Bord Bia has teamed up with Google Ireland to launch a new training programme that seeks to help Irish food businesses improve their online presence and boost e-commerce. The ‘Digital Food Hub’ is a seven-month programme specifically designed for the Irish food industry and will include workshops, training modules and one-to one mentoring held in Google’s European Headquarters in Dublin.
21 companies are participating within meat, dairy, confectionary and chilled food sectors including local, national and multinational companies both new and old. Bord Bia expects 94% of Irish consumers to shop online by 2015, which will be aided by current technological advancements and increasing portable device ownership such as smartphones and tablets.
Speaking at today’s launch Bord Bia CEO Aidan Cotter said, “It is widely recognised that technology is one of the key drivers of change in terms of consumer buying behaviour. Both brands and retailers need to think outside the confines of the ‘bricks and mortar’ store to build stronger and longer lasting relationships with consumers.
"Irish food and drink companies with the capability to collect, understand, and leverage specific consumer information using digital technology will be best positioned to deliver value added benefits to shoppers. This coupled with a multi-channel online presence, in the form of a proactive and comprehensive digital strategy, will create the optimum shopper experience and provide increased purchasing opportunities.”
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Paul Campbell.
