Bord Bia and Artisans at Salone del Gusto

Bord Bia and representatives from Ireland’s artisan food sector  are in Turin, Italy this week-end to participate in Salone del Gusto, the international trade fair and food exhibition with an emphasis on small scale producers and artisan products. The event expects to attract in excess of 180,000 visitors over five days. The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Ciaran Cuffe TD visited the event on Saturday, October 23rd.  
 
During Salone del Gusto, Bord Bia has been showcasing Ireland’s world class artisan food and drink including beef, lamb, salmon, farmhouse cheeses and craft beers.  The event runs in parallel with Terra Madre, the world meeting of food communities, representing food and agricultural production sectors of 150 countries, including a large Irish delegation, who are committed to promoting production models that respect the environment, and that safeguard natural resources and biodiversity.  Bord Bia currently works with over 350 artisan companies, with an annual estimated turnover of €475 million and total employment of over 3,000 people.
 
Meanwhile, Bord Bia also conducted a three day Food Inspiration Expedition for 12 additional Irish food and drink manufacturers visiting Salone del Gusto. The programme, which aims to provide stimuli for new product ideas, and thereby support innovation, included cooking and tasting demonstrations coinciding with the food fair, and familiarisation visits with foods and wines of the local region.
 
Food and drink exports from Ireland to Italy were estimated at €380 million in 2009.  Italy is Ireland’s fourth largest EU market for food and drink after the UK, France and Germany.  In 2009, Irish beef exports to Italy reached 48,000 tonnes, valued at €205 million, making Italy the third largest EU market for Irish beef. Other key exports include alcoholic beverages, fish and milk powders. There is a growing interest in Ireland’s artisan products in particular farmhouse cheeses, chocolates and artisan beers.