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Limerick food strategy targets sector growth and new jobs

Written by Robert McHugh, on 8th Feb 2016. Posted in Agriculture

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More than 100 food producers and suppliers gathered at the Strand Hotel in Limerick today to hear details of the 'Limerick City & County Council Food Strategy for Limerick 2016-2018', which is targeting 6% additional growth for the local food tourism sector and 10% additional sales growth for producers.
 
The Strategy was researched and compiled by James Burke & Associates through stakeholder interviews on behalf of the Local Enterprise Office Limerick and was co-funded by Limerick City and County Council, the Government and the European Union (EU).

The blueprint aims to strengthen Limerick's efforts to achieve Food Destination Status over the next three years. 
 
Research conducted during the preparation of the Strategy indicated that Limerick had many strengths in its food sector including the improved diversity in Limerick’s food offering in recent years, a growing food producer base, new emerging food festivals and new enthusiasm from food stakeholders. 

The research also highlighted some weaknesses including a small number of speciality producers and the absence of "joined up thinking” with regard to developing the food sector.
 
The three-year strategic plan identified new opportunities for growth in the sector including a food brand for Limerick, a food tourism link to the Wild Atlantic Way, upskilling the sector, a strong marketing plan for Limerick, securing strong interest from many stakeholders in the establishment of a food strategy, and harnessing the expertise which was gained during Limerick City of Culture in 2014.
 
Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council, Conn Murray commented, "Limerick city and county has seen its food landscape evolve in recent years with a greater number of award-winning restaurants and hotels and steady growth in new producers emerging. 

"There are several food initiatives throughout the city and county, which have as their core objective showcasing of Limerick Food. The Council, through this food strategy is seeking to support existing initiatives and seek to create an environment to foster the strategic growth of the food sector and its related stakeholder groups."

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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