Food sector targets Russian market
Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan arrived yesterday in St Petersburg to capitalise on this trend by launching a Bord Bia promotion drive today for Irish beef and pork.
Bord Bia said the growth in food demand is largely driven by the increase in disposable income and the rapidly emerging Russian middle class. The proportion of consumer income spent on food and drink is 56% of their total income, which is relatively high by western standards.
“With rising disposable incomes and the emergence of the middle class, demand is growing rapidly for more variety and better quality food products.
“Such demand will rise faster than domestic production capability, indicating that their import deficit will be strong,” it said.
MS Coughlan, Bord Bia chairman Angela Kennedy and the Irish Ambassador Justin Harman will address a trade reception in St Petersburg this evening.
It will be attended by Irish food and drinks companies and key Russian contacts including importers, distributors, government representatives and veterinary officials.
The reception will provide Irish companies with an opportunity to meet and network.
