Election Nation

Image by Shiny things





Last night's election debate on TV3 made for some very confusing viewing. Still on the fence on were my vote lies, I took to my sofa to see if my vote could be swung.However, Enda Kenny decided to decline the task (how on earth can he lead us on a world stage if he can't bare a seat with Vincent Browne?) and Eamon Gilmore and Minister Martin just didn't cut the mustard in my humble opinion!
My worry is, how will the outcome of election 2011 have on brand Ireland?
Does brand Ireland have a future?
Export, tourism, technology all the thriving industries that have saved brand Ireland from recessionary dissolution - can they continue to grow and pave a future that so many of us think is redundant?
Who are you voting for on February 25th 2011?

Ps - Did anyone notice the volume of Irish brands during the commercial break? I swear, at least 90% of them were Irish. Is this a similar ploy that big brands undertake during the American Super Bowl? (Brands paying big bucks to be shown during breaks)

Small food businesses are thriving

Image by coastline windows & conservarories



Small food businesses in Ireland are continuing to demonstrate strong growth both on the domestic and export markets, according to new figures released by Bord Bia this week. Bord Bia works with over 400 small food businesses with an annual turnover of some €400 million, representing an increase in value of seven per cent per year since 2007.


http://www.bordbia.ie/eventsnews/press/pages
/SmallBusinessesDemonstrateResilience.aspx

Fry up anyone?

Image by akrabat


Set the scene if you please. Out of the bed you get with a hunger that could take down a small bear. A few sausies maybe, a bacon sarnie, how about a full fry up? Sure 'tis the Irish way after all.
Imagine the horror of discovering your beloved Clonakilty puds and rashers have in fact been taken hostage in replace of an imposter. Say hello to the latest US craze that is bound to hit our shores, microwavable breakfast casseroles by Jimmy Dean Products - http://jimmydean.com/products/

Although we have yet to succomb to these 'culinary delights'(sarcasm intended), we are not far off the culture that is convenience 'grab & go'. How can (dare I say it?)the institution that is the Irish breakfast,something so distinctly Irish, get the American treatment?Surely not, surely somethings are sacred?

Brands continue to try and satisfy consumers need for convenience, but is this pushing things too far?
Only recently Tesco dared venture into this territory with it's student inspired snack, the Tesco Italian Lasagne Sandwich. Enough said!