The second volume of Great Irish Brands magazine supplement, commissioned by the Irish Independent in November 2008.

Irish people have a lot to be proud of - a strong culture and heritage, a passion for all things creative and an enduring spirit that ensures we, as a nation, hold our own on the world stage.
An important part of my remit as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is to encourage entrepreneurialism and drive innovativeness amongst the indigenous business community.
The brands featured this year epitomise all of the above. Thanks to their self-belief and determination, coupled with an unrelenting focus on changes in consumer tastes, these brands have stood the test of time and represent all that is good about Irish enterprise.
Instantly recognisable, our Great Irish Brands are a reassuring beacon at a time of uncertainty. It feels like they have always been there and will remain a constant in the Irish psyche, no matter what happens in the global economy.
In fact, some of these brands have been around for generations. This continuity adds to their reputation for being trustworthy and good value. Now, more than ever, the Irish are a difficult market to sell to, demanding the highest standards and bang for our buck. This has been instrumental in building brands that can not only do well at home, but also overseas.
Many of our brands have become international symbols, representing who we are and how we do business around the world. Great brands stand for more than simply a product or service - they represent quality, consistency, satisfaction and an identity that differentiates these market leaders from international competitors.
While staying true to their values and traditional roots, these brands have constantly innovated and adapted to change to maintain strong market share and reputation.
Sales and marketing expertise were identified by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs as a priority for Irish companies, and the companies featured here are obviously leading the way in this field.
In this new, more-challenging economic period, staying power is one of the traits that will be most important and our Great Irish Brands have it in abundance.
I welcome the publication of this second volume of Great Irish Brands, which serves as a reminder that there is cause for positivity and the potential for growth in the Irish marketplace.
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