Food and Drink Cluster

The objective for the Midlands Food & Drink Strategy is to create a unique food and drink eco-system where local people are proud of their local produce, where companies have the capabilities and supports to create world-class hospitality and product experiences, where scaling and exporting is enabled, whilst respecting nature and our environment

Why Midlands for Food and Drink?

Perceived as unspoilt, undiscovered, a clean canvas.
Geographically central, most connected region on the island of Ireland.
Lower cost of rent, labour and lower cost of living relative to coastal cities.
Access to a young, dynamic and well-educated workforce.
A proud history in grain and milling is still at the heart of Midlandsfood and drink, with strong base in baking, flour, bread, distilling and brewing.
Well serviced principal towns of Athlone, Longford, Tullamore, Portlaoise, and Mullingar.
Quality award-winning food offerings are gaining attention on the national and international stage.
Strong existing food manufacturing base, including Glenisk, Pat the Baker, Panelto, Kepak, Tullamore Dew, Carroll’s, C&D Foods, Rosderra Meats, Glanbia and Odlums.
Internationally renowned drinks brands in Tullamore DEW, Kilbeggan Whiskey and First Ireland Spirits along with a thriving craft renaissance with Brennan’s Old Yard Gin, Mór Gin, Slingshot Gin, Dead Centre Brewing, Ballykilcavan Craft Beer, St Mel’s and 12 Acres becoming household names over the last decade.

Our Food and Drink Cluster aims to promote consumption, exports and engagement through education, marketing and business supports.

With our regional action plan, the vision is for the Midlands to be the most sustainable regional food and drink ecosystem on the island.

For hundreds of years, the Midlands has been home to a proud tradition in grain milling and distilling, over time, the growth of livestock rearing created meat and dairy produce from the region.

Locating in the Midlands

The Midlands region is centrally located in the heart of Ireland, and is Ireland’s most connected region, bordering 5 of the 7 other regions in the country. The central location is serviced by a network of Motorways and Rail lines, meaning access to airports, coastal cities and ports are typically within an hour of the key regional urban centres.

Learn more about our region and key towns in our profiles below.

Supports in the Midlands

Start-Up

Local Enterprise Offices

The Local Enterprise Offices are your local first-stop shop for seeking information and support on starting or growing a business in the Midlands.

Grow

Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland work in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate and win export sales in global markets.

Locate

IDA Ireland

As Ireland’s inward investment promotion agency, IDA Ireland are a non-commercial, semi-state body promoting foreign direct investment into Ireland.