Facebook has our back

Image by tikaro




With banks needing bailouts and companies closing down all round, international giant Facebook are continuing to put faith (and money) into Ireland.
Facebook still believes in putting more money (and staff) into Ireland.

The world’s biggest social network is set to hire another 100 people over the next 12 months here in Dublin, where it has its headquarters for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Due to the 12.5% corporation tax (untouched in Budget 2011), Facebook will continue to create jobs for the Irish nation.

White Christmas!

It is looking like we are in for a white Christmas this year, fun times.

Ireland, still a technological hub

In the darkness, let's find our own light!Come on, we are smarter than we think.

Christmas online sales going through the roof...

Image by ideas4christmas2010




With the arctic weather taking hold of the country many are opting to complete their christmas shopping online.
Research from payments company Visa Europe show Irish consumers are set to spend a total of €356m online on gifts in the run up to Christmas with an average spend of €172 per shopper. More than 9 out of 10 Irish adults plan to buy some Christmas gifts online this year.

Irish shoppers are flocking online believing that they can save on Christmas gifts by buying them over the Internet instead of locally. Is this true though? So many local and nationwide stores are becoming more competitive so is it worth buying online?

A small island in a big ocean...

Bringing a positive light in these dark fiscal times, I like this advert. Do you like it or is it just too little too late?

Christmas creeping

Image by moose23





The Christmas lights are up on Grafton street and they're beaming as shoppers get in the spirit even earlier this year.
The festive toys and decorations for sale have been displayed since late October, but when is enough really ENOUGH?
This is christmas creeping (creeping - christmas lights going up and advertising products earlier each year) at an immense level.
Is this helping or damaging a brand?

Happy Mondays!

Image by dennoir



Whilst on the trek into work yesterday, I discovered probably the most wondrous little section of journalism (that is hard to find these days).
Within the pages of Metro (Ireland) there is a one page mash-up of all things positive called 'Happy Monday'. All of the snippets of news on 'Happy Monday' has a positive spin, is this the way forward or just a whimsical way take the edge off the pain and turmoil being felt the country and world over?

Italian Inspiration

Image by singingbeagle




Eataly, the largest artisanal Italian food and wine marketplace in the world, opened its flagship New York City location on August 31, 2010. The New York City culinary haven will have plenty for visitors to shop, taste and savor including seven full-service eateries, a café, wine shop, bakery and patisserie, and a culinary educational centre. The marketplace also offers a variety of cured meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables, fresh meats and fish, handmade pastas, desserts, baked goods, coffees and teas, as well as a selection of housewares and books, Italian dried pastas, canned goods, sauces, olive oils and more. Eataly will also give way to an open-air rooftop beer garden to New yorkers and visitors alike to enjoy!

On discovering the existence of such a place, I ponder on the opportunity this little gem could hold for brand Italy. From the awareness and purchase of many Italian brands to in-store booking of flights to the homeland , I can't help but wonder, why on earth haven't we thought of this yet?
With so much to offer (and many Irish occupying New York as well as all corners of the globe), could brand Ireland not jump onboard this soaring venture and take a piece of the action?


http://www.newyork.eataly.it/

Vodafone looking for new agency

Image by maricar_Kristy



It seems one of Ireland's mobile phone giants are looking for fresh ideas. Vodafone will be opening up for tender after spending the past seven years with the same agency, DDFH&B, which agency will come out on top?

http://www.sbpost.ie/mediaandmarketing/vodafone
-looking-for-new-ad-agency-52540.html

Showing us your true colours Mary?

Image by Irish Typepad





Tempers flared at a recent launch in West Dublin with Minister Mary Harney being doused in red paint.
Was this angry retaliation against impending health cuts justified or was it a step too far?
Health cuts of up to one billion euro are expected in the next budget only weeks away, is our current government destroying brand Ireland and all that it once was ? Is it time to start to rebuild, starting with these failing droons in Dáil Éireann?

Pat Kinsley talks....

ESB set for 40 million re-brand

Image by pilmak

Are we shocked, honestly?

With the news of an ESB re-brand doing the rounds I wasn't at all surprised, just in time for the toughest budget yet - sure they might as well, right?

Ireland strapped for cash? Surely not.....

Government will spend €40 million on the ESB and Bord Gáis for putting up new nameplates, letterheads and for new advertising.Taoiseach Brian Cowen has said “whatever arrangements have been made by the ESB and by Bord Gáis the Commission for Energy Regulation can be taken up with them”. Sounds about right!

Pat Kinsley talks to RTE

Neworld Associates very own brand expert Pat Kinsley will be appearing on The Consumer Show, RTÉ (Monday nights at 830pm) soon so make sure you tune in!

Do you shop in Centra?

Competition in the Irish retail sector is fierce especially in the own brand sector.
Competition seems to be between retailers and concentrated on their own brand ranges (Centra seem to be doing particularly well here)
The price gap in own label products between the supermarkets and discounters continue to narrow.
Do you like the prices that are on offer?

Would you give up quality in favour of a cheaper alternative?

Every supermarket you go into these days (Superquinn, Tesco, Aldi, Supervalu, Spar etc) seems to have deals on, special offers and trying to out do each other in who is the cheapest, were you can get the most value for your buck but at what cost?
Are you, the Irish public, compromising your brand standards of quality and taste?

With reports out in checkout magazine recently, it seems we are indeed opting for the own-label brands that stores have to offer.
Do you agree with these findings?


Check out the recent article in the Sunday Business Post -


http://www.sbpost.ie/mediaandmarketing/ownlabel-brands
-a-major-challenge-for-shelf-stalwarts-51602.html

Iconic Irish brands join forces

Phto by hdeeks


Batchelors (Erin, Amigo, Lustre, Squeez) and Origin Foods Group (Shamrock, Roma, Odlums) have joined together to form something of a consumer foods super company, Valeo.
Valeo will comprise of a merger of all Batchelors and Origin food brand favorites.
European investment company Capvest will back the project and own a 55% of the new venture with Origin owning 45%.

Do you think this is a good move?

Google info leaked, brands spending big on adwords !!

Photo by manfrys



Confidential Google documents have been leaked revealing some of the biggest AdWords buyers for the month of June 2010 - containing the big brands spenders.

Why do you think these brands are opting for Google?


http://mashable.com/2010/09/06/brand-spending-google/

M & S breaks mould, to stock Irish brands

Photo by Bloo Phoenix



M&S have taken the unusual step to stock a variety of worldwide brands aside from their own and happily up to 10 of brands included in this list are IRISH! Running ads in their Irish stores and throughout the media, M & S are saying they will be stocking 'favourite brands' such as Barry's, Flahavans, etc.'
We are glad to see that after all the shunning Irish brands have received from the likes of Tesco, a light has been deservedly shone on our brand delights from the mother of all UK suppliers, a British institution some might say - take that Tesco!!


http://www.herald.ie/national-news/more-irish-for-mamps-2321768.html

Apple has a hit with new social network site

Photo by charliesalima




Apple have done it again, this time honing in on social networking with a musical edge!

Apple’s new music-themed social network, Ping, was just released, and it’s already got 160 million users built in.


“It’s like ‘Facebook and Twitter meet iTunes. But it’s not Facebook, it’s not Twitter. It’s a social network all about music.” explains Steve Jobs (Apple)


Users will be able to follow artists and friends, make custom song and album charts, post comments about music and they’ll be able to access 17,000 concert listings.

Will U join Ping?

Statistics in, FarmVille come out on top!

Well looky here, behold the list of most popular Facebook apps.
The statistics came in and FarmVille came out on top (no surprise there).
Developers Zynga have alot to live up to now!


http://statistics.allfacebook.com/applications

Are you a gamer ?

Image by Danny Engesser




An ecosystem of gaming, apps and ad networks has flourished within social network sites such as Facebook, with Google hot on their tails.
Surging ahead over the past year, one may wonder, what happens when developers running these apps on Facebook etc become bigger than the network themselves?

Gamers may not know this but these games and apps are developed separately to Facebook / Google, and are then played through the network with a percentage of revenue going to Facebook for using them as a platform!

Fact - Did you know the average gamer is a 45 year old woman? (study done by Popcap)

Calvin sells sex

Photo by - Jessie 7



Calvin Klein was one of the first fashion houses to use sexual branding in the early days (some say), he exposed his ad campaigns to floods of mixed reviews, the majority in awe at the curiosity that these raw images provoked.
Calvin did not sell sex directly, he merely used sex within his brand's identity through his advertising, causing a stir. In the 1970's it was Brooke Shields and the 1990's Mark Wahlberg, who's provocative images brought forth quite the PR storm.
And many designers and brands the world over have caught on over the years, grasping at the notion that YES, SEX CAN SELL A BRAND!

Hunky Dorys cause a stir!

Photo by - Mic V




Does sex sell a brand? It seems so, or does it?

Reebok launches pr attack

Photo by binside TV



Reebok recently launched their new ad campaign with a number of risque shots of glamour 'model' Kelly Brook posing seductively in their new range of footwear Easytone, causing quite the pr storm for the brand.
With posters and now billboards going up of Ms Brook in the brands fitness footwear collection, we wonder if advertising campaigns such as this one do more harm then good to a brand and its reputation?
It certainly gets people talking (and staring!) so are they onto a winner?

Internet starting to pay

Photo by mfophotos



With many advertisers wondering if money put into online advertising was worth the risk, it seems the pay off is happening and getting increasingly profitable as technology advances.


http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/is-the-online-newsstand-finally-set-to-make-money-2036887.html

Real time makes for Real Opportunity!

The emerging trend of online advertising has had big brand bosses sit up and take note, asking the question - how much opportunity can be made from switching from print to pixels?
Faster, reaching the multiple masses and in real time, this unstoppable force of advertising can bring vast possibility to even the most humble of brands.
Here is a taster of some brands that got it right (featuring a Samsung video) -

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry
_sectors/media/article2138718.ece

How the internet is changing advertising - the basics

Online advertising increases as newspapers continue to suffer

Photo by Codiceinternet


With newspaper profits declining, it comes as no surprise to hear that online advertising expenditure has skyrocketed recently.
With more and more people turning to the 'global community' online, it seems that a lot of us have lost ourselves on the super fast paced 'super highway'. Yes indeed, we are finding it so much easier to jump behind the computer screen to read the paper, watch tv / dvds or just listen to radio podcasts. Big brands have noticed this and are jumping on board. It seems online is the only way to go for advertisers, if statistics are to be believed!


http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/finance/2010/
0728/1224275616359.html

Tayto test out Chinese taste buds

Photo by MBreivik


With approximate sales of 1.5 million packs each week, it comes as no surprise that Tayto are exporting their Iconic crisp brand to Chinese shores. With a test launch of the tasty snack beginning with delivering to 1,200 outlets in Shanghai, could other Irish brands be following suit?

http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/iconic-irish-snack-gets-a-taste-of-chinese-market-2230849.html

Starbucks brand set for major overhaul

Photo by iirraa



With the Starbucks Corp starting to report profit losses in certain pockets of the globe (ie - battling tough competition from brands such as McDonalds and Tim Horton), the ultra trendy coffee brand is fighting back with a major revamp of its 'Seattle's Best' brand in hopes of gaining back profitability.
Starbucks Corp announced that they will be increasing availability of the brand from 3,000 locations to 30,000 by the end of the year (some cinemas in the states will soon be serving the brand, could it reach cinemas this side of the pond too?)
With Starbucks having to cut jobs and close underperforming stores to make up profits, is this a good idea?

Consumers see beloved Irish brands disappear!

This week, The Irish Times brought to our attention the news that Irish consumers are noticing the disappearance of some notable Irish brands on Tesco shelves.
As reported nationwide and here on Ireland Inc, we are not at all surprised by the outcry by these savvy shoppers - Tesco have been pushing out our brands for well over a year now ( maybe more in some cases ) - isn't it time something was done about it?
Tesco maintain their LOVE for Irish products, is this just a clever ploy to distract us from the truth?



http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/pricewatch/2010
/0712/1224274507455.html

Coffee chains to take over from Pubs??

Photo by black coffee blue jeans



Could it be, could we be seeing the start of a coffee revolution?
On a recent trip to London, I couldn't help but notice the huge amount of Starbucks scattered around the city - not that I'm complaining, I'm a Starbucks nut!
All over the city of London, New York, Paris (and most cities worldwide now) big brand sellers such as Starbucks and Bewley's etc are tapping into the 'Coffee shop takeover'- seeing there is a market for late night coffee hangouts*!
*Coffee shops that open til 8/9/10 pm!!

Without doubt this is a great idea for more big coffee brands (even tea brands) to tap into the growing need for somewhere to go other than the pub. For all of us who want to go somewhere in the evenings for a coffee and a chat without being surrounded by booze fueled beer guzzlers, then this is for you.

The Influence of Reality

With the start of a new series of X-Factor just on the horizon, one can't help but wonder how many brand 'selling' opportunities will come with it. Cheryl and Danni will no doubt be showcasing weekly designer threads just off the catwalk ( that we now will sell like hot cakes thereafter), products and top brands being advertised in the highly sought after commercial break slots, the influence such a show wields is nothing but astounding. Networks see these reality shows as a haven for advertising spend and with the high ratings being pulled in by shows like The X-Factor it seems more similar reality programmes are in the works!

X-Factor comes to Dublin....

Louis, Simon, Cheryl and guest judge Katy Perry landed in Ireland for the first Irish auditions since 2006 - was Louis putting the pressure on?!

With The X-Factor being a brand in its own right, the show itself can wield a huge amount of power in terms of advertising, sales and producing a domino effect of chart success, but how is Ireland benefiting from the shows success in a reality TV driven society? Apart from Louis and of course the questionable 'talent' of Jedward (brilliantly branded all the same), do you think Ireland has what it takes this year to make it to the final?

Our latest brand fav

Photo by kapok



The latest home-grown Irish brand to come to our attention is Colourtrend - a brand offering quality paints and who we are happy to announce is 100% Irish - which we always love to hear! Recently featured on RTE's Nationwide, have you seen this brand before, thoughts? We heart Colourtrend, do you?

http://www.colortrend.ie/

Good News for Irish brands....

It seems some good news is coming for Irish brands who have been struggling to keep afloat due to consumers flocking across the border to shop. It has been announced that the tax (VAT) increase in the recent UK 'bloodbath' budget will be hiked up by as much as 2.5, from 17.5 to 20 percent - bringing them right up there with us, almost. Could this stop the influx of shopping up North or will you continue to travel in hopes of cheaper bargains?

Facebook - the movie!

Photo by daveynin



It was only a matter of time before it got the Hollywood treatment but yep, Facebook, the movie will be coming to the big screen this Autumn. Mark Zuckerberg & Co's rise to fame flick is based on Ben Mezrich’s 2009 book The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding Of Facebook, A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius, and Betrayal.
The film titled 'The Social Network' stars Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg and Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker - founder of Napster and one-time Facebook president.

Twitter Ban

Players from Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Holland, Germany, Argentina and England are being forbidden from using Twitter and restrictions have been put in place on other forms of internet use.
Twitter can be a great source for players and supporters alike to stay in touch with all the happenings - good thing or bad thing? Hmmmmmmmm

Juicy South African Brands

Photo by Merloni



Fruit & Veg City, South Africa’s largest growing fresh produce supplier, recently launched a campaign named 'Homegrown'.
Celebrating all things South African and making the most of World Cup 2010 exposure – this campaign aims to strengthen national pride amongst South Africans and bring more exposure to a worldwide audience.
Wouldn't it be great if Ireland brands could piggy back on this?


http://www.freshstop.co.za/fresh_shop_about.htm

Building your brand with Facebook

Breaking away from all things football related and finding this gem of a vid. Is Facebook taking over the world?
The world has gone social and Facebook seems to be the way forward. Will it burn out soon or continue to grow?
Recently out at an event, Irelandinc.ie was asking for a card or mobile number of a potential contact and low and behold found herself being told to 'look them on Facebook'!! - the horror (sign or the times, maybe).

RTÉ given a World Cup boost

Photo by infomatique



Ireland will not be taking part in this year's World Cup, which starts this week, but all is not lost - for RTÉ that is!
18 big names have signed up to have their brands exposed during the much sought after World Cup commercial breaks.

Getting in on the act

Currys electrical store have taken advantage of this week's World Cup - and by god, it certainly does pack a punch!

Drawing inspiration from Ireland's recent and controversial loss against France, is this brand taking things a wee bit too far?

World Cup Fever!

Photo by Coach J



It's almost that time again, yes - next week it will all kick off (quite literally) when each nation will be battling it out for the title of World Cup holders 2010.
However, due to a lack of judgment by one idol referee, Ireland will not be joining in on the festivities down in South Africa come June 11 - the horror!!
But what does this global event mean when it comes to brands - with many house-hold names being plastered on jerseys, adverts crammed in between commercial breaks etc, are brands using this exposure to their advantage and utilising for gain ?
However, some fear this could be to the detriment of a lot of big name brands who seem to be jumping on the World Cup band wagon wanting a slice of the profitable proverbial pie.

Ireland, the 51st state?!

Photo by Kdoohan



We can't get away from it, some call it progression (especially within this recession still breathing down our necks) however, i call it commercialisation - and it is happening right under your noses! Is Ireland becoming America's 51st state? Ireland is becoming Americanised - a Mcdonalds on every street, huge shopping centres in every city, TESCO all over the country...and not to mention the saturation of advertising ( product placement if i've ever seen it ) Shouldn't these people embrace and preserve the past without it interfering with Ireland's future progression? Think outside the box people!!

Commercial dilution or economic boost?

Photo by infomatique


With Vodafone taking over sponsorship of the Dublin GAA team and Lansdowne Road becoming the Aviva Stadium, it seems Ireland is firmly in the grips of commercialism. Are we seeing another piece of history gone? One may argue that this is old news and is perfectly ok but i ask you, in these tough current times could we be seeing corporations taking advantage? Are we becoming more like America and less ourselves?
On the flip side, you could argue that the benefits outweigh the negitive.The economy is likely to receive a boost from tourists who travel to the likes of The O2 and Aviva Stadium for sporting and music events - but at what cost to our brand as a country?

Brand Ireland helps out brand Africa

Photo by blvesboy


Although one might think that a single person may not wield the amount of power needed to shape themselves into brand , let alone become a brand of the nation - one man has certainly done the job and then some. In has recently been reported that U2's Bono, a man recognised by his name alone, spent St. Patrick’s Day in Kenya, where he attended a Pan African Media Conference to discuss important issues affecting the continent.
“The conference attracted my attention because I am one of those who believe in brand Africa, a better Africa for Africans,” Bono explained.
It seems Bono is continuing on his goodwill quest and a great flag flyer for brand Ireland, i do wonder though if he should maybe spread some of that goodwill here at home. Just a thought!

How and ever, keep it up Sir Bono, we salute you.

Designing Irish success

Photo by decor8


When thinking of many Irish women and men who have shaped themselves into bankable Irish brands, one name springs to mind as an up and coming brand star who is becoming a worldwide success not only for her creative designs but for her notably Irish name. Orla Kiely went off to London in search of her dreams, commissioned by Harrods and eventually finding her own label in 1997 - Orla Kiely has become a successful brand and a remarkable ambassador for Ireland - sure doesn't it say it all in her name?!

Newsflash - Orla has just struck a deal with Citroen to design a limited edition Orla Kiely Citroen DS3 – the car that reviewer Jeremy Clarkson described as "motoring's equivalent of the iPod".

Brand Butterflies

For such a small wee isle, we certainly pack a punch when it comes to heavy weight people brands. Yes, you heard it, people brands!!
Ireland has truly produced some of the world's most inspirational and down right outstanding talent to ever grace the world stage. Whether it be literature or music, sports or theatre - we really do manufacture some gems!
Talents, goals, achievements aside - these people are our countries brands, representing us to one and all. With the sad untimely death of broadcaster Gerry Ryan, who was an Irish brand unto himself, Irelandinc.ie decided to look at some other Irish faces who we thought might govern similar brand respect as Gerry did.
Bono, Sonia O'Sullivan, C.S Lewis, Oscar Wilde (to name but a few) have, over the years (or decades)emerged into brand butterflies. Turning their names into bankable brands and turning the spotlight on Ireland in the process. Are there any other Irish brand butterflies you can think of?

Condolences.....

Photo by Barry dublin



It is with sad regret that we here at Irelandinc.ie must bid farewell to one of Ireland's greatest ambassadors, broadcasters - a true Irish legend who had transformed himself into a true Irish brand.
RTÉ broadcaster Gerry Ryan was found dead in his apartment last Friday, his funeral was held today in St John the Baptist Church in Clontarf.
Gerry occupied a unique place in Irish life and he will be truly missed - here's to you Gerry!

Attracting new investments

Photo by woodleywonders




Bringing a positive welcoming attitude back to Ireland can only do us the world of good, right? Let's just do it - let's get up and start the rebrand, Ireland's rebrand!
The benefits of rebranding include the ability to win more investment business and let's face it, this is something we so desperately need. Revamping our image is key to attracting tourists, jobs and international interest. Our image is our brand and our brand is what we are saying to the world, it reflects our labor skills, safety, the environment, political security - all qualities that will draw transnational attention.

Celtic tiger, be gone!!!

Photo by gbrummett




Maybe it's just me but are people getting friendlier since the celtic tiger bid a farewell?
It could be that, without the fiscal distractions and material greediness that Ireland has felt over the past 15 years, people are regaining some of their warmth welcomes and smiles that we (and others) have branded ourselves with for so long.

Irish Hospitality during volcanic times.....

Photo by Gerry Chaney


As the volcanic plume continued to wreak havoc on the skies, a tour group of elderly American visitors found themselves stranded in Dublin. Not knowing what to do, a group of self-employed tour guides came to their rescue helping them sort out cheap hotel accommodation, day trips to keep them busy - even helping them with sourcing medication.
Some may believe the Ireland of yesterday is no more and that the friendly hospitality we have always been known for is gone - not so, it seems!
"I think we would come back, just to see the people we have connected with" Debby Tharp from North Carolina explained.



Irish Times link »

Ireland of 100,000 welcomes......

Photo by Laura Cummins2



Tourists return to our shores time and time again but why? This answer is simple - our friendliness!
According to the 2009 Fáilte Ireland visitor attitudes survey - tourists just can't get enough of us with 98% saying they would recommend Ireland to family and friends.
Visitors reveal how they love Ireland's easy, relaxed pace of life (77%) – something many may have thought was under threat during the days of the roaring tiger, and now seems to be returning. This can't be anything but brilliant for the future of brand Ireland, do you agree?
Céad Míle Fáilte!

http://www.failteireland.ie/Home

Phoenix rising from the ashes

Photo by Sverrir Thor



Iceland's volcanic cloud of ash seems to be crippling most of Northern Europe, however, with the paralysing restrictions slowly returning to normal, so too it seems is the economic recovery of the Irish financial situation!
According to the ESRI quarterly report, a return to growth in the second half of 2010 could cancel out the fall in the first half of the year, leaving the economy just 0.5% smaller as measured by Gross Domestic Product. Last year GDP fell by 7%.
Could Ireland be rising from the volcanic ashes?




Check out for yourselves - http://www.esri.ie/irish_economy/

Taskforce at the ready!

Photo by theonlyone



So it was launched, will it work? Only time will tell.
The Report of the Innovation Taskforce was launched on 11th March 2010 by the Taoiseach.
Most of the young generation, of a type who might start things - those who are likely to become entrepreneurs, have an eye not on staying in Ireland, but getting out. It is difficult to see how this innovation effort can take root today.

Your Country, Your Call

Determined to find success and opportunity within the mess the bankers and other Mé Féiners have gotten this country into, here we have it, the competition to beat all other entrepreneurial competitions - Your Country, Your Call!

Designed to dig us out of this recessionary hole and hopefully find two major proposals that, when implemented, will transform our economy - or significant elements of it - by creating jobs and opportunity. Can this newly launched campaign find a new breed of top Irish brands?!

As they say - Is leatsa é


http://www.cisco.com/web/IRE/yourcountryyourcall/index.html

Irish Entrepreneurial Spirit

Recession, what recession?

The Irish entrepreneurial spirit is known the world over and when it was thought that the chips were truly down, we Irish took our future into our own hands and fought back creating new businesses all over the country. A lot of 'starter ups' are beginning their debut online and some are based from the humble homes of people determined to use this recession as a prime chance to grab opportunity by the scruff of the neck! Others are seizing their chances on TV and the internet with the likes of 'Dragon's Den' , 'The Apprentice' and 'Your Country, Your Call' to bring awareness to their fresh ideas. Come on - let's build brand Ireland back up to it's best.

J-eggward!!

LC Confectionery, Irish manfacturers of the famous Iced Caramels and Macaroon bars, has just released a new Easter egg inspired by none other than X-Factor 'stars' Jedward! The Easter egg, a twin pack with two small chocolate eggs, is sure to be on any Easter egg list of children across Ireland but is this a good or very bad move by LC Confectionery, will this J-egg tarnish the LC brand at all?

A little too much chocolate is just about right!

Photo by jytyl


Loving all things Irish and certainly all things chocolate, it is easy to see why the The Chocolate Warehouse, established in 2001, is such a hit amongst children and adults alike! Set up by Natasha Caffrey (granddaughter of Thomas Caffrey - founder of Caffreys Confectionery, 1930) what better place to go for a fun day out for all the family this Easter. Support your chocolatey Irish brands!



Check out their website for further information - www.chocolatewarehouse.ie

BRAND NEW EYES

Photo by Webb Zahn



It's almost 94 years since Ireland fought hard against the British, spent decade after decade dusting off the ashes that it once rose out of since the battle of 1916, 'Brand Ireland' has come a long way and has had a significant influence on culture world-wide with it's music, literature, sport, it's unique Irish brands but most importantly it's identity.
The recession has hit us all hard - from jobs to just paying the bills but is it time to wake up and see this country of ours with brand new eyes? To see it as it was way back then, in the thrusts of 1916 and fighting for our identity and realise if we shun our Irish brands for cheaper alternatives we are taking another step back in time to lost identity! Once again we are faced with turmoil and a threat our uniqueness. Brands matter, our Irish brands matter - time for an Easter rising 2010, maybe?

St Patrick's Day 2010, your view...

Paddy's Day 2010, how was it for you this year?
With shamrocks and tricolours flying high, did you buy Irish and more importantly did you feel proud of your heritage or just a bit queasy at the sight of drunken tourists with leprechaun hats stumbling through temple bar?

In the run up to the big day this year, irelandinc.ie asked Amárach Research to do a wee bit of a study, to compile some information on what you, the public are really thinking and they kindly obliged!

Amárach Research asked 850 adults aged 16 and upwards, both male and female from all over Ireland if being Irish mattered more to them on the lead up to St Patrick's Day 2010. Surprisingly, one third of Irish adults overall agreed that being Irish matters more to them now, with the lead up to St Patrick's Day 2010, amongst the younger age group this increased to almost one in two. It is a shock to see that a whopping 47% of our younger generation (aged 16-24) feel that being Irish is so important nowadays - there is hope for the future yet with such a positive attitude!

Amárach asked the same group of adults if the upcoming generation of celtic cubs will benefit from the past mistakes of the celtic tiger. With 56% of the older generation (aged 45 +) thinking our younger generation of cubs will gain something positive from past mistakes, 48% of adults aged 25-34 agree with this.Let's hear it for our celtic cubs and a new Ireland to come.


Many thanks to Amárach Research for compiling this study.

Leprechaun Land.....

Photo by Irish Philadelphia Photo Essays




New to Dublin and a great visit for all the family Paddy's week and beyond - The Leprechaun Museum, Dublin!


www.leprechaunmuseum.ie

Pringles get in on the act

Photo by Niamhg2009




Pringles is celebrating St Patrick's Day this year with the launch of a limited edition can.
The Pringles St Patrick's Day can will replace the green packaging for best selling flavour Sour Cream & Onion from the 15th February - 31st March! Yum!

Love it or hate it, it's back....

Photo by Richard Cocks




Back for another year, just in time for St Patrick's Day is that Marmite Guinness special - can't decide which side of the fence i'm on though!
Absolutely loving the packaging and great for a gift for anyone. I'd buy it just because it would look oh, so pretty on my kitchen shelf but would i eat it? No. Sadly i'm not a fan but admittedly i'd buy it because of it's Irish theme - would you??