Huge potential for food sector

INNOVATION and technology will be the driving force in realising the enormous potential of the €18.7 billion Irish food industry, an international conference was told in Dublin yesterday.

Food Minister Brendan Smith, who officially opened the fifth annual World Food Technology and Innovation Forum, said innovation through new, market-led products is imperative for companies that want to be part of this growth.

Consumers are demanding new products, new tastes, a focus on health and wellbeing and convenience — and all without compromising on quality or cost.