Investment by food and drink companies In Ireland has accelerated this year, but there are concerns it is too narrowly based and that there are too few ‘scalable’ companies in the sector.

PERNOD RICARD, owners of Irish Distillers, have reported a better than expected 8.4% rise in first-quarter sales.

DRINKS distributor Edward Dillon saw profits fall heavily in its last financial year, according to accounts just filed at the Companies Registration Office.