Suppliers must focus on Europe to prosper

EVEN allowing for the strong links culturally with Europe, modern Ireland has looked to Britain, the US, and further afield as the driver of its exports.

The point was well made over the weekend when figures were released showing that a mere 30% of Irish food exports go to continental Europe with the rest shipped to Britain and other world markets.

The point was also made that the depreciation of sterling and the dollar by up to 15% in the first half of this year means profits are being eroded when it comes to currency translation from those markets.