Food, drink sector warning

EMPLOYERS’ group IBEC has said the strong performance of the food and beverage sector will continue this year, but has warned “poorly thought-out legislation” has the ability to damage the sector’s competitiveness and de-rail export growth.

A new survey from Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII) shows that 34% of food-related businesses here believe the business environment is positive; significantly outweighing the sentiment in the overall pan-industry business community. The survey also revealed that 18% of food companies are more confident about their business than was the case just three months ago.

Some 17% expect to increase staff numbers over the course of the next three months and 26% expect a slight increase in profitability over the same timeframe; despite only 30% anticipating an increase in domestic sales.