Irish exhibitors sell their ‘quality’ message to French audience

French consumers and food industry buyers are increasingly interested in quality Irish produce, say key exhibitors attending the Sial food fair in Paris.

Irish Country Meats (ICM) managing director Joe Hyland said France is a particularly important market for Irish lamb, accounting for 65%-70% of Ireland’s total lamb exports of €108m annually. Ireland’s leading lamb exporter, ICM has operations in Belgium and Germany, several French-speaking staff, and a full-time representative based in France, the destination for 40% of the company’s annual exports.

“There is a great story to be developed by Bord Bia about Ireland’s grass-based feeding system,” Mr Hyland said. “The industry people here at Sial are delighted when they hear that our lambs are reared outdoors. This is a must-attend event, with a growing number of international buyers.