Food industry sets sights on China

A growing awareness of Irish food and beverage products among buyers and consumers in China is set for a boost.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Brendan Smith is to travel to Shanghai and Beijing this week to support the efforts of Bord Bia and Irish companies to secure a larger slice of China’s growing $52 billion import market for agricultural products.

He will visit the SIAL China trade exhibition in Shanghai, where Irish food and drink products will be promoted, and will also travel to Beijing.

Mr Smith will meet with China’s agriculture minister Han Changfu and quality supervision minister Wang Yong to further develop the relationship and mutual understanding between the two countries.

He will also meet with trade associations and attend the official opening of the Irish Dairy Board office in Beijing.

Mr Smith said Ireland with its particular strengths in dairy, meat and beverage sectors and strong record of international exports can supply this important and growing market. There are also niche opportunities for premium products and some sea foods.

“It is encouraging that the value of Irish food and beverage exports to China rose by 44% to €118 million in 2009, mainly in exports of infant formula and dairy ingredients,” he said.

The SIAL China trade exhibition, which opens on Wednesday and continues until Friday, will attract over 25,000 business representatives from 84 countries, including some 13% from the Asia-Pacific region.

Baileys, Kepak Group and Rosderra Meats will be exhibiting on the Bord Bia stand. Kerry Ingredients, Glanbia Nutritionals, Irish Dairy Board, Baileys, Jameson, Murphys, Sofrimar, C&C Group, Porterhouse, Abbeyfield Foods are all involved in Bord Bia’s SIAL China programme.

Ten Irish companies are also participating in a market study visit.

Mr Smith said the Irish food and beverage sector is very much open for business and in a position to meet China’s demand for very high standards in food imports for its people.