Recovery drives positive food sector sentiment

Four out of five business owners in the food service industry are optimistic of growing their business in the coming year.

Owners are increasingly confident about their businesses’ prospects in light of a recovery in the sector fuelled by a pick-up in the broader economy and tourism initiatives such as the Wild Atlantic Way.

Furthermore, 45% of businesses surveyed by Limerick-based food service provider, Pallas Foods indicated they would take on additional staff during 2015.

Pallas Foods executive vice president Peter Foley said “confidence is based on the recovery that is happening but is also related to the rate of innovation and change that is happening in the sector, all of which is geared to meet the growing needs and sophistication of Irish consumers”.

The renewed optimism from businesses owners in the food sector is due to a number of factors, which they believe are creating positive momentum in the sector, including an increase in consumers’ disposable income; a rise in forward bookings for the tourist season; and new food offerings to meet changing customer demands.