It has been announced today that Bord Bia and Compass Group Ireland will be launching a new programme that seeks to help small and medium-sized Irish companies get their product ranges listed in the foodservice market.

Eighteen Irish food and drink companies will be joining the initiative. The companies will get tailored support and guidance to assist them secure, grow and maintain business with Compass Group Ireland at home and overseas.

This is the first time that Bord Bia has partnered with a foodservice industry operator in order to deliver a comprehensive and practical programme including workshops and mentoring. Compass Group Ireland, Ireland's leading food and support services company, works with many well-known sites including the Aviva Stadium and Google’s Head Quarters in Dublin serving 100,000 meals a day.

The total out-of-home or foodservice market in Ireland was valued at €6.13 billion in 2014. Of this, workplace catering accounts for an annual consumer spend of almost €300 million.

Companies benefitting from the programme range from sugar free chocolate and ice-cream, to protein enriched yogurts, plus gluten free mini-cakes, seed mixes, GM free corn tortillas and award winning sushi. 

Speaking at the launch, Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive at Bord Bia said, "The main objective of this programme is to equip these participants with the necessary skills required to grow with Compass Group Ireland, be that locally, nationally or internationally.

As is evidenced in our recent report, the out of home food and drink market is delivering better than predicted with growth forecasted to reach almost €6.5 billion by end 2017.

In particular, Bord Bia has identified significant opportunities for companies providing high quality, healthy, innovative grab-and-go snacks."

For more visit: www.businessworld.ie