Forum targets British market
It was part of a practical marketing programme which brings together companies and export advisers who work together on developing and implementing a winning British sales strategy for the businesses.
The programme runs over a three-year period and is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with support from Bord Bia, Irish Exporters Association and Enterprise Ireland.
Partner to the programme is Bic Eyri, the Welsh Development Agency.
Many small food and drink companies are hampered by a lack of management time and resources in developing the export side of their operations.
These companies recognise what they need to do to grow their export sales, but are often frustrated by the daily constraints of running their business.
However, 18 companies with a collective turnover of almost €30 million with a total of 220 full-time and 40 part-time employees have signed up for the programme.
The €300 million Irish speciality food and drink market recorded strong sales growth in 2003 recording a 19% increase in annual turnover.
