Catering contractor Compass Group said it saw a strong performance in its Irish operations as the company reported a 5 per cent rise in first-half profits.
Chief executive Mr Michael Bailey said there were signs employers were starting to take on more staff, which would give the British-based firm more mouths to feed through workplace canteens.
"If job growth, particularly in the United States, continues as it has done for the past couple of months, that could seriously help us," he told reporters.
Mr Bailey also declined to say whether Compass was feeding troops in Iraq, saying its contracts with armed services were subject to confidentiality.
Managing director of Compass Group's business in Ireland, Mr Mike Malloy, said the company reported new business gains of over €6.8 million in the first six month period.
Through its subsidiary in Ireland, Eurest, Compass operates at 160 locations in Ireland employing over 1,500 staff.