Irish food companies enjoy the royal treatment in Spain

BORD Bia and a number of Irish food and drink companies were given the royal treatment during a trade event in Madrid.

Princess Letizia, wife of Spain’s Crown Prince Felipe, visited the Irish stand to welcome the Irish exhibitors.

Bord Bia is co-ordinating a showcase of 26 Irish food companies at Club de Gourmet, a specialised food trade show.

It is Ireland’s second consecutive year to participate. Personnel from another 20 Irish food companies will also visit the show over the coming days.

The event attracts over 70,000 trade visitors, including retail buyers, representatives from the food service sector, distributors and importers.

Princess Letizia was greeted by the Irish ambassador to Spain Justin Harman and by Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter.

Mr Cotter said Bord Bia was honoured to introduce the Princess to some of Ireland’s leading food and drink brands and products.

“Club de Gourmet is a prestigious trade fair for the food-service sector and the strong Irish presence positions Ireland as a leading quality food supplier to the Spanish market.

“The royal attention accorded to the wide range of Irish food and drink products attracted positive media attention in Spain, further highlighting Ireland’s great reputation as a food producer and exporter,” he said.

Bord Bia said many of Ireland’s quality products fit into the category of gourmet foods in the Spanish market, including such categories as premium beef, shellfish and exclusive alcoholic drinks.

An Organic Corner, which also features on the Bord Bia stand, is designed to highlight Ireland’s commitment to organic production and sustainability, a sector that is underdeveloped in Spain and is set for growth.

The stand also incorporates an Expat Pack Corner, where some of Ireland’s best known brands are being showcased. Ireland’s food and drink exports to Spain last year were valued at €207 million, a 2% decrease from €211.5m in 2008. The key exports are beef and seafood.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith yesterday welcomed an agreement to allow the importation into Tunisia of Irish beef. The market had been closed to Irish beef exports since 1997.