Enterprise Ireland recently held an event in London reaching out to leading international food companies and highlighting the opportunities for investment in Ireland in the food industry. Hosted by the Embassy of Ireland, London, the theme of the event was ‘Accelerate Your Business in Europe’ and the role that Ireland and the Irish food sector can play in driving company growth.

Over 75 key decision makers from UK and other international companies and their advisors attended the event, along with strategic UK experts and leading investment institutions.

This event reflects the very high level of investment activity in the food sector over the past year, and the record number of new food projects supported by Enterprise Ireland. It also reflects the key importance of the UK market for Ireland. Over €87 million was invested by European companies in the Irish agri-food sector in 2013. Almost 50% came from the UK, making it one of Ireland’s most important sources of investment in the sector. These international food companies have a major impact on the Irish economy in terms of direct investment and job creation. In addition, in general they use 70% local products and resources meaning that the positive knock-on effect for the local economy is very significant.