Bord Bia has announced its international trade programme activity for 2024, which will include stops across China, the US and South-East Asia.
The programme also includes a trade mission to the US, led by the Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Development, Farm Safety, and New-Market Development, Martin Heydon TD.
The US mission will start on 24 March and be followed by another trade mission to China, at a later date.
Bord Bia’s trade show activity will include a host of new shows that focus on the meat, dairy and drinks sectors.
The programme has a focus on emerging and growing markets, including South-East Asia.
The market is growing at pace and represents a priority target market for the diversification of Irish exports.
Trade Shows
In the drinks category, there will be two new ProWein trade shows. The first takes place in Singapore, in April, and the second in Mumbai, in November.
In October, a ministerial trade visit to France will coincide with SIAL, one of the largest international trade shows.
SIAL takes place every second year in Paris and remains a crucial part of the global food industry calendar.
In February, Bord Bia hosted seven Irish companies at Biofach, the largest organic trade show in Germany.
In October, Bord Bia will also take part in the Nordic Organic trade show, in Stockholm, for the first time.
This is part of a larger programme of activity in raising awareness about pasture-raised organic beef and lamb across Europe.
‘Strategically Important’
To date, Bord Bia has participated at Gulfood, in Dubai (19-23 February), and ISM (January), in Cologne, which is for the sweet-and-snack industry.
Bord Bia chief executive Jim O’Toole highlighted the importance of the programme for the €16.3 billion food-and-drink export industry in Ireland.
O’Toole said, “The impact of meeting face to face with international customers is incredibly important for driving business and leads to benefits all along the supply chain, particularly for farmers, as our primary producers.
“Trade shows are strategically important for Irish exporting companies looking at building new contacts that allow [the] industry to diversify into new markets.”
Read More: Bord Bia: Irish Food And Drink Exports Declined In 2023
