Biofach is the largest organic trade show globally and it takes place every year in Germany in February. With almost 2,400 exhibitors showcasing food from all over the world the exhibition halls are packed with a huge variety of organic food. Ireland’s presence at Biofach has grown over the last number of years as Bord Bia host a stand each year with a number of Irish companies featuring.
The Little Milk Company, This is Seaweed, Slaney Foods, ICM, Irish Seaspray, Nua Naturals and Virginia Health Food were the 7 IOFGA registered companies exhibiting at Biofach this year, 5 on the collective Bord Bia stand and two independently. It is a fantastic opportunity for Irish companies to market their products to buyers and interested parties internationally.
Each year at Biofach, one country, in particular, is celebrated and this year it was Germany’s turn. The German organic market was valued at €8.62bn in 2015, second only to that of the U.S. with discounters and other retailers focusing more on organic lines; as private label plays a huge role in the German retail industry. According to Bord Bia, Germany is Ireland’s sixth largest export market for food and drink with an estimated export value of €600m for 2016. Irish dairy, beef and prepared foods are Ireland’s top three food exports to Germany.
At Biofach Germany, announced plans to increase federal funding in a move to establish 20% of agricultural land as organic. Funding for organic farming has been increased by 50% to €30m from 2018, all of this to facilitate the growing demand for organic food in Germany. Irish companies with an organic range are taking note as research presented at Biofach by FiBL showed that Ireland has the second fastest growing market in organic purchases, all which is building growing confidence in the sector here at home.
