AN EU-funded food initiative has helped companies in the north contribute to a 65 per cent rise in export sales - amounting to €7 million.
Thirty food and drinks SMEs, together with a further 60 in Scotland and the Republic, delivered collective growth in excess of over €12 million after participating in Access 6, a Europe-funded programme devised to help the sector capitalise on export potential.
And in Northern Ireland alone, 184 jobs have been created across companies such as Mash Direct, Slice of Heaven and Brunch Box, each growing significantly over the two years of the programme.
Access 6 is now available online to all businesses seeking guidance and advice on exporting, offering interactive training modules, directory of industry contracts, case studies and downloadable business tools.
Michael Bell, executive director NI Food & Drink, said developing Northern Ireland's export potential was central to the continued growth of the food and drinks industry.
He said: "Programmes such as Access 6 will help us achieve the targets set by the Agri-Food Strategy Board in its 'Going for Growth' strategy."
Key to the success of Access 6, he said, was the training, marketing assistance and logistical support delivered by programme mentors in each of the six target regions - north America, Benellux, Scandinavia, Germany, France and London/south east England.
