Bord Bia warns of big challenges facing the food and drink sectors

NEW challenges have been created for Irish food and drink companies on both home and export markets, Bord Bia’s eight annual industry day was told in Dublin yesterday.

Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter said these challenges are a combination of competition between mainstream and discount retailers, a weak sterling, high-cost base and the credit crunch.

The industry’s success can best be secured through exploiting its strong consumer connections and the affinity of Irish consumers to quality brands, he said.