.ie

Web: www.obrien-ingredients.ie

Main Products & Services:

Supplier of ambient, frozen and chilled ingredients to Bakery, Beverage, Confectionery, Dairy, Ice Cream, Feed, Pharmaceutical, Infant Formula and Savoury sectors in Ireland.

Contact: Ailise McKay, Paul Wiseman

QQPM Ltd

Address: Unit 12, Robinhood Business Park, Robinhood Road, Dublin 22, D22 RD39.

Tel: (01) 450 2421

Email: anevin@qpm.ie

Web: www.qpm.ie

Main Products & Services: X-ray inspection, Metal Detection, Checkweighing, Scales, Temperature Probes, Data Loggers, pH Meters, Gas Analysis, Magnetic Separators, Automatic Labelling Machines and Automatic Sleeving Machines, Service & Calibration.

Contact: Andy Nevin

Repak

Ltd

Address: Red Cow Interchange Estate, 1 Ballymount Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

Tel: (01) 467 0190

Email: info@repak.ie

Web: www.repak.ie

Ornua

Address: Grattan House, Mount Street Lower, Dublin 2.

Tel: +353 1 661 9599

Web: www.ornua.com

Main Products & Services: Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products (butter, cheese and milk powders) and proud owner of the Kerrygold brand.

PPuratos Crest Foods Ltd

Address: 70 - 71 Dunboyne Business Park, Dunboyne, Co. Meath.

Tel: (01) 825 5505

Email: info_ireland@puratos.com

Web: www.puratos.com

Main Products & Services: Bakery, patisserie and chocolate ingredients. Belcolade Belgian chocolate, Puratos bakery & patisserie products, PatisFrance premium patisserie ingredients.

Quitmann O’Neill Packaging Ltd

Address: St Brendan’s Road, Portumna, Co. Galway, H53 HX51.

Tel: (090) 97 41148

Email: sales@quitmannoneill.com

Web: www.qonpack.com

Main Products & Services: Stockist and Distributors of Packaging.

Contact: Director: David O’Neill

RRentokil Pest Control

Nationwide Coverage

Tel: 0818 882 334

Email: pestcontrolinfo@rentokil.ie

Web: www.rentokil.ie

Main Products & Services: Suppliers of Pest Control to ISO 9001:2008 specification.

Contact: Pest Control: Michael O’Mahoney

Main Products & Services: Repak is an environmental notfor-profit organisation with a social mission. Repak is Ireland’s only government- approved packaging compliance scheme, licensed by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. Repak was set up in 1997 in accordance with EU Packaging Regulations. Repak has over 3,400 members (importers, brand-holders, retailers) whose fees fund household recycling bins, bottle banks, civic amenities and commercial back-door waste nationwide. Over the past 25 years, Repak members have invested over €514 million to help grow packaging recycling and recovery from under 15% in 1997 to an estimated 96% in 2021. There are many benefits tobecoming a Repak Member, including access to its Prevent & Save programme which can cut packaging waste at source and save your business money.

SSafe food

Address: 7 Eastgate Avenue, Eastgate, Little Island, Co. Cork. T45 RX01.

Tel: (021) 230 4100

Fax: (021) 230 4111

Email: info@safefood.net

Web: www.safefood.net

Main Products & Services:

Safefood is the all island public agency promoting food safety and healthy eating to the public through awareness campaigns. It also acts as an independent source of scientific advice, commissions and funds relevant research; co-ordinates scientific co-operation; provides free eLearning to small food businesses; and facilitates knowledge exchange among those working in the food sector and other key stakeholders.

SAI

Global

Address: Block 3, Quayside Business Park, Mill St, Dundalk, Co. Louth.

Tel: 042 932 0912

Email: information@saiglobal.com

Web: www.saiglobal.com

Main Products & Services: Food Safety certification, BRC Certification, GFSI Scheme Certification, Environmental Management, Quality Management Systems, Supply Chain Management, Aquaculture Services, Fishery Services, Compliance Solutions, Risk Management.

Saica Pack Ireland

Address: Ashbourne Industrial Estate, Ashbourne, Co. Meath.

Tel: (01) 801 0400

Web: www.saica.com

SCHÜTZ

(Ireland) Ltd

Address: Killala Business Park, Townamore, Killala, Co. Mayo, F26 XY18

Tel: (096) 33044

Fax: (096) 33045

Email: info1ireland@schuetz.net

Web: www.schuetz.net

Main Products & Services: Manufacturer of IBCs and PE Drums.

Sealed Air Ltd

Address: 1-3 Cromwell Road, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 1QN.

Tel: Ireland: 0800 932 984 UK: (0044) 0800 1488 700

Email: cryovac.ukmkt@sealedair.com

Web: www.sealedair.com

Main Products & Services: Cryovac® Packaging Solutions, including films, barrier bags, rigid trays, punnets and pots. Diversey Hygiene Solutions including detergents, disinfectants, dosing equipment and energy and water management solutions.

Smurfit Kappa Ireland

Address: Ballymount Road, Walkinstown, Dublin 12.

Tel: (01) 409 0000

Web: www.smurfitkappa.ie www.skpackaging.ie www.smurfitkappadirect.ie

Main Products & Services: Ireland’s leading manufacturer of packaging and point of purchase displays, with a wide product range to suit the needs of the food industry. Standard packaging & promotional products can now be bought on-line via our webshop at www.smurfitkappadirect.ie

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

Address: 3 Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2.

Tel: (01) 808 2100

Email: info@seai.ie

Web: www.seai.ie

Syspal

Address: Cockshutt Lane, Broseley, Shropshire, TF12 5JA, England.

Tel: (0044) 1952 883188

Email: sales@syspal.com

Web: www.syspal.com

Main Products & Services:

Manufacturers of stainless steel and aluminium products, specifically designed for regulations within the food industry.

TTeagasc Food Research Programme

Moorepark and Ashtown

Address: Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996.

Ashtown, Dublin 15, D15 KN3K.

Tel: (025) 42 222 / (01) 805 9500

Email: mark.fenelon@teagasc.ie / declan.troy@teagasc.ie

Web: www.teagasc.ie

Main Products & Services: Research, development and innovation, food bioscience, food safety, food chemistry and technology, food industry development, Food Quality & Sensory Science pilot plant facilities, analytical services, training, consultancy.

company listings

Tekpak Automation Ltd

Address: Whitemill Industrial Estate, Wexford, Ireland.

Tel: (053) 916 3033

Email: info@tekpak.ie

Web: www.tekpak.ie

Main Products & Services: Vision guided pick and place robots.

The Packaging Centre Ltd

For all your packaging needs

TPC

Contact: John Kehoe

Fox & Geese House, Naas Road, Dublin 22. Tel: 01 450 8759 ~ Fax: 01 450 7567 www.thepackagingcentre.ie

The Packaging Centre Ltd

For all your packaging needs

TPC

Fox & Geese House, Naas Road, Dublin 22. Tel: 01 450 8759 ~ Fax: 01 450 7567 www.thepackagingcentre.ie

The Packaging Centre

Address: Fox & Geese House, Naas Road, Dublin 22.

Tel: (01) 450 8759

Email: sales@thepackagingcentre.ie

Web: www.thepackagingcentre.ie

Contact: Managing Director, Ivan Powell

Tirlán

Address: Abbey Quarter, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny, R95 DXR1.

Tel: (056) 77 96300

Web: www.tirlan.com

Main Products & Services: B2C Dairy, Ingredient Solutions & Agribusiness.

UCC - Food Industry Training Unit

Address: Room 246, Food Science Building, University College Cork, Cork. Tel: (021) 490 3178

CMYK

Cyan: 100 Magenta: 50

Email: amyjane.troy@ucc.ie

Web: www.ucc.ie/en/fitu

Main Products & Services: Education, research, continuing education & training.

UCC - School of Food and Nutritional Sciences

Address: Room 242, Food Science Building, University College Cork, Cork.

Tel: (021) 490 3393

Email: foodandnutrition@ucc.ie

Web: www.ucc.ie/en/fns/ Main Products & Services: Education, research, continuing education & training.

UCC

- Department of Food Business and Development

Address: O’Rahilly Building, University College Cork, Cork. Tel: (021) 490 2788

UCD - School Of Agriculture and Food Science

Address: UCD Agriculture and Food Science Centre, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4.

Undergraduate Programmes: UCD Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine programme Office UCD Agriculture and Food Science Centre. Tel: (01) 716 7194

Email: agandfoodprogrammes@ucd.ie

Web: www.ucd.ie/agfood

Postgraduate Programmes: UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre. Tel: (01) 716 6100

Email: agfoodvet@ucd.ie

Web: www.ucd.ie/agfoodvet

VVersatile Packaging Ltd

Address: Silverstream Business Park, Silverstream, Co. Monaghan. Tel: (047) 85 177

Email: sales@versatilepackaging.ie

Web: www.versatilepackaging.ie

Main Products & Services:

Toyota Material Handling

Ireland

Address: Killeen Road, Dublin 12.

Tel: (01) 419 0200

Web: www.toyota-forklifts.ie

Main Products & Services: Toyota forklifts and BT warehouse equipment. Diesel/LPG and electric forklifts, powerpallet trucks, stackers etc.

Email: foodbusiness@ucc.ie Web: www.ucc.ie/en/foodbus/ Main Products & Services: Education, research, continuing education & training.

Food Packaging Materials and Equipment - Tray Sealers, CPET, Barrier, Antifog Films, Aluminium Trays, Stand Up Pouches, Vacuum Pouches, Pouch Filling & Sealing Equipment, Egg Packaging, Labelling.

WWeber Packaging

Solutions Ltd

Address: Kilcannon Industrial Estate, Old Dublin Road, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

Tel: (053) 923 3778

Email: sales@weberireland.com

Web: www.webermarking.ie

Main Products & Services: Print & Apply Labelling Systems, Desktop Printers, Laser Coders. Manufacturers of Blank & Pre-Printed Labels.

Xtrupak

Ltd

Address: Gowna, Co. Cavan

Tel: +353 43 6683464

Email: johnm.reilly@xtrupak.ie Web: xtrupak.ie

Main Products & Services: Manufacturing extruded Apet and Rpet sheet films for the packaging and display markets.

Contact: John M Reilly, Commercial Director

WrenTech Ltd

Address: Unit 3, Innovation Park, Carrigaline Ind. Park, Co. Cork.

Tel: (021) 483 2644

Email: mwren@wrentech.ie Web: www.wrentech.ie

Main Products & Services:

Ytron & Matcon Mixing & Blending, Powder Dispersion / Incorporation, Dust free transfer batch sytems, Powder bins / Silo discharging, Auger filling, Dosing, Formulation, Batching, Flexibatch.

Zeus Packaging

Address: Unit 500, Grants Row, Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Dublin 24. Tel: (01) 401 8900

Email: hello@zeus.ie Web: www.zeuspackaging.com

F O O D I N D U S T R Y T R A I N I N I G U N I T

School of Food and Nutritional Sciences University College Cork

UCC’s Food Industry Training Unit (FITU) have a range of funded part-time programmes and short courses developed specifically for the food, agrifood and seafood sector

See below for programmes running in 2025/2026

Accredited Courses

Diploma in Food Manufacturing Management (Level 7)

For team leaders, managers of all disciplines, owners/directors of smaller companies looking to elevate their career in the food and beverage sector - 40% funding available.

Diploma in Speciality and Artisan Food Enterprises (Level 7)

For those interested in developing speciality foods commercially or as a way of adding value to agricultural produce - 64% funding available.

Diploma in Corporate Direction (Food Business) (Level 7)

For managers looking to address the special needs of co-operative board members and senior management in a rapidly changing agribusiness environment

Certificate in Co-operative Governance and Professional Development (Level 7)

For agri-food co-operative members wishing to gain essential knowledge and skills development to support and progress through the representative structures of their organisation. (Bespoke programme)

Diploma in Food Science and Technology (Level 7)

For those who wish to develop a good understanding of the basic principles in food science and technology - 35% funding available.

Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and Masters in Dairy Science and Innovation (Level 9)

For those working/hoping to work in the agrifood/dairy sector who wish to develop or increase their knowledge in relation to dairy - 35% funding available.

For further information please contact: Dr Amy-Jane Troy, Food Industry Training Unit, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, UCC.

Email: amyjane.troy@ucc.ie

www.ucc.ie/en/fitu

https://www.linkedin.com/company/food-industrytraining-unit-ucc

https://www.facebook.com/ foodindustrytrainingunit.ucc/

F

D I N D U

School of Food and Nutritional Sciences University College Cork

Serving the Food, Agri-Food and Seafood Sectors for over 31 Years

Funding available for all courses - contact UCC FITU for further information.

Short Courses

Online, hybrid and face to face

Range from 1 - 6 days in duration

Technical

Dairy Nutrition and Health

Bespoke Training Courses

Available for individual companies

An Introduction to the Science and Manufacture of Chocolate

Cheese Science and Technology

Cleaning In Place for the Food and Drinks Industry

Concentration and Drying

Dairy Science and Technology

Food Process Engineering Principles

Fundamental Principles of Microbiology

Ice Cream Science and Technology

Introduction to Food Chemistry

Introduction to the Manufacture and Science of Cheese

Fundamental Principles of the Microbial Analysis of Food

Sustainability in the Dairy Sector

The Science and Technology of Plant-based Ingredients for Food Applications

Thermal Processing

Non Technical

Driving Food Leadership through Innovation

Future Agri Leaders

Lean Green Belt & Lean Yellow Belt

Production Supervisory Training

Sustainable Success: Professional Skills for Thriving in the Agri Food Sector

100% Funded (Taste 4 Success Skillnet)

Rejuvenate - Upskilling Women Returning to the Workforce

Connectsus: Reimagining sustainable, healthy, & local food communities

For further information please contact: Dr Amy-Jane Troy, Food Industry Training Unit, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, UCC.

Email: amyjane.troy@ucc.ie

www.ucc.ie/en/fitu

https://www.linkedin.com/company/food-industrytraining-unit-ucc

https://www.facebook.com/ foodindustrytrainingunit.ucc/

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