The continued success of the Irish food and drink industry will be determined by its ability to meet the evolving needs of consumers and harness advances in science and technology, attendees at a Bord Bia seminar on the links between nutrition and sporting performance heard today.
Marking Bord Bia's sponsorship of the Ryder Cup this September, the seminar explored all aspects of the functional food market including food and drinks that enhance sporting performance. Internationally, consumer spending on sports nutrition foods, beverages and supplements is increasing at an average 5.8 per cent per annum and reached €4.2 billion in 2005.
Addressing the symposium, Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia commented "Health and wellness has now become the biggest driver of change in consumer markets and as such the role of science in establishing and supporting the nutrition and health credentials of Irish food and drink will be increasingly important. It is essential that we capitalise on this trend and exploit the opportunities that it offers Irish companies to expand their product range or find new markets for their produce.
By 2010, it is estimate that total consumer spending on sports nutrition will reach €5.4 billion, with sales in Europe rising to €1.6 billion. The key driver will be uptake amongst recreational and lifestyle consumers – fitness enthusiasts, weekend sportspeople and gym-goers, as well as those consumers just seeking a refreshing beverage, a quick meal replacement or a healthy snack.
The Irish food and drink sector will capitalise on these trends by utilising its extensive experience, expertise and ongoing investment. It will continue to provide a large array of food solutions that include convenient, healthy consumer products, right through to clinical nutrition and infant formula."
Other speakers at the conference included:
Ruth Wood Martin, Sports Dietician and Performance Nutritionist with the Irish Rugby Football Union, presented a practical look at the nutritional requirements of a golfer in the lead up, duration and aftermath of a tournament.
Dr. Kevin Tipton, Doctor of Exercise Metabolism, University of Birmingham, delivered leading scientific research in the field of sports nutrition suggesting suggests that animal protein sources may be optimal sources of protein for exercise and training adaptations.
Mathew Richardson, Development Director, Glanbia Nutritionals UK, spoke of how demand for functional foods and ingredients is creating a growing area of industrial research and product development.
Bord Bia plans to further support the food and drink industry through its programme of information and knowledge which includes seminars, trade fairs and workshops. Bord Bia's sponsorship of the Ryder Cup additionally positions Bord Bia in the midst of one of the greatest international sporting events and provides an excellent platform for Bord Bia to communicate the capability message of Irish food on behalf of the industry.
As part of Bord Bia's Ryder Cup sponsorship, over 300 international food and drink buyers with a combined purchasing power of €64 billion will be guests of Bord Bia and the Irish food and drinks industry. These guests will be targeted to generate substantial new business for Irish exporters in the short to medium term.
Ends
For further information please contact
Rosaleen O'Shaughnessy,
Corporate Communications,
Bord Bia
Tel: 614 2245 or Mob: