Irish gain Japanese functional food expertise
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.
“The visit will give Irish companies the opportunity to learn from the experience of the Japanese functional food industry, and will provide them with exposure to existing and emerging technologies.
“Equally important are the opportunities that the visit will provide for both the Irish and the Japanese to explore the potential for future alliances and collaboration,” he said. Minister Treacy added the visit is a key part of the Government’s strategy to develop the functional food sector. Japan is recognised as a world leader in pioneering and developing the industry.
Japanese national Government policies have actively stimulated a cultural and health environment that supports the sector and have combined with a truly innovative research and industrial community to bring the country to this world-leading position.
“In Ireland, we believe that we have the capacity to expand in this growing sector and we are committed to emulating this collaborative approach by Government, industry and the research community that has proved so successful in Japan,” he said.
Minister Treacy said the Irish Government and Enterprise Ireland has made it an absolute priority to develop the functional food sector and ensure the conditions are in place to promote its success.
Enterprise Ireland executive director Mike Feeney said the visit would highlight the opportunities for Japanese companies in the functional food and nutritional sectors.
