Rodgers welcomes Sainsbury's commitment to NI

Bríd Rodgers, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, has welcomed the commitment of Sainsbury's to Northern Ireland after meeting Sainsbury's chief executive Sir Peter Davis, who was visiting the province on Friday to underline his company's commitment to local suppliers.

Speaking at a conference for Sainsbury's supplier's, which was also being supported by the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association, she said the company had made a significant commitment to the local industry with its target of sourcing £200 million worth of product from local suppliers.

She added: "Substantial progress has been made towards achieving this target which is good news for local processors and producers. I hope that Sainsbury's can continue to develop partnerships with both existing and new suppliers and increase further their local sourcing".

Bríd Rodgers went on to emphasise the need for all parts of the supply chain to receive a reasonable return. She said: "Partnerships flourish on the principle of mutual benefit. There are inevitable cost pressures on all parts of the supply chain. Businesses throughout the chain need to reflect carefully on how these pressures are addressed, while maintaining quality of product and service and ensuring profitability at all stages.

"The industry must continue to develop its ability to fully meet customer requirements of quality, value and service. A substantial support infrastructure is available, particularly through the Food Centre at Loughry, and there is scope for the industry and the Executive Departments and Agencies to work together to take full advantage of the opportunities which exist".

Bríd Rodgers was speaking at the first Sainsbury's supplier conference which was held at the Odyssey Arena, Belfast.

Sainsbury's, which source some £150 million of product from over 100 local companies, also directly employs more than 2,000 staff at its seven Northern Ireland outlets.

(MB)