Bord Bia will highlight the strengths of the Quality Assurance and Origin Green programmes in its engagement with UK food buyers and retailers, following the recent Brexit vote. The underlying objective is to consolidate Ireland`s position in the UK market, and to manage the short and medium term challenges to manufacturers and producers in our most important export destination.
Speaking at Bord Bia’s Brexit briefing, CEO Aidan Cotter affirmed that Bord Bia will reinforce the promotion of Ireland as a sustainable source of food for UK buyers, building on the long-standing, strong relationships with UK trade customers. “The UK imports 40% of its food requirements and we will remind customers there that Ireland’s Quality Assurance and Origin Green programmes meet the high standards they demand regarding food safety, traceability, animal health, welfare and environmental protection,” he said.
Bord Bia will support Irish food and drink exporters to the UK through a combination of mentoring, trade events, “meet the buyer” sessions and online promotions. Other activities which are assisting companies seeking greater market diversification in EU and International markets include participation in leading food and drink trade shows, along with trade missions planned to Asia and North Africa this autumn. Bord Bia opened two market offices this month, in order to develop new routes to market for Irish exports. The new Warsaw office will expand Bord Bia’s support in Eastern Europe, while the new Singapore office will service eight emerging markets in Southeast Asia.
Earlier this week, Bord Bia brought together 30 leading British chefs to showcase premium Irish beef at a lunch in the Michelin-starred Simpsons restaurant in Birmingham. The event attracted an audience of some of the UK’s best known and influential chefs many of whom already use Irish beef and others who are being actively encouraged to source Irish beef, attracted by its quality and sustainability credentials. This activity assists Bord Bia in raising the profile and awareness of Irish beef in high-end British restaurants, while also communicating its quality attributes in our largest market, accounting for 54% of exports in 2015, valued at over €1.1bn.
For more information please contact Joe.Burke@bordbia.ie
