New Bord Bia directory of foodservice market
Bord Bia consumer foods division senior manager Tara McCarthy said the Irish Foodservice Market Operators Directory 2004 provides the latest information on changes that have taken place in the market including new entrants, takeovers, market diversification and changing supply patterns. It profiles the top 150 foodservice operators and will be a unique source of information in a marketplace where data is difficult to come by.
Ms McCarthy said that in the past three years the all-Ireland market has grown by more than 30% and is now valued at €5.7bn (€3.2bn beverages, €2.50bn food).
“As a result of this growth, foodservice has become an increasingly important market sector for food and beverage manufacturers. For many manufacturers, supplying the foodservice market presents a very different challenge to serving their traditional retail customers.
“The directory will assist these manufacturers in targeting this distinct market which remains fragmented and diverse,” she said.
Foodservice generally refers to all food consumed outside of the home and encompasses a broad range of outlets from the corner takeaway to expensive restaurants.
Recent research by Bord Bia highlights the key criteria sought by foodservice customers when sourcing food and beverage products. These include product innovation, competitive pricing, consistency of quality and creativity.
The directory was launched at a seminar for food and drink firms in Dublin, which was addressed by speakers from McDonald’s Ireland, Alpha Retail Catering, Kylemore Restaurants and Java Republic.
They provided insights into the dynamics of their respective marketplaces, on how businesses have adapted to meet the needs of the changing consumer and the implications for food and beverage suppliers to the foodservice market.
