NWRC Highlights Industry Insights from FoodTech Ireland

Representatives from FoodOvation at NWRC, supported by Connected, attended FoodTech Ireland, held at the Leopardstown Pavilion in Dublin on 24 June, where food and beverage manufacturers, suppliers, innovators and policymakers gathered to discuss the future of the sector.

A key theme emerging from the event was the importance of practical, market-led innovation. Speakers highlighted that success in today's competitive retail environment is less about creating entirely new products and more about executing existing ideas effectively, with a clear understanding of consumer needs and market demands.

The conference emphasised that products must deliver value in real-life situations, with convenience, usability and clear consumer benefits playing a critical role in purchasing decisions. Attendees also heard how strong shelf presence, simple front-of-pack messaging and clear product positioning remain essential in increasingly crowded retail environments.

The event highlighted ongoing challenges facing the agri-food sector, including margin pressures, pricing sensitivity and increasingly complex trading relationships. However, speakers stressed that businesses with a strong understanding of their customers, robust market intelligence and disciplined execution are best positioned to succeed both at home and in export markets.

FoodOvation Centre Mangere Stella Graham commented:

“Many thanks to Connected for supporting our attendance at this year's FoodTech Conference. FoodTech Ireland reinforced a clear message: success comes from combining market insight, consumer understanding, and commercial viability with effective implementation. As the food and beverage industry continues to evolve, collaboration and innovation remain key drivers of growth, competitiveness, and long-term success. The support of Connected enables us to attend events such as this, helping us stay informed and engaged with the rapid pace of change and technological advancement across the food industry. We are grateful for the opportunity to gain valuable insights, build connections, and keep abreast of emerging trends shaping the future of food technology.”