Smart packaging alternative to relocation for agri-food firms

Irish agri-food companies are at a crossroads: Do they produce food here and export it, or do they relocate and still try to call it Irish, asks UCC food packaging scientist Dr Joe Kerry.

However, Mr Kerry said Irish dairy, meat, and other food companies could use smart packaging to enhance the shelf-life of locally-produced foods, and ensure they keep their food production on Irish shores, rather than developing plants in South America and Asia where many are already processing locally sourced ingredients.

“We are at a crossroads in Irish food production,” said Mr Kerry, head of food packaging in the School of Food and Nutritional Science, UCC. “The industry needs to rethink its packaging strategy for its long-distance exports to the BRIC countries and other new markets.