Markets must set out their stall

THE country’s 150 food markets, with annual sales of about €27m, are at a crossroads, according to Bord Bia, which warns that a critical period lies ahead as to how the markets will develop.

Bord Bia predicts that overall market numbers can be expected to remain static during 2014 and 2015. But there is potential to grow the numbers significantly by the end of the decade — if the correct actions are taken, it says.

The food board says this makes it an exciting period for the sector, but also a time for watchfulness and foresight.