Pictured: Maura Quinn, Chief Executive, Institute of Directors in Ireland and Michael Carey, Bord Bia Chairman and Founder, East Coast Bakehouse
Micheal Carey, Bord Bia Chairman and Founder of East Coast Bakehouse, was the keynote speaker at the Institute of Directors in Ireland (IoD) Cork Evening Briefing, sponsored by Mazars, which took place in the Rochestown Park Hotel on Wednesday, 1st November 2017.
Carey served up his insights and experience to Cork business leaders, including IoD members, on the topic of Lessons from a Food Start-Up & Opportunities Facing the Irish Food Sector. With a wealth of experience in the food sector as a co-founder and chairman of The Company of Food, a specialist food investment business holding a number of investments in both established food businesses and start-ups and previously Managing Director of Evian / Volvic (UK), Fox’s Biscuits and Kellogg’s (UK and Ireland), Michael's presentation certainly provided plenty of food for thought for guests.
Having reported six years of consecutive growth, Irish food and drink exports reached a total of €11bn in 2016 and despite strong headwinds such as the impact of Brexit, long-term growth is expected to continue towards the industry’s target of €19bn by 2025.
“Ireland has some real competitive advantages in this sector, as a leading source of sustainable food and drink. We have seen great success at some of the larger food groups and among smaller entrepreneurial businesses,” said Carey.