Margin Matters

Buying better and selling smarter in the Irish food and drink sector

The buyer across the table negotiates for a living. You do it a few times a year.

That gap costs Irish food and drink businesses margin every year. This morning helps to close it.

Irish food and drink businesses are being squeezed from both ends. Input, energy and labour costs keep climbing. Retailer terms keep tightening.

Most owner-led firms handle all of it without a full-time commercial director. So the founder negotiates with the multiples. Often brilliantly, and usually on instinct. Almost always without an honest read on whether the terms are fair.

Bank of Ireland and Agile Executives are putting two leading industry experts in a room to change that.

What you take away You bring a live challenge. You leave with better ideas Nobody presents at you. You bring a live challenge or opportunity and work it in a small confidential room.

An honest read on your supplier terms Preparation for your next retailer conversation A clearer view of where your margin goes A route into a new market or channel Peer perspective, in confidence Better ideas you can act on Who it is for Owner-led Irish food and drink businesses Selling into retail multiples, wholesale, food service or export Someone in the room who can make commercial decisions Anyone who has looked at a supplier invoice this year and felt uneasy