The world’s leading food and drinks trade show, Anuga in Cologne Germany, will have its largest ever Irish presence this year when it opens on Saturday.
The show is held every second year and in 2015 there were 7,000 trade stands spread over 10 exhibition halls.
The 34 Irish companies, led by Bord Bia, will be chasing buyers among the 160,000 trade visitors to the show.
The companies are from the meat, dairy, chilled and fresh, frozen and bakery sectors.
The show, while based in Germany, attracts buyers from all over the world. It runs from 7 to 11 October.
Brexit
Given that Brexit was not an issue two years ago, the UK's exit from the European Union takes on added significance for Bord Bia and its companies.
Loaded with increased funding from the Department of Agriculture, Bord Bia chief executive Tara McCarthy said the food board is ready to ramp up its post-Brexit strategy at Brexit.
"We are now entering the next phase in our push to secure new market prospects and ANUGA will prove our fitness for winning new markets amongst the world's sternest competition and in front of the biggest gathering of international food buyers.
"Getting more feet on the street to assist companies promote their products when they are in market is also vital and the budgetary support of government and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine is enabling us to do more, quicker, to succeed with these initiatives.
"Origin Green has never been more important than today and continues to be key to our success in attracting business.”
Giant Germany
Germany bought 23,000t of Irish beef in 2016 and Bord Bia expects this to reach 30,000t by 2018.
It is the fifth most important export market for Irish beef at present and is a particularly valuable market for Ornua where the Kerrygold branded butter commands a significant premium.
Export performance to date for 2017 has been very strong (up 24%), driven by significant increases in dairy and prepared foods.
The Irish Farmers Journal will be reporting from the show on www.farmersjournal.ie
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