The organisation’s director Paul Kelly said: "The domestic market is a key market for food and drink companies, and in almost all cases it is the springboard for export ambitions.
"But more government help would be needed to help the sector cope with difficult trading conditions due to low consumer confidence and downward pressure on margins.”
Grocery code of practice
“The food industry needs specific food-related initiatives including the introduction of a grocery sector code of practice and the retention of the existing retail planning cap,” said Kelly. “We need an unambiguous and unwavering commitment from government that it will not apply discriminatory taxes to food and packaging.”
Kelly’s comments were made during the launch of the group’s 'Hungry to Grow' plan, which sets out priorities for the industry for the coming year.
FDIE is part of the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation.