Billy Timmins
Ceist:64 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the supermarket policy of the own-label system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9257/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 24 March 2004
Ceisteanna (64)
Freagraí scríofa
The own-label system of retail is part of modern commercial practice and is not peculiar to the Irish retail sector. It currently accounts for over 15% of Irish market share and over 30% in the British market and is therefore an important route to market for Irish producers at home and on the main export market. Retailers are now major brands in their own right. They offer own-label products at the value end of the market and, increasingly, at the premium end. In addition, they offer branded products so that the consumer has a choice across the range. The decision for Irish suppliers is whether to provide branded or own-label products or, indeed, both.
Regardless of label, all food and drink products on the retail market must comply with the traceability and food labelling requirements. Other important routes to market in the retail sector are, of course, branded products, co-packing and the speciality and organic sectors. Irrespective of the route to market, the ability of Irish producers and the Irish food industry to maintain and expand that market position will be contingent on the ability to maintain a competitive edge and be innovative and responsive to consumer demands and trends.
My Department, in co-operation with the relevant state agencies, will continue to assist the industry to establish new markets for Irish food produce and to consolidate our presence in existing markets. Significant funding is being provided to the food sector under the national development plan to improve competitiveness, market orientation and innovative capability. Those initiatives cover capital investment, marketing and promotion, research and training measures.