Business

New think tank 'will boost entire area'

NEW business think-tank aimed at boosting export, innovation and entrepreneurship within the agri-food and drink industry across Craigavon has been formed.

Coordinated by Craigavon Borough Council in conjunction with Food NI and the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme, the newly-established Craigavon Agri-Food and Drink Forum includes some of the leading businesses in the sector.

Companies such as Avondale Foods, Moy Park and Irwin's Bakery will play a leading role in the forum, which has been developed by the council in response to the government's Going for Growth strategy.

Launching the forum, Craigavon mayor Colin McCusker described it as "a very exciting development which will provide a significant boost for the entire sector, from bakers and fruit/vegetable growers and distributors to artisan beer and soft drink producers".

"The borough's agri-food and drink pedigree is the best in Northern Ireland and the forum will provide the ideal environment for businesses and stakeholders to help harness the exporting expertise of local companies.

"It will create excellent networking opportunities for young entrepreneurs to ensure the industry is strengthened for generations to come as well as encouraging local producers to earn the industry accreditations - such as the 'Great Taste Awards' - which help raise standards and increase local companies' attractiveness in export markets."

Food NI's Michelle Shirlow added: "As a multi-billion-pound industry which exports worldwide and employs almost 100,000 people throughout Northern Ireland, it's vital that we continue to ensure that the full potential of our agri-food and drink sector is maximised.

"Craigavon is very much the food heartland of Northern Ireland and we are confident that the new forum will help ensure the borough's strength in this sector continues to develop in the future."