Artisan food ‘has vital role in rural economies’

ARTISAN food has a role to play in maintaining and building vibrant rural economies, Food Minister Noel Treacy declared when he launched the Taste Council’s strategic plan for the speciality food industry.

Continuous investment in research and policy, a fostering of an entrepreneurial culture, the active encouragement of improved marketing and distribution, an investment in education and a broader understanding of and value for Irish artisan food among the general public are the four strategic areas outlined in the plan.

TASTE, co-ordinated by Bord Bia, is an industry group of practitioners from the traditional, artisan and speciality food sector. It is working to enhance the development and growth of the sector and its national contribution. Members worked through a sub-committee structure to develop the plan.

Council chairman Peter Ward said they are conscious of the high potential market growth in the sector, particularly as both consumers and distribution channels in western developed markets show an increased interest in artisan food.

It is crucial, however, that they are enabled to increase market share in a growing market. Speciality food shoppers in Europe spend an estimated €33.5 billion in retail sales on speciality food.

In Ireland and Britain, consumers spend an estimated €6.1 billion on speciality food and the market is forecast to grow and broaden to reach €7.5bn over the next three years.

Meanwhile, a survey by Bord Bia has revealed that 64% of consumers consider poor diet as one of their main health concerns. A further 50% are concerned about obesity or being overweight while 63% are not taking enough exercise.

Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter said most consumers are focused on how their eating affects their weight 9% of the population report being on a diet and a further 10% intend dieting over the next three months.

"To coincide with the Health Promotion Unit's healthy eating campaign, we want to encourage consumers to eat more meat and vegetables as part of a healthy, balanced diet", he said.

He was speaking at the launch yesterday by Bord Bia of a healthy eating campaign for meat and vegetables, Low Fat No Fuss, which will run until September 17. It will highlight the benefits of combining lean red meat and vegetables as a low fat, convenient and nutritious meal solution.