The Dublin Food Chain Launch and survey findings reveals why 45% of food producers in Dublin area have failed in the past year

The Dublin Food Chain was launched today (11th Feb) in Dublin by Lord Mayor of Dublin Gerry Breen. The Dublin Food Chain is an initiative of the Irish Exporters Association, the four Dublin and City County Enterprise Boards and is supported by AIB Bank and Bord Bia. The initiative is in response to the rapid decline of food producers in the Dublin region, who have lost out due to the rapid decline of hotel and restaurants, the replacement of local produce with imports on supermarket shelves, and the low level of brand development necessary for export entry. A survey carried out amongst food producers, distributors and retailers (the Dublin Food Chain) in the Dublin area was released at the launch and revealed;
· 45% of businesses saw sales fall last year (2010), with 20% stating sales static, and 35% with sales increase.
· Labour costs stated to be main problem for business by 56% of respondents. This the organiser’s state points to the need for the minimum wage reduction to be maintained.
· Raw material costs the second major concern (54% of respondents), followed by major concerns because of Local Government charges (51% of respondents).
· Energy was in fourth cause of business difficulty, with inflation concerns in 5th place.
· Surprisingly, bank access and interest rates were rated as the 6 the cause of business concern.
The Dublin Food Chain was created to research and pinpoint the key challenges facing the small producers, distributors and retailers in the food sector in the Dublin region and to develop a support network where the various players can work together to develop a sustainable local economy, and build capacity to export .