Irish Food;
Consistent industry producing
consistently quality food
of international renown
Against the backdrop of a year characterised by
volatility and general uncertainty, both domestically
and internationally, the Irish food industry actually
had a great year. In a small piece of good news for
Irish industry, national exports of food and drink
reached an all-time high of €8.9 billion.
While we must be cognisant that much of this growth
is attributable to a global surge in commodity and
food prices, we should also recognise the hard work
and good strategy that has gone into maintaining the
good name of Irish food.
Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, is the State Agency
charged with coordinating the endeavors of the
Irish food and drink industry. Its extensive research
into how Irish food is perceived abroad informs the
strategies that it implements at home, in order to
maintain the esteem in which Irish food is held.
Chief Executive of Bord Bia, Aidan Cotter explains
that, “We have a good reputation as an island that
produces good food. While Ireland is not recognised
as having any particular ‘cuisine’, we have a good
name for excellent ingredients. The research that we
have conducted among consumers, trade buyers and
journalists indicates that Ireland is seen as green and
unspoilt by industrial production. Our reputation
for being friendly and welcoming also comes to
the fore. All of these factors are attributable to the
continued success of our food and drink produce in
the international sphere.”
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