Christine Newman
A new council to drive the development of the specialty food sector - which includes products such as farmhouse cheese, artisan breads, home-made chocolates and specialty seafood - has been established under Bord Bia.
The Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mr Walsh, yesterday launched the TASTE council. It is an industry-led group, which, he said, would provide a national framework for the strategic development of the specialty food sector.
The council would address issues and devise pragmatic solutions for the benefit of Ireland's food and drink industry, he said. The areas to be addressed by the group include education, entry and innovation, and distribution.
"The TASTE council is the coming together of Traditional, Artisan, and Specialty Trade Expertise in food - under the stewardship of Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board - to develop the potential of specialty food in Ireland," the Minister said.
The chief executive of Bord Bia, Mr Michael Duffy, said the TASTE council would assist in enabling the sector to maximise its national contribution.
"Specialty food sales currently stand at €450 million. There is scope for growth in Ireland and in export markets. Specialty food is a proven food-category enhancer for the multiple retailers, resulting in net additional sales of upwards of 30 per cent," Mr Duffy said.
The chairman of TASTE is Mr Peter Ward, owner of a delicatessen in Nenagh, Co Tipperary.