Northern Ireland has traditionally had an industrial economy, most notably in shipbuilding and textiles. The food and drink sector is now Northern Ireland’s largest manufacturing industry. The sector employs over 18,000 people with over 330 processing companies. Other large sectors in Northern Ireland include the electrical and electronics sector and the transport equipment sector. The aquaculture industry in Northern Ireland has grown to be an increasingly successful economic sector. At present there are over 100 licensed aquaculture sites.
POM - Industry 2009