Vol. 501 No. 1
56 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the level of growth and development in the retail food sector over the past number of years; the support, if any, available to the sector under the Structural Funds food sub-programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5229/99]
Turnover in the food retail sector increased from £4.29 billion in 1992 to £5.12 billion in 1997. The most noticeable trend has been one of concentration. The number of supermarket outlets increased from 155 in 1992 to 180 in 1997 while the number of independent grocers declined by some 1,000. In the same period, there has been a rapid expansion in forecourt retailing with the number of relevant outlets increasing by some 400.
The current development strategy for the food industry – the food sub-programme – recognises the important role of the retail and food service sectors. While its measures do not provide direct support to those sectors, they are designed to ensure that the food industry has the necessary capabilities to meet their and the consumer's requirements. The future action plan proposed by the food industry development group retains a market-oriented focus. The group included representation from the retail sector and took account of likely developments in the retail and food service areas when formulating its proposals. The group's report will be borne in mind in the context of the new national development plan and the next round of Structural Funds.
In its marketing and promotion of Irish food, An Bord Bia continues to work closely with the retail and food service sectors. The activities undertaken include food fairs, regional food festivals, seminars for chefs, ongoing advisory programmes, and media campaigns.
