The word on the street (Kildare Street, to be precise) is that Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and CEO of our very own Bord Bia, Aidan Cotter, are heading off together on another mission to defend and market Irish food interests, soon after their recent tour of China and southeast Asia.

This time the two are headed to our closest neighbour, Britain, which is leaving the EU family and heading out on its own. Creed and Cotter are set to meet with the heads of the major retailers in the UK, with the first meeting taking place next Tuesday 18 October.

The two will be letting UK retailers know that Irish food is still here and we're hungry for business.

Tough times ahead

A tough time lies ahead for the Irish agri-food sector in this new Brexit world. Irish food and drink exports to the UK accounted for 41% of total exports in 2015, valued at €4.4bn. This was an increase of 7% on the previous year. So the exposure of the food and drink exporters to fallout from UK voters' decision to leave the EU is more acute than any other sector.

It's always reassuring see our most senior and influential marketers of Irish food doing their bit to help make the road ahead that little bit smoother.

Full coverage: Brexit

Creed and Cotter off to the UK to defend Irish interests

The Dealer has heard a rumour that Agriculture Minister Michael Creed and CEO of Bord Bia Aidan Cotter are undertaking a trip to the UK next week to defend Irish food interests in the wake of Brexit.