Bord Bia, in association with Food and Drinks Industry Ireland (FDII), today announced details of the Food and Drink Industry Awards 2009. The biennial awards will be presented during Bord Bia's Food Industry Day in the IMI, Sandyford on Thursday November 5th.
Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia commented "In seven distinct categories, the Food and Drink Industry Awards 2009 seek to recognise, promote and applaud the achievements of individual Irish food and drink companies as well as highlight the world class capabilities of a sector whose total output was valued of €18 billion in 2008."
Categories for this year’s Awards include: Born Global, recognising outstanding achievements in the challenging export market; Home Grown, recognising companies who have adapted and innovated in the light of changed economic circumstances and Thinking Big, an award for small businesses demonstrating exceptional entrepreneurial spirit and ability matched by strong sales and marketing.
"Our aim is to showcase Irish food and drink companies who have demonstrated outstanding business flair and leadership and who, by their efforts, raise the profile and reputation of the entire industry nationally and internationally" Mr Cotter added.
The independent judging panel, chaired by John Fanning, Chairman of Bord Bia’s Brand Forum includes Gordon Campbell, Managing Director, Spar International; Matt Dempsey, Editor, Irish Farmers Journal; Senator Feargal Quinn; Jim Power, Economist; Finn Cottle, trade consultant and former buyer with Sainsbury’s and Morrisons; Bartley O’Connor, Head of Sustainability, PWC and Margot Slattery, Divisional Director Sodexo.
The closing date for entries is Friday 11th September. Further information and application forms are available on www.bordbia.ie/awards
Ireland’s agri-food sector plays an important role in the Irish economy, accounting for almost 9% of employment and 10% of Irish exports. As much as 65% of manufacturing exports by Irish-owned firms are estimated to consist of food and drink. The UK is the main destination for Irish food and drink exports, accounting for 45% of the total; 32% go to Continental EU markets with the remaining 23% going to non-EU markets. The Irish food and drink sector has the highest usage of Irish produced inputs across major sectors in the Irish economy with close to three quarters of the sector’s inputs sourced domestically