New postgraduate diploma aims to boost food and drinks exports

AGRICULTURE Minister Simon Coveney has welcomed the start of a new food marketing graduate programme, involving 15 graduates working with Irish food and drink companies in key export markets.

Under the joint Bord Bia and IBEC programme, 15 graduates will assist food companies build their marketing capability, notably in export markets.

Mr Coveney said: “The programme is a direct response to the Food Harvest 2020 recommendation for industry to initiate graduate internship programmes and will position Irish food and drink companies to reach new markets.”

Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter said graduates will undertake a diploma in international business development with DIT, starting with two weeks’ executive education this month. The graduates will then move to markets in China, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Britain and US.

There, they will complete assignments and market research for companies in the meat, dairy and drinks sectors. The programme is informed by IBEC’s export orientation programme and Bord Bia’s marketing fellowship, for more experienced graduates.