Two large Kildare-based companies see their sales rise on the back of rise in demand for healthy foods

The health kick that has gripped Ireland over the last number of years is helping to drive sales at some of Kildare's biggest businesses, thus driving the prospect for more jobs being created.

Kerry Group, a massive employer that has a large base in Naas, have reported that their business volumes are up by 3.2% so far this year, and their sales are being driven by the healthy food market. That is despite the fact that Kerry stated that the global market conditions 'remained weak'.

The demands in its food business has not been badly effected despite the Brexit vote, even allowing for the drop in the value of sterling.

Another Kildare employer, Glanbia, who have a large factory in Ballitore, have revealed that sales at its performance nutrition arm has recorded an increase of 10.9% in the first nine months of this year. Having bought a US protein snack company, ThinkThin, the healthy food side of Glanbia has helped to chop €18 million off their net debt.

The revenue at Glanbia Nutritionals has dropped by 0.8% this year due to lower dairy pricing however.