AQW 23774/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 06/10/2021
Answered On Date: 21/10/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) the support given to local food businesses in developing their businesses and products; and (ii) the support he has given to promoting these businesses and products in (a) Northern Ireland; (b) the UK; (c) Ireland; and (d) Europe.

Answer:

Invest NI has made over 100 offers of financial assistance since April 2020 to support food and drink businesses and is committed to working with the industry to increase food and drink export sales by £1.5bn over the next five years.

As well as financial assistance, the agency also supports NI companies to participate in trade shows, such as London Speciality Food Show, Anuga and Sial. It also facilitates buyer introductions with major retailers including Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and Dunnes; and runs capability programmes in the UK, Ireland and in international markets.

Invest NI’s Consumer Insights team assists with market research and the Trade Advisory Service delivers specialist support in-market.