Over 95 per cent of Irish restaurateurs increased the number of local suppliers they're working with in their establishments, according to a new survey.
The Bord Bia Just Ask! survey found that restaurants are using a number of activities to promote their support of local suppliers, including supplier information on menus, websites and social media.
The survey found over the last 12 months 95 per cent increased their usage of local suppliers, while 85 per cent said they were spending at least 40 per cent of their monthly budget on local food and drink.
Social media continues to grow as an marketing outlet for restaurants, as 71 per cent of respondents agreed that social media plays a key role in engaging customers and suppliers.
Weekday business appears to be on the rise, with 67 per cent responding positively when asked if business was up during the week in the past six months.
Commenting on the findings, Maureen Gahan of Bord Bia said, "It’s very positive that so many restaurant owners feel the public are becoming more aware of the importance of sourcing local ingredients and are voting with their feet when it comes to eating out." Over 80 per cent of respondents said they believed the public was becoming more aware of the importance of local produce.
