Maureen Gahan, Ireland Market, Bord Bia

At its inaugural Foodservice Seminar in the Carlton Hotel, Dublin airport on 19th November, Bord Bia stressed the importance of Ireland’s foodservice sector to over 160 Irish food and drink suppliers.  Delegates heard how the foodservice market in the Republic of Ireland was valued by Mintel at €5.5 billion in 2008, has become increasingly important for Irish suppliers and can offer opportunities for new suppliers considering this route to market.

Bord Bia also launched a new Foodservice Directory at the event, aimed at giving companies key contacts and advice on how best to maximise the opportunities in this area.  The directory contains a comprehensive listing of foodservice operators and distributors, outlines current trends in foodservice and identifies categories where product opportunities exist for Irish suppliers.

Valerie Carroll, Sales Manager for Silver Pail, a speciality ice cream, sorbet and ice cream cake company based in Fermoy, Co Cork discussed the fact that innovation is critical to retaining relationships.  Silver Pail, who supply a mix of major international companies, retail groups and foodservice wholesalers, constantly review its ranges and aims to proactively launch a new concept to the market at least every two years.

Bord Bia will be working throughout 2010 to assist the industry develop stronger relationships with key Irish foodservice distributors and operators.  Planned activities include regular market information and trends updates along with business development modules.

For electronic copies of the presentations and the directory: click here

For further information, contact maureen.gahan@bordbia.ie