No Brexit chill at Keelings as fruit seller plans for the future

BREXIT has fallen upon the heretofore blooming Irish food industry like an early winter frost. But there are plenty of hardy perennials in the sector. Out in north county Dublin, Keelings — the country’s biggest fruit and veg producer and seller — looks set for further growth despite the easterly chill. Keeling’s customer base already includes the likes of Marks & Spencer, SuperValu and Dunnes Stores, with revenue in excess of €300m.

It has applied for planning permission for “a new food market building for the preparation, packaging, storage, sale and distribution of seasonally sourced (local and imported) fruit, vegetables, food and fresh produce.”

The planning application betrays no hint as to the level of investment involved but given that it includes 83 new car spaces it is likely a significant venture. Keelings declined to give details. Evidently, the Brexit uncertainty is not enough to halt the growth of one of Ireland’s juiciest food firms.

JUST when you think you have your wardrobe sorted, Business to Arts — the charity that brokers creative deals between the worlds of arts and commerce, goes along and creates a new dress code.

Not content with ‘black tie’, ‘evening wear’ or the trusted ‘business casual’, Business to Arts, led by former corporate treasurer Andrew Hetherington, has created a whole new genre of “business cocktail” for its awards tomorrow night at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre.

Hundreds of leaders from business and the arts will descend on Dublin’s Docklands for the Allianz-supported gala.

The special guest is Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe who is currently sporting an “affordable attire” look ahead of trendy, sock-loving Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s first budget in October. Accenture and the Dublin Port Company are among those battling it out for the best large sponsorship gong, one of nine awards on the evening.

Will they reserve a small prize for the best cocktailer? Best foot forward and all that.