International Food and Drink Showcase opens in Dublin

More than 300 companies from Ireland and abroad are taking part in Ireland's biggest food and drink exhibition, IFEX, which opened at the Royal Dublin Society today.

Thousands of trade visitors are expected to attend during the three days of the show which is the shop front of the Irish agri-food Industry.

Agriculture and food accounted for 9.2% of Ireland's Gross Domestic Product and 8.5% of total exports in 2002 and is estimated to employ 10% of the labour force.

Irish companies will use the exhibition to unveil new products and to develop important new export markets.

Last year, the Irish food and drink industry was valued at €16bn, of which just under half was exported to more than 130 counties worldwide.

Several European countries including Spain, Germany and Poland, have large government-supported national pavilions while Britain is represented with "The Heart of England" and "Wales" pavilions.

The prestigious IFEX Cheese Awards have attracted a record number of entries this year. A new prize - the Irish Farmhouse Cheesemaker of the Year - has also been launched.

This will run annually and is designed recognize the excellence and skill of Irish cheesemakers while helping to launch new Irish cheeses into international markets.