Report underlines importance of all-Ireland food and drinks industry

THE vital role of the food and drink industry on an all-Ireland basis has been underlined by figures in the North showing it is thriving despite the impact of the global recession, and now accounts for 27.4% of the North’s employment.

South of the border, the industry has been a major contributor to the economy’s strong export performance, with export sales expanding 11% in 2010, to reach €7.9 billion (8.8% of total exports).

The Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association estimates that sales grew 6.4% in 2008 and 8.3% in 2009, and have now reached £3.68bn (€4.2bn).