Tasting success: 80,000 flock to Irish speciality food market in London
An estimated 80,000 people flocked to the home of British opera over two days to sample the fare at an Irish food market.
It was music to the ears of Bord Bia, which organised the event to kick-start Irish food and drink promotions across Britain during St Patrick's festival week.
Forty artisan and speciality producers took part in the market, which incorporated an Irish beef steak bar, run by Michelin-star chef Richard Corrigan.
Customers bought Irish foods ranging from farmhouse cheeses, steak sandwiches and preserves to breads and smoked fish.
The market, part of the Mayor of London's St Patrick's Festival, had been heavily promoted to consumers by Bord Bia and the Greater London Authority.
Food Minister Brendan Smith, who launched the market, said the speciality food sector has enjoyed great success in recent years and has made a significant contribution to the favourable image and prestige that Irish food products enjoy internationally.
"The all-Ireland speciality food market is an opportunity to build on this reputation and to promote these products to an important market for Irish artisan and speciality producers."
Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter said the St Patrick's Day festivities presented an opportunity to showcase the best of food and drink from Ireland to new and existing customers.
The interest in speciality food continues to grow as consumers become more aware of different cultures and food varieties.
Sales of speciality food in Ireland and Britain are set to grow from €6.1 billion to €7.5bn by 2007.
Bord Bia is also conducting a number of activities and promotions with the major British multiples to capitalise on the St Patrick's Day festivities.
A joint promotion with Tesco, featuring a number of Irish companies, will run until next Sunday in 100 stores throughout Britain.
There are currently more than 25 Irish suppliers to Tesco in Britain with the retail chain estimated to purchase in excess of €450 million worth of Irish food and drink products per annum.
The activities in London are part of a series of promotions in overseas markets to highlight the range and quality of Irish food and drink to consumers, retailers and foodservice operators.
