Dutch expo aims to boost exports of 50 Cork food and drink firms

Fifty Cork food and beverage businesses hope to boost their export sales following a targeted two-day food industry trip to Amsterdam.

‘A Taste of Cork’ in Amsterdam will bring Cork-based producers of cheeses, whiskeys, and ciders into one-to-one meetings with more than 200 buyers at the acclaimed Kookschool Keizer Culinair on May 2 and 3.

The Dutch buyers will taste samples and indicate which producers they care to meet. Those who create successful contacts will immediately set up distribution links with Horgan’s of Mitchelstown.

Mayor of Co Cork, Cllr Tim Lombard (FG) said: “The idea behind the expo is to bring a flavour of our county to The Netherlands — it’s a bit like opening a door to Co Cork’s kitchens, farms, dairies, bakeries and artisan production facilities.

“Countless one-to-one business meetings will take place over the two-day period and Dutch food importers, distributors, retailers, and even Irish pubs will be furnished with a comprehensive knowledge of the depth and breadth of the fine food being produced throughout Co Cork,” he said.

“European consumers truly value the superb character, quality and originality that’s become synonymous with Co Cork food. The products that will be exhibited, a total of over 50 brands, will demonstrate the widespread creativity and imagination that has given Irish food businesses a new lease of life in recent years.”

The expo is being co-ordinated by Cork County Council in conjunction with Cork County and City Enterprise Boards, Cork Convention Bureau, Aer Lingus, and Tourism Ireland.

It is predicted that over 60 one-to-one sales meetings will occur. With a population of 16.6m and an estimated 7.1m households, The Netherlands has been identified as a lucrative market for Irish produce.

What’s more, the turnover of the Dutch retail food sector is an estimated €31.1bn (and in Belgium, this stands at €21.1bn).

Michael Hanley, chief of West Cork Enterprise Board, believes taking this type of ‘group marketing’ approach is instrumental in supporting start-up businesses.

“In recent years, we’ve pursued several ‘cluster marketing’ projects that have successfully allowed Co Cork SMEs to share resources as they pitch their products to international buyers, explains Mr Hanley.

“More than 200 Dutch-based food buyers and decision-makers are expected to attend ‘A Taste of Cork’ in Amsterdam; we’ll see diverse local food businesses benefit from a unique opportunity to boost their brand profile within the export market.”

Among the 50 business travelling to Amsterdam are: Murphy’s Irish Seafood, Nohoval Brewing Company, Tom Durcan Meats, Ummera Smokehouse, Seymours Fine Foods, O’Flynn’s Gourmet Sausage Co, Molaga Honey, and the gluten-free bakery Delicious.