Green Limerick: Local brands get gold title for green efforts

FOUR Limerick food and drink companies have been awarded a Golden Membership honour by Bord Bia.

A record-breaking amount of Munster businesses in the food and drink industry have been awarded the ‘inspirational’ honour, with a total of 34 out of 110 nationally.

The Origin Green Gold Membership is awarded to Origin Green verified companies who make significant improvements in their sustainability target areas.

The four Limerick companies who were successful in their objective to be awarded Gold were Raheen-based GoBia, for the first time, Kearney’s Home Baking in Ballyhahill for the fourth consecutive year, Key Ingredients Europe, located in Annacotty, for the second time and Caherlane, Abbeyfeale-based company, Murphys Home Bakery, for the third year in a row.

Target areas which companies aim to improve and be recognised for include supply chain sourcing, water, emissions, waste reductions, packaging, and social sustainability.

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Deirdre Ryan, director of sustainability and quality assurance of Origin Green at Bord Bia, said: “To drive continuous change and improvement, each year Origin Green raises the threshold to meet Gold Membership status.

“The record number of companies awarded Gold Membership this year is reflective of the appetite of the Irish food and drink sector to accelerate their sustainability actions.

“Acknowledging the efforts and exemplary performance of these companies, in Limerick and further afield, ensures that we are rewarding change and inspiring others to take their own steps to better our environment.

“I look forward to seeing our 2024 Gold Members continue to champion sustainability in the coming years.”

This year’s 110 Gold Membership companies come from 24 counties across Ireland and represent sectors including dairy, meat, seafood and aquaculture, confectionary, beverages, and horticulture.

Jim O’Toole, CEO of Bord Bia, said: “The record level of companies committing to sustainability targets and achieving Gold Membership is incredibly encouraging and a testament to the collective ambition of the sector.

“Ireland’s food and drink industry is committed to playing its part in tackling the climate and biodiversity challenge we all face.

“Through its members, the Origin Green programme has achieved positive progress over its 12 years.”

The latest report by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that the agriculture industry is moving in the right direction, with emissions reducing by 4.6% in 2023.

“Origin Green is committed to working collaboratively with industry and farmers to implement initiatives and measures to grow the sustainability capability of all members,” said Mr O’Toole.

“The common aim is to achieve lasting and meaningful change.”

Origin Green is Ireland’s pioneering food and drink sustainability programme, operating on a national scale, uniting government, the private sector, farmers, and food producers.

It is a voluntary programme, led by Bord Bia, which brings together Ireland’s food industry.

From farmers to food producers, retailers to food service operators, the joint goal is sustainable food production.