asked the Minister for Agriculture if, since a recent reply regarding pilot schemes for the marketing of agricultural produce sold under its own brand, he has done anything to follow up the success of Kerrygold butter, by encouragement of further like ventures; and, if so, what action he has taken.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marketing of Agricultural Produce.
18.
The use of brand names in the promotion of sales abroad is primarily a matter for decision by manufacturers or exporters selling the products. I have no official information about the introduction of schemes similar to that adopted for butter. The importance of improved marketing is being increasingly appreciated and is being given a great deal of attention by exporting organisations and firms. This trend is being officially encouraged.
Could the Minister tell us how?
Twelve months ago, the Department employed a firm of consultants to make inquiries in European markets and to tell us to what extent they thought we could make better contacts. We have received a number of reports from them on this question, so far, about three, and they have been handed over to all the interests involved in the export business.
Will the Minister tell us what concrete action he has taken in regard to these reports?
That is concrete action. The Department does not handle business. We pay consultants to tell us what markets they think are in the different countries and what form of presentation they think would be best for these markets. The reports have been handed over to those who, we hope, will make use of them.
And nothing further was done.