Vast majority of Good Food Ireland producers expect rise in turnover

Rising overheads, a decrease in consumer spend and access to finance are the three biggest challenges to Ireland's food industry, according to producers.

A survey of companies affiliated to the Good Food Ireland brand shows that shoppers are showing a greater interest in where their food comes from as a result of the horsemeat scandal.

Up to 97% of businesses surveyed say they expect higher turnover in 2013 as a result of the labeling scandal.

But the survey by Grant Thornton found that short-term threats like rising costs need to be addressed if food companies are to capitalise on the increased interest in artisan, home-produced foods.