Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2004
43 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will elaborate on her recent call on the Irish food industry to respond speedily and imaginatively to increased concentration and internationalisation of supermarket chains; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29313/04]
View answerThe strength of the Irish food industry has been built on establishing positions in export markets as Irish agricultural production far exceeds the demands of the domestic market. Export markets are becoming increasingly integrated and transnational particularly at buyer and retail level. The range of product, the speed of change driven by increased consumer demands for value, traceability, convenience, indulgence and wellness and, at the supplier level, world-class production and management techniques are well understood by large supermarket chains.
This highly competitive environment offers opportunities for exporters with strong innovation and marketing capacity and world-class management and production processes. The Irish food industry has shown itself to be capable of rapid modernisation, expanding its product range to a point where prepared consumer foods now account for 15% of food exports and commodity trading is less important. Maintaining and improving on this position requires an even closer understanding of market opportunities and developing the innovative products to grasp them. Indeed, the report of the enterprise strategy group has identified marketing and world class technology as key components for moving "ahead of the curve".
The research, investment and marketing measures for the food sector which have been provided in the national development plan together with close co-operation between Departments, agencies and industry will assist in developing these market opportunities.
