Nine firms honoured at food industry’s Oscars

The record €9bn exports achieved by food and drink companies in 2012 is likely to be surpassed this year, and the €12bn target in Food Harvest 2020 is in sight, Agriculture, Food and Marine Minister Simon Coveney revealed last night.

He was speaking at the presentation of the Bord Bia Food and Drink Awards to nine companies at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin.

The awards, held every two years, are designed to reward excellence within the Irish food and drink industry across seven categories — exporting, branding, entrepreneurial, success at home, sustainability, consumer insight and innovation.