The Irish Pubs Global Federation was launched today by Irish Minister for the Diaspora Jimmy Deenihan ahead of the Irish Pubs Global Gathering in the Convention Centre next month.
The Federation, founded by entrepreneur Enda O'Coineen and launched by Minister Deenihan, currently has 6,500 members and will give a platform for Irish suppliers to connect with the estimated 7,000 Irish pubs worldwide.
Minister Deenihan emphasised the importance of connecting with the diaspora in order to boost the reputation of Irish businesses abroad. “Engagement with our diaspora is of enormous importance for Ireland. The achievements of the diaspora both Irish born and those of Irish descent, have enhanced Ireland’s profile and reputation internationally,” said the Minister, speaking at the launch.
The aim of the Federation is to give SMEs and suppliers in Ireland a network for exporting their services, food and drink abroad and also to promote the Irish pub as a centre for community, good food, high standards and culture. It will also help Irish pubs abroad to organise and connect with each other, “While the industry is well organised in Ireland, this is not the case globally and there is a massive void in this aspect of linking-up Irish pubs based outside of Ireland,” said founder O'Coineen.
The launch comes ahead of the Irish Pubs Global Gathering 2015 in the Convention Centre Dublin, taking place from 26th – 28th of February which will showcase 350 investors and business owners representing the hospitality industry. “We expect the 2015 Gathering to be a great start to supporting job creation in Ireland through ever shrinking borders and by so doing help Ireland’s hospitality sector to achieve desirable growth into the future,” concluded O'Coineen.
Patrons of the Irish Pubs Global Federation include: Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and Tourism Ireland as well as sponsors Guinness, Ol Irish Pubs, Porterhouse Brewery and Irish Pub Company.
