Gemma Kiernan

'Innovating to minimise waste' As part of the PCF Sustainability Report, Food Drink Ireland is proud to work with member company Hilton Foods Hilton Foods Ireland has a long track record of partnership and innovation to address sustainability challenges. They have delivered a 54% reduction in the volume of Category 3 waste (waste derived from by-products that are fit for human consumption but not consumed by humans e.g. hooves, skin, bristles, feathers) over the 2020-2022 period. By the end of 2023, some 86% of this target had been achieved through a number of initiatives, including enhanced stock management procedures, additional collection points for any excess product, balancing production to longer runs and partnership with Food Cloud. Hilton Foods Ireland has made significant progress in reducing packaging waste, with data for 2022 some 40% lower than 2018. They are committed to actively implementing circular principles across its value chains and building further on the substantial progress made to date. https://lnkd.in/eKaPdDYE

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The Irish drinks sector is a powerhouse of agri-food exports and a driving force of economic activity throughout the island of Ireland, north and south, urban and rural. We are an industry rooted in rural Ireland. Almost 10,000 people are directly employed in our manufacturing and visitor experience centres throughout Ireland. We help support over 170,000 hospitality jobs, 70% of which are based outside Dublin, thus supporting employment in every town and village in the country. We also back about 6,000 jobs in the off-licence sector and many more in our visitor centres. We purchase 300,000 tonnes of grain annually, use about 50,000 tonnes of apples in cider production, and use cream produced from 300 million litres of milk, supporting farming families across our island. Review our Pride of Place policy document and how we support the drinks industry to continue to grow and thrive. https://lnkd.in/evSG2aSa #DrinkResponsibly #economicgrowth #ruraleconomy #PrideofPlace

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Joao Rozario (He / Him), International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers, takes on Marketing.ie's 20 Questions with Michael Cullen. From his early ambitions growing up in Brazil, to the pivotal roles he's held, Joao shares insights from his marketing career journey so far. As the leader behind the global development of Irish Distillers’ portfolio of Irish whiskeys and innovation strategy, Joao also highlights the value of mentorship along the way. https://lnkd.in/gr2GKkEB #TheIrishDistillersSpirit #IrishWhiskey #Marketing

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Enjoy a sneak peak of the Business Leader podcast featuring Jim Rankin, the sixth-generation owner of Rankin, as he shares insights on leading a successful cork business through six generations. Discover the secrets behind the legacy and innovation driving Rankin forward. Listen more here: https://lnkd.in/eJ-G5d8F #Rankin #RankinCork #Podcast #BusinessLeader #Cork

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The Irish drinks sector is embracing sustainability to help delivery on our national change targets. We are committed to mitigating our carbon emissions and are leading on the sustainability agenda, from innovative sustainable brewing and distilling practices to advancing circular economy, to reduced and recyclable packaging. Our industry provides funding for essential on-farm sustainability initiatives as part of the Teagasc Signpost Programme and other individual company programmes (regenerative agriculture, Spring Barley Scheme) to support farmers who strive to reduce CO2 emissions, while ensuring a sustainable supply of Irish grain. Through its Sustainable Together roadmap, the Irish whiskey industry is working together to make Ireland the home of the world’s most sustainable distilleries and whiskey brands, making a net-positive contribution to the environment and forming an important part of a regenerative and circular economy in Ireland. Review our Pride of Place policy document and how we support the drinks industry to continue to grow and thrive. https://lnkd.in/ekh5XaF8 #DrinkResponsibly #sustainability #climatechangetargets Cormac Healy Eoin Ó Catháin Aengus King Jennifer Wallace Ibec Richard Collumb Patricia Callan Patrick J Rigney

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Yesterday Drinks Ireland | Cider published its flagship report on the Irish cider market. The report outlines how in 2023, the Irish cider industry experienced modest growth in the face of challenging domestic and export conditions. Cider remains an important component of Ireland’s drinks market, and craft cider producers play a pivotal role in the category, contributing to the diversity and innovation that enrich the Irish drinks offering and contribute to rural economic growth. We, again, call for a reduction in excise duties and an extension to the recently introduced excise relief scheme for craft producers to ensure future growth and sustainability in the face of challenging market conditions in Budget 2025. Find the full report here https://lnkd.in/eT5e7iTE #drinksindustry #cider #budget2025

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The latest RED C Research Brand Reaction Index (BRI) reveals Cadbury Dairy Milk retains the top spot as Ireland’s most emotionally connected brand for the third year in a row, with FMCG brands occupying 5 out of the top 10 places. BRI uses facial expressions which act as shortcuts enabling consumers to connect emotions with brands. Testing emotions is important for brands as it is an indicator of future brand growth. This year we tested 177 brands in Ireland. Check out the full report: https://bit.ly/3VTDoVc If you want to find out more about your brand and its context with competitors, get in touch with us at info@redcresearch. Cadbury Ireland Limited, Tayto Snacks, Brennans Bakeries, Fáilte Ireland, Aldi Ireland, Dunnes Stores, Flahavan's, Irish League of Credit Unions, McVitie's, Lidl Ireland #SeeMoreClearly #Brands #Marketing #MarketResearch #BrandReactionIndex #BRI

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FARM ZERO C – Striving for Carbon Neutral As part of the PCF Sustainability Report, Food Drink Ireland is proud to work with member company Carbery Group Carbery Group launched Farm Zero C in 2020. The world first project for agriculture, based on the commercial 250 acre, 250 milking cow, Shinagh Farm in Bandon, Co. Cork, Farm Zero C aims to develop a climate neutral and economically viable dairy farm that can be replicated on other farms. This scheme plays a key role in helping Carbery Group move towards its Science Based Targets ambition to be net zero for Scope 3 emissions by 2043.  There have been extremely positive results so far, including a 19% reduction in farm emissions since 2020. The farm’s carbon footprint is 30% lower than the national average and in the top 1% of farms in Ireland. It has exceeded its target of at least 10% of farm area in natural or semi-natural habitat. 

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Ireland’s On Premise Market: The Time for New Drinks is Now! 🍹 Irish consumers are eager for fresh and exciting drink options, and there's been a wave of new product launches post-COVID. From no/low alcohol alternatives to premium spirits, the market is evolving fast. 🔍 CGA’s On Premise Measurement (OPM) service reveals key trends and insights. Ready to see what's driving this shift and how you can capitalize on it? Find out more in our latest blog: https://lnkd.in/gKTE_2Bg #NewDrinks #Ireland #OnPremise #NPD #MarketTrends #CGAInsights

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Today we reported our Half Year results for 2024. Group margins have increased by 160 basis points, with profits up 6.6% to €552m for the half. Group volumes have also increased by 1.7% (up 3.1% in the Taste & Nutrition Division). Edmond Scanlon, CEO of Kerry Group said; “We are pleased to report a good performance across the first half of the year. Taste & Nutrition delivered good volume growth ahead of our end markets, with strong profit growth and margin expansion across the business, contributing to our earnings per share growth of 9.1% in the period”. The full year per share earnings guidance has been upgraded to a range of 7% to 10%. See more: https://lnkd.in/ezqu5whh #WeAreKerry #InspiringFood #NourishingLife

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With strong demand for Irish whiskey in international markets, how does a drinker decide which bottles are worth parting with their hard-earned cash? This is what we set out to do in our annual Irish Whiskey Masters blind-tasting competition – here are the results.

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Are you a premium brand owner searching for the ideal bottling partner in Ireland? Are you spending too much time dealing with dry materials, delayed bottling slots and inconsistencies in the bottling process? Are you not spending enough time focusing on exports, sales, and in-market activations? This sounds awfully familiar to us. Such imbalance ultimately always leads to missed sales opportunities, slow growth, and reduced margins. Here’s what sets a great bottling partner apart: 1. An experienced and supportive team that truly understands your needs. 2. Impeccable quality control, ensuring your product is flawless every time. 3. In-depth regulatory compliance expertise to keep you ahead in the market. 4. Consistency you can trust, batch after batch. 5. A strong commitment to sustainability, aligning with your values. Most importantly, choose a true *partner* who’s as invested in your success as you are—not just another service provider with rigid terms and conditions. At IBC (Irish Bottling Company), we help brand owners focus on what matters—bringing your vision to life with a partner dedicated to supporting your brand at every step. Reach out to learn more: [email protected] #Drogheda #IBC #IrishBottlingCompany #CoLouth

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Irish food businesses are confident about growth, the 2024 Love Irish Food and Bank of Ireland SME Food Barometer confirms. Key points: 🥩 74% of companies reported to have embedded sustainability into their overall business practises 🍔 71% of Irish food businesses are planning to launch new products or services in the next 12 months 🍦 The biggest expansion areas are expected to be in business innovations (25%), the attraction of new customers (21%) and the development of new products (21%) 🥃 Key business benefits from embedding sustainability solutions include product innovation (64%), process efficiencies (64%) and increased revenue (61%). “Irish food producers are keenly aware of both the environmental benefits and to their own bottom line by implementing ongoing sustainability measures, and we will continue to provide them with meaningful supports to help them thrive in this area,” said Lucy Ryan, head of Food & Beverage Sector at Bank of Ireland. To read more: https://lnkd.in/eMKg8Dzn #irish #food #drinks #meat #dairy #manufacturing #farming #agriculture #SME #esg #sustainability

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Why is digital marketing crucial for Cork businesses? 🌐💡 From expanding your reach to engaging directly with your target audience, the advantages are clear. Take a look at our latest blog and discover the top 6 reasons why Cork companies can’t afford to overlook digital marketing strategies. 🚀 Whether you’re a startup or an established business, see how embracing digital can drive your success. Read more: 👉 https://lnkd.in/ews2_QRr #DigitalMarketingCork #CorkBusiness #ePresence #MarketingTips

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