A number of Irish companies are now eyeing the export potential in the €20bn seafood market in China, which accounts for one-quarter of the world’s consumption.

It was a day of warm handshakes, knowing winks, assuring words, colourful posters, catchy slogans and people chatting seriously with one another.

More than 75% of Ireland’s food and drinks exports will be from Origin Green verified members by the end of 2014, Bord Bia estimates.