Irish food exposed to €135bn buying power

BUYERS from Europe, the United States and Asia, with a combined purchasing power of €135 billion, were yesterday exposed to the largest ever showcase of innovation from Irish food and drink companies.

It happened at Marketplace Ireland, the Bord Bia-organised platform for Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, where the focus was on the country’s capability of converting opportunities to business.

Over 50 food companies are exhibiting at the two-day event in Croke Park, Dublin. It centres on 2,600 pre-arranged business meetings (speed-dating style), which are bringing 50 Irish companies face-to-face with 220 international buyers.