Irish gain Japanese functional food expertise

KEY personnel from Irish functional food companies and research institutions are in Japan this week on an Enterprise Ireland mission to see how the Land of the Rising Sun became a world leader in the sector.

Meetings with leading Japanese dairy and functional food companies and Government bodies, who have a recognised expertise and experience in the industry, are planned for the Irish delegation, as well as visits to research institutes.

Food Minister Noel Treacy, who is heading the mission, said the developing relationship between Ireland and Japan in the functional food area holds out the prospect of great potential benefits for both countries.