19 February, 2009
Mr. Trevor Sargent T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food today opened Ireland’s organic food stand at BioFach, the world’s largest and most prestigious organic food fair in Nuremberg, Germany. Speaking at the opening Minister Sargent said that participation of so many Irish companies at the event was “a truly exciting development”. “There are undoubtedly opportunities for indigenous Irish companies to make inroads into these export markets, and the Irish participation at Biofach is an important step in that direction”, he added.
Trevor Sargent, T.D., Her Excellency Mariann Fischer Boel, European Commissioner and Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive Officer, Bord Bia
Eleven innovative Irish seafood and food companies will be participating at the event, which takes place from 19th – 22nd February. Last year, BioFach attracted close to 3,000 international exhibitors and some 46,500 trade visitors from 124 countries.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and Bord Bia have jointly coordinated the participation of the Irish companies at BioFach 2009. Minister Sargent also welcomed representatives from 14 non-exhibiting Irish food companies who will visit BioFach as part of a German market study. He said that he “was really looking forward to the opportunity of spreading the word about the quality of Irish organic produce that is on display here at the Irish stand”. He also hoped that the event would inspire these Irish companies “to consider the development of new organic products”.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘Ireland stand’ Bord Bia Chief Executive Aidan Cotter commented “Although the UK will continue to be Ireland’s single largest export market, Bord Bia continually works with industry to broaden Ireland’s export reach. We are aware of the difficulties currently facing exporters and in the light of the recent exchange rate, volatility Eurozone markets, such as Germany, offer the prospect of new opportunities and more stability. As the organic sector continues to perform strongly in Germany, driven by the adoption of Bio (organic) by the discounters, Ireland’s strong presence and participation at BioFach and other such events has become increasingly important.”
Aidan Cotter (Bord Bia), Trevor Sargent TD, Donal Buckley (BIM)
According to Donal Buckley, BIM’s Market Development Manager, Irish organic seafood, and specifically organic salmon, is well placed to ride out the current volatility in the marketplace. “Ireland was responsible for pioneering organic salmon and as a result 70-80% of salmon production in Ireland is organic and the quality of the product is now highly sought after in Europe due to its superior quality. In the current economic climate and with ever-increasing price competitiveness in the global salmon market, the Irish organic offering is a profitable and economically viable niche for quality-focused Irish producers” he said.
Notes to Editors
In 2008, Ireland’s organic sector was valued at €100 million, increasing by 82% in two years (Source: TNS Worldpanel). Ireland’s food and drink exports to Germany were valued at €417million in 2007, an increase from €405million in 2006, with 12,400 tonnes of seafood being exported.
BioFach 2009 – Irish Exhibitors
BIM Companies
- Burren Smokehouse
- Fast Net Mussels/West Cork Seafood
- Irish Sea Spray
- ISPG/Atlantic Fare
- Marigot
- Marine Harvest
Bord Bia companies
- Glenisk
- Slaney Valley
- Good Herdsman
- Organic Herb Co.
- Garryvoe Foods
Organic Sector in Germany
Total land area under Organic production in Germany is 833,000 ha. or 4.9per cent (BOLW 2006). Organic per capita sales of organic produce are also high at €56 per capita. Organic grocery sales grew by 125 per cent between 2000 and 2006. In tandem with this cultivable land for organic food has risen by 53 per cent.
Bord Bia
Roz O’Shaughnessy, Corporate Communications Manager
Tel: +353 1 6142245 / +353 86 4054639
BIM
Hazel Dobbyn, Communications Executive
Tel: +353 1 2144 192 / +353 87 4190341
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