ISME has said that that record spending by consumers in the run up to Christmas should help to assist the local economy, particularly if consumers purchase the Irish alternative during their Christmas spend. This will help to sustain hundreds of businesses and thousands of jobs in the process.

According to ISME Chief Executive, Mark Fielding, "the Association is anticipating that ?4.2bn will be spent by the public between now and Christmas, an increase of seven per cent on the previous year. If even one item per consumer was switched from imported to Irish-produced goods it would go a long way to sustaining Irish jobs and would provide Irish manufacturers and producers with a huge boost after what has been a very difficult year. We are asking consumers to look at the quality Irish product and in the process support local businesses and local jobs", he said.

According to ISME, the last 12 months have been difficult for indigenous manufacturers, smaller retailers and food producers due to increased costs, an uncertain economic environment and the continuing dominance of foreign multiples, particularly in the retail sector.

He called on consumers to think Irish and buy Irish and for multiple retailers to inform customers about their Irish products.

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