Lasting ten days, the Green Week in Berlin has been the flagship consumer food event in Europe since the 1950s. Before the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and subsequent German reunification, it had a major political significance in focusing political and EU attention on a divided city deep inside communist East Germany. Today, it is a massive exhibition with 27 halls, all roughly the size of the main hall in the RDS. Its aim is to bring food, farming and rural life in front of the German consumer.

There is no point in pretending that I felt proud of the Irish presence

With a population of 80m, the German market is the largest and by far the richest in Europe. There is no point in pretending that I felt proud of the Irish presence - it consisted of a tired Guinness-themed Irish pub and a row of dreary wooden benches. Compared to the large, sophisticated Dutch stand, featuring vivid displays of their veal, dairy and seafood products, the Irish presence sent a message of indifference.

I had to wonder, as I looked at the exhibits from all over the world, if we had done ourselves justice at such a large event

Perhaps the huge Anuga fair in Cologne, which attracts buyers representing chain stores and massive fast food outlets is more important for Bord Bia and the Irish industry.

But with Brexit and meat consumption under pressure, as well as the pre-eminent place Kerrygold has captured on the German market, I had to wonder, as I looked at the exhibits from all over the world, if we had done ourselves justice at such a large event in a key European member state, to which such political significance is attached.

The progress made by the German nation in rejuvenating the former East Berlin has been staggering. The poverty-stricken population of former times surrounded by drab blocks of grey flats has been re-placed by a vibrant, newly-refurbished metropolis teeming with young people working in technology and new industries.

There were two similarities with Dublin – a large tractor protest as German farmers protested low prices and ever increasing regulation and a realisation that accommodation and property prices had spiralled, as the city became a magnet for a new generation from all corners of the world.

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