Bord Bia and 10 Irish exporters are driving international demand for organic produce in Nuremburg, Germany this week at BIOFACH, the world's largest organic food fair. Bord Bia is organising and coordinating Irish representation under the Origin Green banner from the seafood, meat and beverages sectors. To assist companies maximise their presence at the event, Bord Bia has targeted over 350 buyers who are visiting the show to promote awareness of the Irish presence and the quality of the Irish offering.
BioFach focuses on innovation, trends and new products for certified produce and this year Good Herdsmen, Natasha's Living Food, “This is Seaweed” and Healy`s Cut Comb Honey and Acacia Comb Honey launch new products on the international market.
Each year, the event attracts nearly 50,000 European and International trade visitors from over 130 countries to meet with almost 2,400 exhibitors. Speaking about Ireland's participation, Stephanie Moe, Bord Bia's organic sector manager said,
"This event is an opportunity for companies to develop and maintain business relationships, learn about new trends and expand their knowledge base. Ireland's presence here is an acknowledgement of the importance of the German organic food market and of Ireland’s capacity to supply it. Informed by consumer insight and our in-market office network we are working with companies to identify potential new customers and to increase supply of products to meet the growing demand in Europe."
Organic Market in Germany
The German organic market was valued at €8.62bn in 2015, second only to that of the U.S. with discounters and other retailers focusing more on organic lines; as private label plays a huge role in the German retail industry many retailers have rolled out their private label offerings to include organic. Germany is Ireland's sixth largest export market for food and drink with an estimated export value of €600m for 2016. Irish dairy, beef and prepared foods are Ireland's top three food exports to Germany.
Irish Market
The organic food market in Ireland is performing well with growth of 22% in value terms in 2016 to €150m following a 13% increase in 2015. The volume of organic food purchased grew by 35% in 2016 following a 21% increase in 2015.
Irish Companies at BioFach
- The Little Milk Company (Cheese)
- Good Herdsmen (Beef)
- Irish Country Meats (Lamb)
- Slaney Foods International (Beef)
- Irish Seaspray (Seafood)
- Kush Seafarms (Seafood)
- This Is Seaweed (Seaweed)
- Healy's Honey (Honey)
- Solaris Tea (Tea)
- Natasha’s Living Food (Raw Snacks)
Independently Exhibiting Companies
- Virginia Health Food Ltd (Health Foods)
- Nua Naturals (Health Foods)