Rob Horgan

'Innovating to minimise waste' As part of the PCF Sustainability Report, Food Drink Ireland is proud to work with member company Hilton Foods Hilton Foods Ireland has a long track record of partnership and innovation to address sustainability challenges. They have delivered a 54% reduction in the volume of Category 3 waste (waste derived from by-products that are fit for human consumption but not consumed by humans e.g. hooves, skin, bristles, feathers) over the 2020-2022 period. By the end of 2023, some 86% of this target had been achieved through a number of initiatives, including enhanced stock management procedures, additional collection points for any excess product, balancing production to longer runs and partnership with Food Cloud. Hilton Foods Ireland has made significant progress in reducing packaging waste, with data for 2022 some 40% lower than 2018. They are committed to actively implementing circular principles across its value chains and building further on the substantial progress made to date. https://lnkd.in/eKaPdDYE

22

1 Comment

The food industry has undergone a seismic shift in recent years as consumer demand for convenience has led to the rise of Ready-to-Eat (RTE) products. From pre-cut vegetables to fully cooked grains, RTE raw ingredients are now a staple for food businesses looking to streamline operations and cater to time-conscious consumers. https://lnkd.in/d3PpzQgc

1

McCain Foods acquires STRONG ROOTS 👏 The Canadian multinational frozen food company has completed the acquisition of Irish plant-based frozen food manufacturer, Strong Roots. The announcement follows both brand's strategic partnership which began in 2021 following a $55m investment. Strong Roots focuses on simple, real food that is 'good for the planet and people'. McCain believes its strong range of vegetable dishes will complement their portfolio, ensuring that customers worldwide get better access to high-quality and sustainable food. Strong Roots will continue to operate as a sole business under the leadership of Charlotte Turton and Founder, Samuel Dennigan 💪🏼🌱❄️🅱️. Jillian Moffatt, Regional President of McCain GB&I, commented: "This investment bolsters McCain’s commitment to planet-friendly food, enabling us to extend our portfolio of healthier options that are grown, processed and shipped in a sustainable manner. With a vision and values aligned to McCain’s, we are excited to continue our journey to scale the Strong Roots brand globally.” Dennigan added: "We have witnessed tremendous growth since partnering with McCain and this move will enable Strong Roots to maintain its focus on sustainability while propelling innovation to bring delicious, vegetable-forward products to more consumers around the world.” #News #Food #Acquisition #Expansion #Plant #Strategy #B2B

143

1 Comment

'Driving On-Site Renewable Energy Generation' As part of the PCF Sustainability Report, Food Drink Ireland is proud to work with member company Flahavan's Flahavan's has always believed in the importance of utilising natural energy. This has led to the delivery of several initiatives that sees Flahavan’s deliver over 70% of its energy needs from four different on-site renewable sources. By using a biomass boiler, wind turbine, solar panels and hyrdro power, Flahavan's is striving play its part towards the 2030 national emissions reduction targets. Some of the successful results include a 500-kW wind turbine which provides up to 1.44 m kWh of electricity annually, equating to around 50% of total electricity needs. Around 1,000 tonnes of oat hulls are utilised annually to generate to the equivalent of 4.25m kWh, which provides all the steam and heat used in their mill. With ambitions to grow further in the period ahead, Flahavan’s is committed to future proofing its renewable energy capabilities. https://lnkd.in/eKaPdDYE

10

Helping consumers make healthier choices As part of the PCF Sustainability Report, Food Drink Ireland is proud to work with member company Britvic plc Doing good while doing well is at the heart of Britvic’s ethos. This case study examines their ‘Healthier People, Healthier Planet’ sustainability strategy. Britvic has made a 56% reduction in calories per serving in 2023 relative to 2012. This significant progress has been delivered through existing product reformulation. They have also focused in on bottle design which has helped reduce the weight of Ballygowan plastic bottles by 20%. The evidence from this report clearly shows how their innovation and strategic sustainability methods are proactively minimising their impact on the environment and transitioning to a low carbon economy. https://lnkd.in/eKaPdDYE

22

2 Comments

Why is digital marketing crucial for Cork businesses? 🌐💡 From expanding your reach to engaging directly with your target audience, the advantages are clear. Take a look at our latest blog and discover the top 6 reasons why Cork companies can’t afford to overlook digital marketing strategies. 🚀 Whether you’re a startup or an established business, see how embracing digital can drive your success. Read more: 👉 https://lnkd.in/ews2_QRr #DigitalMarketingCork #CorkBusiness #ePresence #MarketingTips

2

You can't get fresher than this! McCormack Family Farms, located in Kiltale, Co. Meath, is Ireland's leading producer of baby salad leaves and herbs. Discover their main objective and how it drives their commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation in every product they grow. "Our primary aim, when we established our family farm in 1984, was to replace produce typically imported in Ireland with home-grown goodness. In the last three years alone, we have increased our production by 30%, directly replacing the volume of imported produce. We have also been the first to grow newer varieties of produce in Ireland on a commercial scale, from iceberg lettuce in the 1980s to baby salad leaves in the late 1990s and more recently organic spinach, among others. We are not interested in competing with other Irish growers, but rather replacing market dependency on imports. We also embrace new challenges!" #IrishFoodProducers #ProudtobeIrish #SupportingIrishFoodBusinesses

14

1 Comment

Ibec's Food Drink Ireland trade association launched its "Appetite for Growth" report today - part of our "Manufacturing in Ireland" campaign. Key takeaways include: 1️⃣ Broadly positive sentiment in sector but expected to weaken slightly in the months ahead. 2️⃣ Programme for Government must support Ireland’s largest indigenous manufacturing sector. 3️⃣ Three major challenges - the cost of labour, the cost of materials and the regulatory environment. Ibec members provide us with these insights which help shape policy when we meet with government and other stakeholders. Find out more about our campaign: https://lnkd.in/edcS_4BC #ManufacturinginIreland #IbecImpact

24

Bord Bia - The Irish Food Board have launched their Export Performance and Prospects report 2024-2025, which has outlined a continued upward trajectory in the value of Irish food, drink and horticulture exports in 2024, increasing 5% to reach €17 billion. 2024 was a milestone year for Irish exporters, despite weathering significant geo-political instability, fluctuating inflation and ongoing cost pressures. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eRUnNPrB #IrishFood #IrishDrink #Export #Horticulture #Dairy #BordBia

4

The Irish drinks sector is embracing sustainability to help delivery on our national change targets. We are committed to mitigating our carbon emissions and are leading on the sustainability agenda, from innovative sustainable brewing and distilling practices to advancing circular economy, to reduced and recyclable packaging. Our industry provides funding for essential on-farm sustainability initiatives as part of the Teagasc Signpost Programme and other individual company programmes (regenerative agriculture, Spring Barley Scheme) to support farmers who strive to reduce CO2 emissions, while ensuring a sustainable supply of Irish grain. Through its Sustainable Together roadmap, the Irish whiskey industry is working together to make Ireland the home of the world’s most sustainable distilleries and whiskey brands, making a net-positive contribution to the environment and forming an important part of a regenerative and circular economy in Ireland. Review our Pride of Place policy document and how we support the drinks industry to continue to grow and thrive. https://lnkd.in/ekh5XaF8 #DrinkResponsibly #sustainability #climatechangetargets Cormac Healy Eoin Ó Catháin Aengus King Jennifer W. Ibec Richard Collumb Patricia Callan Patrick J Rigney

13

How it started ➡️ How it's going Take a look at the evolution of ACEC from our humble beginnings in 1958 to now in 2024! It was been an incredible journey for ACEC and it's only going to get better from here💡 #ACECdistributors #irishbusiness #brandstory

47

5 Comments

Are you a premium brand owner searching for the ideal bottling partner in Ireland? Are you spending too much time dealing with dry materials, delayed bottling slots and inconsistencies in the bottling process? Are you not spending enough time focusing on exports, sales, and in-market activations? This sounds awfully familiar to us. Such imbalance ultimately always leads to missed sales opportunities, slow growth, and reduced margins. Here’s what sets a great bottling partner apart: 1. An experienced and supportive team that truly understands your needs. 2. Impeccable quality control, ensuring your product is flawless every time. 3. In-depth regulatory compliance expertise to keep you ahead in the market. 4. Consistency you can trust, batch after batch. 5. A strong commitment to sustainability, aligning with your values. Most importantly, choose a true *partner* who’s as invested in your success as you are—not just another service provider with rigid terms and conditions. At IBC (Irish Bottling Company), we help brand owners focus on what matters—bringing your vision to life with a partner dedicated to supporting your brand at every step. Reach out to learn more: [email protected] #Drogheda #IBC #IrishBottlingCompany #CoLouth

43

Unlock the potential of your food business with our proven franchise model—send us an email today to discover how you can operate your own PEKING or Pizza Mia branch - [email protected] #franchiseopportunity #franchising #irishbusiness #franchise #businessopportunity #growtogether

4

AIB's Chief Operating Officer, Andrew McFarlane, recently hosted a sustainability event with local businesses in Sligo. A panel of AIB business customers discussed the importance of sustainability to their business, with a focus on the challenges they faced, and the opportunities available. You can find out more about AIB's Steps to Sustainability here: https://lnkd.in/ehheCYui

119

NBF members – have you taken full advantage of your benefits in 2024? For our manufacturer and supplier members, we offer more than just a tick of credibility – we’re the bed industry's conscience helping you stay informed, supported and ahead in the UK & Irish bed industry. 💡 Regulatory updates and opportunity to feed back? Covered through expert technical support. 💡 Apprenticeship help? Simplified with guidance via our FIESTA membership. 💡 First-class networking, resources, and more? We’ve got it all. Not an NBF member yet? You could be missing out on exclusive opportunities to strengthen your business, save money and stay compliant. ➡️ Swipe through this post to see a snapshot of what NBF membership offers. ✅ Ready to take the first step toward becoming an NBF member in 2025? Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eqY6TgTS #NBFMembership #BedIndustrySupport #BedIndustry #JoinTheNBF

3

1 Comment

IRISH BOTTLING COMPANY (IBC) A BIG PROBLEM TO SOLVE IN CRAFT IRISH SPIRITS Experienced bottling operation is crucial for our customers and brands at Irish Bottling Company (IBC). This directly impacts two most important areas of the our customers' business: quality and operational costs. Bottling processes with strong, experienced teams and top of the range production infrastructure, streamlined and well-coordinated, ensure that each bottle maintains the consistency and thereby integrity of the brand, preserving not only the flavour profile and character, but also packaging quality standards. Experience and tautomated machinery helps prevent errors. Because, errors end up costing brands a fortune, not necessarily in monetary terms, but more importantly in reputation. Advantages of Irish Bottling Company: 1. Highly Experienced, Friendly, Flexible, Fun, No-Nonsense Approach Team; 2. High Capacity, Reliable Bottling Infrustrcucture; 3. Complete Production and Support Service from A to Z. For more information contact: [email protected] #BottlingCompany #IrishWhiskey #IrishGin #IrishSpirits #CraftIrishSpirits

14

𝕎ℍ𝕆 𝕎𝔼 𝔸ℝ𝔼 - 𝕄𝕖𝕣𝕔𝕖𝕕𝕖𝕤 𝔹𝕒𝕘𝕟𝕒𝕝𝕝 Look Me Up and LinkIn with Me Here: Mercedes Bagnall www.soboldmarketing.ie #MercedesBagnall #SoBoldMarketingIreland #WeCanHelpYou #HotelMarketingSalesSolutions #SMEMarketingSalesSolutions #TourismBusinessMarketingSalesSolutions

20

Thank you Local Enterprise Office Cork North and West for the recent write-up in their latest newsletter sent out on the 12th of July. Client Spotlight: Naturally Balanced Naturally Balanced is a Kinsale-based company dedicated to revolutionising skincare with a natural, plant-based, and chemical-free range designed to nourish your skin from the outside in. Naturally Balanced is the innovative creation of Tracy McCarthy and John Sullivan, driven by a passion for holistic wellbeing. Tracy, a trained beautician, masseuse, and reflexologist, operates two successful treatment clinics in Kinsale and Clonakilty. Through her extensive experience, she identified a need for skincare products that not only enhance the skin's health but also contribute to overall wellbeing. The Naturally Balanced skincare line is meticulously formulated into four main ranges: RESTORE: Designed to penetrate deep into the tissues, this range nourishes dry skin and reduces inflammation. NATURAL: Targeting sun-damaged skin, these products help reduce fine lines and promote healing. BALANCE: Aimed at soothing and calming the skin, this range restores harmony and reduces inflammation. PURE: Unlike the others, PURE is fragrance-free, focusing on moisturising, protecting, and repairing the skin. All Naturally Balanced oils are plant-based and free from chemicals, embodying the philosophy that what goes on your skin goes through your skin. Looking to the future, Tracy plans to expand Naturally Balanced to include hair oils designed to nourish the scalp. The competitive price point of the range underscores the belief that investing in what goes on your body is as crucial as investing in what goes into your body. Discover the Naturally Balanced difference and embrace a more natural approach to skincare today. https://lnkd.in/disvYyMd

5