Ireland France Business Awards 2022

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin was the guest of honour at the Ireland France Business Awards 2022, taking place at the Ritz Paris on 24^th November. The Awards recognised Irish and French companies that have made an exceptional contribution to the development of trade and investment between Ireland and France.   

The Awards were organised by NetworkIrlande, the France-based business network for French and Irish companies, the Ireland-based France Ireland Chamber of Commerce and both the Embassy of Ireland in Paris, as well as the Embassy of France in Dublin. Kerry, celebrating their 50^th anniversary this year, were the patron sponsor for the event this year.   

The nominees were:   

· Best Irish Company in France sponsored by Primark: Aerogen, Kingspan, Staycity. 

· Best French Company in Ireland sponsored by Group Adéquat: Danone, SIA Partners and Neoen.   

· Franco-Irish Business Rising Star sponsored by Ecocem France: Magrotec, Terra Nutritech and Samco.   

Niall Burgess, Ambassador of Ireland to France and Honorary President of NetworkIrlande, said:   

“The business relationship between Ireland and France is flourishing as never before, producing significant results for both countries. The Ireland France Business Awards is an important occasion to both celebrate this and to build on it, generating new momentum in this thriving relationship.”   

France is Ireland’s seventh largest export market and our third highest source of imports.  In 2021, two-way trade in goods between Ireland and France was €15.5 billion. Direct maritime links between Ireland and France have jumped from 12 to over 40 sailings per week, opening up new connections for Irish and French businesses.   

Richard Dujardin, President of NetworkIrlande, said:   

“The annual Ireland France Business Awards is a highlight of the Franco-Irish business calendar. This year’s Irish nominees span building materials, drug delivery products, aparthotel operation, spray technology, agricultural manufacturing and mineral technology. The diversity of the nomination list testifies to the depth of Ireland’s business footprint in France.”  

Ireland is one of the top 20 source countries for foreign investment in France. Irish investors hold almost €4.8 billion in assets in France and employ over 31,000 people in France.   

In 2021, Enterprise Ireland Clients total exports to France were valued at a record €1.25 billion, while France is the fourth largest source of FDI into Ireland by number of companies assisted by IDA Ireland   

Thank you to all companies who submitted applications this year, the extremely high level of candidates is testament to the growing importance and strength of the Franco-Irish business relationship.

We will see you next year at the Shelbourne Hotel, Thursday 16^th November 2023 for the Ireland France Business Awards 2023!