Ireland developing major food industry hub

09-Jun-2011 - Last updated on 10-Jun-2011 at 10:32 GMT

Development is underway to create a major food industry hub in Ireland, which will be a “catalyst” for food companies to share resources, boosting their commercial and financial performance, according to the body behind the project.

Located in Fingal, Dubin, the new 113 hectare park, “Food Central” aims to attract both Irish and overseas companies.

Co-opetition

The park is already home to fruit producer Keelings, food distribution business Donnellys and foodservice company, Brakes, which, according to the authority are collaborating on various services and with inter-company trade.

The sharing of resources in business: ‘Co-opetition’ is a key aim of the site, said Fingal County Council, the local authority spearheading the project.

“It is critical for the growth of the Irish food and drink industry to continually improve cost competitiveness,” said the authority said in a statement to FoodProductionDaily.com.

Opportunities for resource sharing could apply to manufacturing, processing, logistics, R & D and administration functions, it said.

“In a world where cost competitiveness, energy costs, food miles and carbon footprints become more and more important for business success.”

Over time, food related education, training and ancillary activities will also be established at the site, said the authority.

In addition, William Keeling, FoodCentral’s managing director said Food Central could generate up to 5,000 “sustainable jobs” in a range of areas.

Location

Based beside Dublin airport, close to Dublin Port and with M1, M2 and M50 Motorway access, the authority said this is an “excellent location” for businesses looking to establish processing operations or distribution hubs for receiving and distributing products to domestic or export markets.

Around 75 per cent of Ireland’s retail food distribution already operates from within a 25km radius of FoodCentral.

The site has been developed with Fingal Country council and a team including DPM, project managers and designers to the food industry; Brady Shipman Martin, planning and landscape specialists; Arup, consulting engineers; and Finnegan Menton,commercial development consultants.

For further information about FoodCentral contact FoodCentral business development: +353-1-813 5941, Email: ohfvarffqrirybczrag@SbbqPrageny.rh