Ireland mixes it with the best of the rest
The intense competitive nature of the market place is obvious from a cursory glance at the huge exhibition, which is regarded as the largest trade food and drink show in the world.
Over 5,200 exhibitors of a wide range of food and drink from 94 countries are taking part.
Food Minister Noel Treacy, who officially opened the Ireland the Food Island stand, organised by Bord Bia, said the 20 Irish companies exhibiting in the meat, dairy and national food halls are without doubt excellent
ambassadors for our most valuable indigenous industry.
“We in Ireland have an excellent reputation for the high quality of our meat and dairy products.
“The meat and dairy halls at this exhibition will demonstrate to the discerning customer the commitment to quality and safety that is inherent in these industries in Ireland.”
Minister Treacy said Ireland is also demonstrating at SIAL an extended range of other top quality Irish
products, with an emphasis on prepared consumer foods, confectionery and drinks.
Quality, dedication and professionalism are the hallmarks of the Irish food industry, he said.
SIAL is also a hugely important occasion this year for British beef, which is set for a return to the French market.
It follows the lifting of a ban by the French authorities which had been maintained for almost three years after the rest of Europe had cleared British beef for export.
For the first time in six years, British beef was cooked and served on French soil yesterday, with tastings available on the country’s meat stand at the huge exhibition.
It was also served at a British Meat dinner held for international importers last night.
British Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Margaret Beckett and Welsh Rural Affairs Minister Mike German attended.
Rémi Fourrier, manager of the British Meat and Livestock Commission’s Paris office, said they were prepared for the lifting of the ban and had plans in place to help exporters regain their markets.
“We have been in contact with many of those who used to be our customers. There is demand for the excellent quality beef we have to offer which is very encouraging.
“We have a very big job ahead of us, but I believe French consumers will soon be enjoying our beef again,” he said.
