Minister Martin Opens World Food Technology and Innovation Forum

World Food Technology & Innovation Forum Takes Place in Ireland Innovation drives growth and profitability of the international food industry – Minister Martin

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr. Micheál Martin TD today (Wednesday, November 9th 2005) opened the 4th Annual World Food Technology & Innovation Forum in Dublin. For the second year running, Enterprise Ireland is the lead sponsor of the Forum which provides international food professionals and leaders in food Research and Development and New Product Development with a platform to meet, network and learn from each other. The Forum provides a key opportunity for leading international food companies, research groups, food producers and expert sectoral bodies to share information and debate the issues that are shaping the future of the Irish and the international food industry.

Welcoming delegates to the Forum, Minister Martin outlined the importance of the food industry to Ireland: “The food industry is of great importance to Ireland with output of Output €16.7bn, exports of €7bn, and direct employment 54,000. It is essential that we avail of the significant opportunities presented by the global food sector through innovation, new product development and the commercialisation of applied food research.”

“While it is true to say that the industry has never been stronger, it is also true to say that it has never faced greater challenges. The sector is undergoing transformational change driven by ever changing consumer preferences, rationalisation at retail and production levels, trade liberalisation and increased competition from lower cost economies.”

“The potential for future growth in the food industry is enormous, and innovation is the driving force. Innovation and new market-led products are the imperative for companies that want to be part of this growth”, Minister Martin said.

Mike Feeney, Executive Director with responsibility for Food at Enterprise Ireland, said: “This is a great opportunity for leaders from the food industry in Ireland and internationally to debate the critical issues for the sector and to build relationships and alliances for the future”.

This year, the event is concentrating on innovation and the issues affecting new product development. Key topics for discussion at the Forum will include Functional Foods, New Product Development, Health and Wellbeing trends and the potential role that Nutrigenomics can play in the development of food products and the relationship between nutrition and health. Speakers will evaluate the increasing opportunities in nutrition and the challenges involved with this area and will investigate the current climate for innovation in the health and well-being sector. The programme also includes a networking session to give attendees the opportunity to arrange business meetings with fellow delegates and leading suppliers.

ENDS

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For further information contact:

Sarah O’Callaghan

Press Officer

Enterprise Ireland

01 808 2755 / 087 1253221