Small Business Can

hello eimear, love the title of your report, feeling the pinch. i totally agree with you that disposable incomes continue to fall the pressure on all individuals is enormous. the value for money is essential and quality of food products has to be accessible to all. many thanks john.

Hi Ron, Some great tips there! I would really emphasis the importance of knowing your consumer. Products need to be market driven meeting a specific consumer need(s). Bord Bia has recently published research in this area which is available online and free of charge - http://www.bordbiaperiscope.ie/ - a biennial study that tracks the Irish, British and Northern Irish consumers. It provides a detailed perspective on how consumers view food related issues and report their behaviours. Topline findings include: - Increasing our tendency to cook from scratch - Placing more emphasis on spending time together at certain meal occasions and on specific days of the week - Embracing "time spent cooking" - Referring to recipes to build our cooking repertoire - Increasing our commitment in the purchase of "local" food www.bordbia.ie/consumerlifestyletrends. The Consumer Lifestyle Trends have been designed to help you think about the opportunities for your business. We have identified 6 trends: 1. Fluid Lives 2. Making the Most of Life 3. Sustainable Lives 4. Quest for Health & Wellness 5. Consumers in Control 6. Keeping it Real Each of the trends are regularly updated and posted on the link above.

Hi John, that is great to hear! Elaine from Bord Bia's Communications Office here. We are very familiar with the County News show. Please do contact me by phone 01 6142258 or by email elaine.crosse@bordbia.ie should you ever wish for us to provide food content/information or interviewees.