Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture have organised two days of Origin Green Dairy Seminars in Indonesia and Malaysia attracting over 120 manufacturers, importers, retailers, and foodservice operators.
The event draws a number of leading Irish dairy companies, such as Carbery, Dairygold, Glanbia, Ornua and Arrabawn, to Jakarta and Kuala.
The goal of the week-long Trade Mission to the region, which allows the Irish dairy industry gain an in-depth market understanding and to secure new business opportunities, is to to build sustainable trade relationships and include detailed presentations from senior Irish and local officials on food safety controls, market trends and updates, and Origin Green, Ireland’s food and drink sustainability programme.
“We are two countries on opposite sides of the world, different in many ways, but we share an understanding that security of supply is key to allowing us to plan ahead for growth and success,” said Tara McCarthy, chief executive of Bord Bia.
Michael Creed, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, opened proceedings, while Paula Barry Walsh, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine speaking about food production and safety procedures in Ireland.
“Bord Bia’s dairy conference is an excellent opportunity to bring targeted retail buyers, suppliers and consumers together from both our countries together," said Creed.
The seminars were also attended by Senior representatives from the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture along with Stefanus Indrayana, Secretary General of the Indonesian Food and Beverage Association, GAPMII.
For the first time on a Trade Mission, Bord Bia also has arranged 150 business to business ‘speed networking’ meetings in Indonesia and Malaysia, that connect Irish companies to key importers and buyers.
Bord Bia Supports
The dairy export market in Indonesia and Malaysia emerged as a great potential in Bord Bia’s Prioritising Markets study of both markets, which explores consumer attitudes to food and, specifically, identifies opportunities for Irish dairy.
“The opportunity in these two markets is significant as Indonesian and Malaysian consumers increase the percentage of dairy-based food in their diet," said McCarthy.
"There is real potential to deliver a unique message for Ireland around our natural, sustainable dairy industry, which is already in line with their values.”
Due to the proximity and historic trade that both Indonesia and Malaysia have with Oceania and India, the awareness of Ireland as a dairy and meat producer is low.
However, there is a growing demand for sustainable sources of ingredients from Europe, which presents opportunities for Ireland.
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Maria Cabecos. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
