Food and drink expo

BORD BIA yesterday announced details of its first Marketplace Ireland, which will take place in Dublin later this month.

Over 200 international buyers will meet more than 50 Irish food and drink companies at this new business exhibition.

The two-day event at Croke Park on September 21-22 will be focused on generating introductions and new business opportunities for Irish companies and will comprise a series of one-to-one meetings, keynote speakers and presentations.

Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter said the initiative is a high impact strategic event to address the current business challenges of the food and drink industry in a very efficient manner.

Mr Cotter said trading conditions in the sector are challenging as competition intensifies, cost pressures continue and the consumer demands quality and value.

However, as a result of consolidation and time pressures, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Irish companies to access buyers. Conversely, these same buyers are searching for new products from suppliers to meet the needs of an ever-demanding consumer.

Bord Bia’s overseas office network has investigated and targeted buyers to attend and has also worked with the individual food and drink companies to target specific buyers.

Speakers will include Tom Coughlin, executive vice president Wal-Mart USA and Tim Mason, director of Marketing, Tesco UK.