Report: Thousands of jobs at risk in food industry

The Food and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII) has said up to 2,000 jobs have been lost in the industry this year and 'many thousands more' are at risk.

The body said high business costs and the fall in the value of sterling have hit firms' abilities to compete.

It called for Government action to reduce business costs, and urged the Government to seek EU approval to set aside its rules on State aid in order to provide grant aid to firms hit by the fall in sterling.

They also want an export credit scheme with a State-backed guarantee.

The body has launched a report on the sector, which says the top three retailers in Ireland had more than 70% of the market last year - the highest levels of concentration in the grocery sector in Europe.

It has called for a Supermarket Ombudsman 'to protect Irish food suppliers from unfair commercial practices', as the bargaining power of retailers is much higher than that of suppliers.