Consumers ‘setting’ food and drink market trends
Shortening the production and processing chain will be key in delivering sustainability across the farming and food sectors.
This is according to Tesco Ireland director, Joe Manning.
He spoke at the recent Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) annual dinner.
Getting ahead of the curve in terms of meeting consumer demand is another priority for the food industry.
Manning explained: “Currently, consumers are setting the food market, in terms of defining what they want.
“This means that there is great potential for food and drink processors to get ahead of this trend in ways that will add tremendous value to their businesses."
The Tesco representative indicated that Northern Ireland already punches above its weight from a food point of view. And there is potential to grow this trend further
The latest figures confirm that food processers in the North are currently meeting the high quality protein demands of some 10 million people: that’s five times the region's indigenous population.
Meanwhile, it is anticipated that total food output from the North will break through the £10 billion/annum threshold in terms of its overall value in the very near future.
Manning believes that all of this can be added to courtesy of strategic partnerships within the food sector across the island of Ireland.
He said: “Tesco remains totally committed to the Irish market.
"This is reflected in the continuing roll-out of new and refurbished stores.”
NIFDA
NIFDA chair Simon Fitzpatrick also addressed the event, and called for continued partnership between industry and government to unlock investment, improve competitiveness and strengthen food security.
He added: "Northern Ireland food and drink is one of our greatest economic success stories.
"Having spent more than two decades working in this industry, I have seen first-hand the innovation, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that exists across every part of the sector.”
A key theme of the evening was the importance of enabling investment across the sector and ensuring Northern Ireland remains an attractive location for food and drink manufacturing, innovation and exports.
Fitzpatrick added: "NIFDA and its members stand ready to work in partnership with government to unlock investment, support competitiveness, create jobs and accelerate sustainability.
“If we get that right together, the rewards for our economy, our environment and our food security will be significant."
The dinner marked NIFDA’s 30th anniversary, a period during which food output in Northern Ireland has grown on a consistent basis, the association said.
