asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the proportion of the Irish market for chocolate products which has been gained by domestic manufacturers over each of the last five years for which figures are available; the new initiatives under consideration to expand manufacturing jobs in this industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Domestic Chocolate Manufacturing.
14.
Limerick East): Figures published by the Central Statistics Office do not indicate the proportion of the Irish market held by domestic manufacturers. However, published statistics do give a broad picture of the trend in individual sectors of industry, including chocolate products, under the headings of home production, imports and exports.
The last year for which home production figures were published by the Central Statistics Office was 1981, and I propose to circulate, in the form of a tabular statement, details of home production for chocolate products for the years 1977 to 1981 inclusive, for incorporation in the Official Report of the House.
Annual import and export statistics have been published by the Central Statistics Office up to 1984 and I am circulating figures in respect of 1977 to 1984 inclusive.
The Government White Paper on Industrial Policy establishes the framework for the development of Irish industry. The Deputy will be aware that there are a wide range of incentives available to industry, including the chocolate sector, through the various State agencies, designed to secure Government objectives. I can assure the Deputy that my Department and the relevant agencies will continue to give every possible assistance to firms with development plans in all sectors.
Following is the statement:
I Industrial Production
Cocoa, chocolate and chocolate confectionery
|
Year |
Cocoa and Chocolate powders intended for drinking purposes and chocolate added to stock couverture sold or |
Chocolate Confectionery including moulded chocolate |
Chocolate Crumb for sale |
All other products (including ice-cream, etc. but excluding Sugar Confectionery) |
||||
|
£'000 |
Tonnes |
£'000 |
Tonnes |
£'000 |
Tonnes |
£'000 |
Tonnes |
|
|
1977 |
2,128 |
2,101 |
33,069 |
20,221 |
29,691 |
43,225 |
30,118 |
N/A |
|
1978 |
2,680 |
2,393 |
36,060 |
20,442 |
34,696 |
44,184 |
33,878 |
N/A |
|
1979 |
2,761 |
2,211 |
41,925 |
21,938 |
(i)see below |
(i)see below |
73,091 |
N/A |
|
1980 |
2,062 |
1,282 |
53,092 |
23,412 |
— |
— |
66,155 |
N/A |
|
1981 |
1,677 |
896 |
56,437 |
22,791 |
— |
— |
72,447 |
N/A |
(i) Since 1979 details of production of chocolate crumb are included under the heading — All other products (including ice-cream, etc.).
II Trade Statistics
SITC — 07300 — Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa
|
Year |
Imports |
Exports |
||
|
£'000 |
Tonnes |
£'000 |
Tonnes |
|
|
1977 |
9,713 |
7,462 |
35,276 |
42,851 |
|
1978 |
14,190 |
9,624 |
42,350 |
43,117 |
|
1979 |
18,861 |
11,444 |
44,850 |
43,696 |
|
1980 |
26,125 |
12,689 |
42,080 |
35,298 |
|
1981 |
31,966 |
13,839 |
41,621 |
33,575 |
|
1982 |
35,851 |
16,055 |
53,631 |
38,407 |
|
1983 |
34,408 |
15,735 |
68,877 |
46,514 |
|
1984 |
39,103 |
17,212 |
84,923 |
53,351 |