Food Drink Industry Ireland (FDII) has called on the Government to urgently implement a range of policy measures to ensure that the Irish agri-food sector remains innovative, competitive and capable of meeting these challenges, according to a statement issued by the Ibec group that represents the food and drink sector today (15 February).
Speaking at the launch of the first FDII Business Monitor report this morning, Paul Kelly, Director of FDII, said, “Ireland’s largest indigenous sector faces substantial challenges in the years ahead in a world that has changed radically in 12 months.”
Kelly also called on the Government to maximise the sectors ability to seek out new opportunities in existing and new markets, at home and abroad.
“On the international front, 2016 saw the risks from Brexit beginning to crystallise for Irish food and drink exporters. We witnessed a drop of €560m in UK exports, the formation of a new and uncertain global trade environment, and challenges to the integrity of the EU Single Market.
"At home in the domestic grocery market, declining consumer sentiment has given way to a decrease in sales relative to volume growth and this is putting further pressure on business costs,” he added.
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
