Consumer foods group predicts boom in exports and more jobs

Predictions for thousands of new food processing and other value-added jobs, and a “significant” rise in prepared consumer food exports will be unveiled in the coming months — when a new consumer foods action group delivers quantified analysis of the processed side of Food Harvest 2020’s targets.

Launched in 2010 by then taoiseach Brian Cowen, FH2020’s overall goal was to take agri-food exports from around €8bn to €12bn by 2020. It was forecast that 3,500 to 4,000 jobs would be created. Those figures are now under review.

The export figures are on target — or arguably even ahead of target. Last year’s total agri-food exports came to nearly €10bn. The group says the processed goods sector offers the greatest impact in terms of new jobs and broader added value to the domestic economy.