'Rising costs threatening food sector competitiveness'

Food and drink manufacturers say rising production costs are making it increasingly difficult for exporters to remain internationally competitive.

Speaking ahead of a conference on the matter today, Larry Murrin, the chairman of IBEC's Food and Drink Industry Ireland, said costs needed to be brought under control to protect the future of the sector.

"We've got to keep a tight focus on energy, on the cost of waste and all the associated environmental costs [to ensure] we're in a sound position to maintain our competitiveness on a worldwide basis," he said.