Bord Bia Food and Drinks Industry Awards ‘to recognise excellence’

BORD BIA has launched its Food and Drink Industry Awards 2011. The awards, in association with Rabobank, will recognise excellence in export development, branding, innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship and success on the domestic market.

Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter said this year’s awards programme coincides with a period of strong and sustained growth in our food and drink exports and against a backdrop of expanding global demand.

“As the industry seeks to grow output and expand exports, meeting the ambitious targets of Food Harvest 2020, it is important to mark the continued progress and achievements of the sector in a very demanding and competitive marketplace.”

Chief executive of Rabobank Ireland Kevin Knightly said: “As a global leader in food and agri banking, supported by a dedicated research division, we recognise that innovation, sustainability and excellence in the Irish food and drinks sector, create value for society and strengthen our competitiveness in domestic and global markets. As such, Rabobank is delighted to be associated with Bord Bia’s Food and Drink Industry Awards.”

All entries will be assessed by an independent judging panel chaired by chairman of Bord Bia’s Brand Forum John Fanning. The panel includes Gilles Boumeester, global head Food & Agri Coverage, Rabobank International; Gordon Campbell, managing director Spar International; Matt Dempsey, editor Irish Farmers Journal; Senator Feargal Quinn; Margot Slattery, divisional director, Sodexo Ireland; Tim Mobsby, former European Area president Kellogg Company; Bartley O’Connor, head of sustainability PWC; and Fran Walton, director The Futures Company.

The awards are open to all food and drink products manufactured in Ireland. Companies must be in business for a minimum of two fiscal years and, where relevant, it is desirable that companies source materials approved under the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Schemes. Applications online at www.bordbia.ie/awards. The closing date is Monday, September 12 and the winners will be announced at Bord Bia’s Annual Brand Forum end of year event taking place in Trinity College Dublin on Tuesday, November 22.

The strong growth in food and drink exports, which saw values increase by 11% in 2010, is continuing in 2011 with exports set to grow by more than €600m for the second consecutive year. Ireland’s agri-food sector plays an important role in the economy, accounting for 9% of merchandise exports, 16% of industrial output, supporting 270,000 jobs, with an annual gross output valued at €24bn.