‘Shoppers could help retain 230k jobs if they buy Irish’

SHOPPERS could help retain up to 230,000 Irish jobs if they put two more Irish food or drink products in their trollies — rather than opting for imported goods.

According to the Love Irish Food campaign, such a move would help generate another €300 million a year for the economy.

Chairman of Love Irish Food Jim Power said it is “not always the case” that Irish products were more expensive than the competition.

“This is certainly not always the case and anyway, you will find that the quality is very often superior,” he said.

While unemployment and wage cuts have made Irish shoppers flock to discount supermarkets for cheaper generic products, Mr Power warned if Irish householders purchase on price alone “we will pay the price in the long-term”.

He was unable to supply figures on how Irish goods have fared since the economic slowdown began and shoppers grew increasingly price conscious.

“What I will say is that Love Irish Food is still growing with more brands wanting to come on board. I think that people are seeing an obvious commercial benefit to membership,” he said.

As part of this campaign, Love Irish Food is introducing its own free branded shopping bag which will be distributed in supermarkets next week to remind people to buy Irish.

Love Irish Food was set up in September 2009 and since then its membership has grown from 29 to over 80 brands.