The food and drink industry is worth €18 billion to the Irish economy, a report revealed today.
But employers' federation Ibec warned the sector is facing serious difficulties because of rising costs.
Ibec wants the Government to adopt a single co-ordinated approach to policy decisions to stop competitiveness being eroded.
Larry Murrin, chairman of Food and Drink Industry Ireland, said one minister has to take control of policies rather than have them spread across several departments. "We need a trade policy that recognises the importance of the food and drink sector to the wider economy," he said.
Ibec said the sector employs 46,000 people directly and accounts for more than 8 per cent of economic activity.
The Ibec survey found the food and drink industry is facing difficulties in terms of compliance costs and the growing buying power of multiple food retailers.
Mr Murrin said: "The State could assist with a programme to identify, develop and support more world class Irish food and drink companies and brands. It should make funds available to up-skill and source senior management and non-executive directors for Irish food and drink companies."