New Research Highlights Critical Role of Digitalisation in the Irish Food and Drink Sector

Today, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD launched a new report by Food Drink Ireland Skillnet. The research, Digitalisation of the Food and Drink Industry in Ireland, conducted by iForm and CeADAR, sought to determine the adoption digitalisation in the Irish food and drink sector as well as the barriers to businesses to embracing digitalisation, and the subsequent impact on skills and talent.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Lawless said: “Ireland’s food and drink industry is a key driver of exports, jobs, and regional development. Our global reputation for quality is underpinned by a highly skilled workforce but maintaining that edge means constantly improving our digital capability.

We are committed to supporting the sector’s shift towards more digitalised, sustainable and efficient operations. Skillnet Ireland plays a critical role in this effort delivering targeted, flexible training designed with and for enterprise, so our businesses can continue to thrive into the future.”

Key findings from the research, Digitalisation of the Food and Drink Industry in Ireland, include:

• Digitalisation approaches taken by the majority of companies included the introduction of process monitoring sensors, process automation, data analytics, IoT and robotics.
• A fundamental scarcity of talent on a national level is the main challenge for talent attraction and retention. This finding will support Ireland’s ongoing efforts in international talent attraction, in designing university programmes and industry upskilling and reskilling training supports.
• The breadth of opportunity in digitalisation is very wide, where every function involved in the food and drink industry has the potential to fully transform through digital technologies.
• While there are many examples of digitalisation in the sector, many businesses are stuck in “pilot phase”.
• Skills are a critical enabler to increased digitalisation where technical, business and soft skills along with a commitment to lifelong learning are all required.

Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland, said: “I’d like to thank the Minister for launching this important piece of research for the Food and Drink industry. The Food Drink Ireland Skillnet has identified insights for the companies in its network and for all companies operating in Food and Drink sector within Ireland. Skillnet Ireland provides supports to businesses through upskilling initiatives, designed to enhance competitiveness and create well positioned strategic thinking, which enable companies to be ready, and meet the challenges of the future of work.

The ways in which people learn and grow in their careers, is changing all the time, and it is great to see how the Food Drink Skillnet, one of 70 Skillnet Business Networks, is preparing companies, to keep pace with these transitions. We encourage all decision makers in the Food and Drink space, to consider how they can act on the information in this report to begin implementing strong supports for better use of digitalisation in the sector and developing more advanced digitally driven skills to meet the needs of the digital transition for Food and Drink companies.”

Paul Kelly, Director of Food Drink Ireland, Ibec, said: “The Irish Food and Drink industry is Ireland’s most important indigenous industry, with turnover of €39 billion and exports of €17 billion. Digital transformation will play a critical role in maintaining competitiveness and reinforcing the long-term sustainability of our industry. Food Drink Ireland Skillnet is delighted to have supported this research as we understand the value it will play in helping industry reach the higher levels of digital adoption that are required.”

The full Digitalisation of the Food and Drink Industry in Ireland report is available to download, here.