merrion street

Kerry Group today announced the establishment of an industry-leading global technology and innovation centre in Ireland.

The €100m investment, which will create 800 jobs, as well as 400 immediate construction jobs, will be part-funded by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation through Enterprise Ireland. The new flagship global technology and customer innovation centre will serve as a key focal point for Kerry’s customer engagement activities providing strategic customers with access to the Group’s complete breadth and depth of technologies, scientific research, innovation and applications expertise across food, beverage and pharmaceutical markets.

Welcoming the announcement, Jobs Minister Richard Bruton said:

Central to the Government’s plans for jobs and growth is creating a powerful engine of indigenous enterprise. We must not only continue to deepen and develop the impact of the very important multinational sector, but also crucially support Irish companies who are seeking to expand their presence in export markets and become world-leaders in their field. I commend Enterprise Ireland on their excellent work on this project.

This is the largest single investment in food innovation ever by a company in Ireland, and puts Ireland firmly at the forefront of global food innovation. The fact that this is the work of an Irish company will help raise the ambitions of other Irish companies to become world-leaders in their own fields. Through implementation of the Action Plan for Jobs I am determined to continue improving supports to Irish enterprises so that we can see more businesses aiming high and creating the jobs we need.

Agriculture Minister, Simon Coveney said:

Today is a phenomenal announcement and is perhaps the most significant investment ever in the Irish Agri Food industry. It is the proof that the agri food sector can be central to rebuilding the Irish economy. This investment is a statement of confidence in the Irish economy and in the quality of Irish food science graduates to deliver food innovation in the most modern facility of its type on the planet. The agri food and food innovation sector will continue to provide positivity and optimism in the Irish economy. The leadership that Kerry have shown with this project is testament to their commitment to this country

Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, added:

This centre will be one of the world’s most advanced food innovation facilities. It will underpin Ireland’s world-wide reputation in food innovation and secure our standing as a world leader in the food industry.