A new three-year Heads of Agreement to support the future growth and development of Wexford’s food and drink sectors was signed last Friday 24th April 2026 by Wexford County Council and the Wexford Food Producers Network at the County Hall, Carricklawn, Wexford. The new Heads of Agreement announced between Wexford County Council and the Wexford Food Producers Network is a three-year agreement spanning the period 2026-2028, which is to support the implementation of a new Strategy – ‘Scaling Wexford Food and Drink – Driving Operational Growth and Brand Recognition 2026–2028’ launched by the Wexford Food Producers Network.
The new Strategy ‘Scaling Wexford Food and Drink – Driving Operational Growth and Brand Recognition 2026–2028’ launched by the Wexford Food Producers Network will focus on key drivers to ensure growth and development of this sector for the county. Sharing expertise and experience with all sizes of Wexford producers has been identified as a necessary mechanism to assist producers to become more profitable and sustainable. Driving awareness of, preference for, and sales of Wexford food and drink products in target priority markets of County Wexford, Dublin and nationwide is also another key priority.
A focus in the strategy is contributing to Wexford’s economic wellbeing particularly in terms of Wexford’s tourism and hospitality sectors in key areas such as experience and identity. These will be achieved through engagement with Fáilte Ireland and Visit Wexford through the new DEDP Plan for County Wexford.
Attracting future generations to establish food production businesses in County Wexford and the positioning of County Wexford as an attractive option for prospective employees are also key features of the new strategy.
Speaking at the launch of this new agreement, Chairperson, Wexford Food Producers Network, Paul Kehoe said:
‘Irish food businesses of all sizes face significant challenges, the current energy crisis being just one, where costs of transport, operations and packaging are all increasing. We believe in the resilience and innovations of our Wexford food and drinks producers to meet these challenges head, on to survive and prosper.
This new ‘Heads of Agreement’ will provide vital funding to deliver a series of initiatives to contribute to the growth and development as outlined in our new Strategy – ‘Scaling Wexford Food and Drink – Driving Operational Growth and Brand Recognition 2026–2028’. These companies play a significant role in our local and national economy, directly supporting employment, predominantly in Wexford’s rural and coastal communities.
We would like to recognise and thank Wexford County Council, its elected members and its management led by Chief Executive Officer, Eddie Taaffe, Director of Services Elizabeth Hore and Head of Enterprise & Economic Development, Breege Cosgrave for their vision, commitment and support of Wexford food and drink producers. We would also like to thank our Honorary President Michael Murphy who chaired the Strategic Advisory and member led committee to produce the key outcomes that now form the basis of this new strategy for our organisation.’
Speaking on behalf of Wexford County Council, An Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Sullivan said:
‘On behalf of Wexford County Council, we welcome the signing of this new ‘Heads of Agreement’ with the Wexford Food Producers Network to support the delivery and implementation of their new Strategy – ‘Scaling Wexford Food and Drink – Driving Operational Growth and Brand Recognition 2026–2028’. This new ‘Heads of Agreement’ is a clear demonstration of our commitment to supporting Wexford’s food and drinks Producers, who form many of our local businesses: those producing at all scales from honey, artisan chocolate, baked goods, dairy, preserves, deli-products to large scale production of potatoes, lamb, beef and seafood. They are every business size from micro enterprises to SME’s and large-scale producers, they are rooted in our communities, they are living examples of how Wexford food is making a mark, not only in Ireland, but increasingly beyond.
Our county has long been known as “the Model County” for its farming heritage, “the Soft Fruit County” for its berries, and for its rich food traditions. The fact that we grow more strawberries, raspberries and blackcurrants than any other county in Ireland is testimony to the land, the climate and the people who work it. It means value — economic value, export value, value added. Food production in Ireland contributes some €18.3 billion to the national economy, and Wexford plays its part.
Last year, our county’s producers brought home 31 national awards at the 2025 Blás na hÉireann Irish Food Awards which was a truly remarkable achievement. The continued success of our Wexford producers can be seen in their consistent creativity, quality, persistence, entrepreneurship and of a shared belief in the value of Wexford food. Our dedicated Wexford Food & Drink producers have not just met high standards but set them. Because the story of Wexford food is not just about production — it’s about people, place, supply-chains, sustainability, innovation, export, but also about taste and sense of place.
We would like to recognise the hard work, dedication and commitment that the Wexford Food Producers Network have undertaken in the delivery of their new Strategy, and we wish them continued success as they move forward to its delivery and implementation.’
The Wexford Food Producers Network provides a centralised member led and member representative organisation with a core remit to promote and support the business of Wexford food. The organisation has approximately fifty members who are Wexford based Micro Enterprises, SME’s and large companies. Their continued aim is to support Wexford Food and Drink producers, to build a sustainable food industry and to contribute significantly to the Irish economy on a local, regional and national level.
The Wexford Food Producers Network is recognised and supported by Wexford County Council, Wexford Local Enterprise Office and Wexford Local Development.