Bord Bia stresses the continued success of Origin Green
A total of 41% of Ireland's food and drink exports now come to the UK.
This was one of the key points made by Bobby McDonagh, Ireland's ambassador to the UK, at yesterday's Bord Bia trade reception, held at the Irish Embassy in London.
Simon Coveney, Irish minister for agriculture, fisheries and food, added: "The past two-and-a-half years have seen a significant growth for trade between the two countries and we are confident this will continue to grow."
A large contributor to this continued success has been the launch of Origin Green, a voluntary sustainability development programme managed by Bord Bia, which allows Irish food and drink manufacturers to share and promote their sustainable credentials.
According to Aidan Cotter, CEO of Bord Bia, the Food Harvest 2020 strategy will see the export volumes of Irish dairy produce grow by 50% and beef exports increase in value by 40% in the next seven years.
"Global food prices continue to impact on us all and Irish manufacturers and suppliers are very conscious of this," Cotter added. "However, the sterling appreciation in 2012 has made our products even more attractive to the UK market.
"The UK cannot produce enough meat for its own use. As we approach 2015, and the end of the dairy and milk caps that have been in place since 1984, our quotas will increase by up to 50%."
Bord Bia offers free VIP tickets to the 2013 Bocuse d'Or in Lyons >>
By Lisa Jenkins
E-mail your comments to Lisa Jenkins here. If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.catererandhotelkeeper.com/tabletalk
Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs