Food and Drink Industry Ireland, the IBEC group that represents the food business, says the sector remains confident it can build on the exceptional exporting success of recent years.
The group says growth can be achieved despite volatile commodity prices and a difficult domestic market.
Irish food and drink exports grew by around 12% in 2011 and the sector remains one of Ireland's fastest growing export sectors.
But Food and Drink Industry Ireland says that, even though global food commodity prices are expected to weaken this year, improved competitiveness, more products, and expansion to new markets will ensure that growth continues.
Paul Kelly, the organisation's director, said trading conditions remain difficult on the home market due to low consumer confidence and downward pressure on margins.
He repeated the demand for a code of practice for the grocery sector and the retention of the existing cap on retail planning. Mr Kelly also said the Government should not apply "discriminatory" taxes to packaging and food, such as sugar.
