The inaugural Irish Food Trade Connect Forum is taking place next week, Thursday 21 March, at the Killashee Hotel in Kildare.
The event is designed to provide food producers with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of international trade.
The ultimate goal of the forum is to provide Irish businesses with the tools they need for international success.
Facing Challenges
Ireland’s value of food, drink and horticulture exports reached €16.3 billion in 2023, representing a 4% decline on the previous year.
In 2024, challenges from last year persist with high costs of labour, input costs, sustainability accreditation requirements and expected market deflation from customers.
The forum offers food industry professionals looking to expand their business internationally with the tools they need to do so, in spite of the challenges.
It offers the opportunity to gain valuable insights, seek solutions to an array of obstacles and connect with industry experts.
A number of expert speakers will offer their guidance, with talks on topics such as product development and branding for export markets, optimising supply chain routes, identifying ideal target markets abroad, legal and regulatory considerations for exporting, and more.
Speakers
The keynote speaker is Vincent Cleary, managing director with Glenisk.
Glenisk has been a family business for 35 years and has grown incredibly both at home and abroad.
Cleary will offer his wealth of knowledge and experience, providing great insights for attendees.
Also included in the speaker line up is Barry Cullen of Silver Hill Duck, Jason Kidd of Outcast Brands, Ian O’Rourke formerly of Vithit Drinks, Simon McKeever of the Irish Exporters Association, Annie Dunne of the Art of Grate Food, Margaret Dineen of Blue Sky Food Consulting, and Helen Johnson, a barrister specialising in intellectual property.
Sharon Noonan, food consultant and presenter of the ‘Best Possible Taste’ podcast will emcee the event.
Noonan will also host a fireside chat with four guests focusing on the provincial challenges impacting food producers in Ireland.
Networking
As well as presentations, the forum will include a networking opportunity for professionals across the food sector to connect and exchange ideas.
Attendees will also be able to participate in case studies and workshops to gain practical experience in international trade.
Event organiser and founder of Blue Sky Food Consulting Margaret Dineen said, “The Irish Food Trade Connect Forum is an invaluable resource for food industry professionals who are ready to take their businesses to the next level.
She concluded, “We are committed to providing attendees with the knowledge, tools and connections they need to succeed in the global marketplace.”
Read More: Bord Bia: Irish Food And Drink Exports Declined In 2023
