150 targeted food buyers from the UK, Ireland and Continental Europe with a combined purchasing power of almost €8 billion will attend Bord Bia's third International Speciality Food Forum, at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
The showcase of 85 Irish speciality food companies is the largest exhibit of its kind with an extensive product line-up including farmhouse dairy, confectionery, bakery, condiments, meat, fish, beverages and horticulture produce. Some 850 pre-arranged meetings will take place throughout the day in a tightly managed 'speed-dating style' operation to ensure buyers and producers can leverage maximum benefit and business opportunity.
The Irish and UK speciality food and drinks market is currently valued at €7.5bn and continues to grow as luxury products become increasingly relevant to the mass-market consumer.
The forum includes presentations from retailers, opinion leaders as well as Bord Bia market analysis and independently commissioned research on the speciality premium food market.
Bord Bia Chairman Angela Kennedy said, "Small speciality food producers are fundamental to a thriving and progressive food industry where changing trends see a more discerning consumer prioritise quality, provenance, authenticity and taste."
"There are significant opportunities for niche products with a local or regional story to tell. Many Irish speciality products have already established a strong brand presence nationally and internationally and we will continue to work with food and drink companies to further build this success and continue to increase market share and sustain growth", she continued.
The International Speciality Food Forum is part of a greater Bord Bia initiative, a Centre of Excellence for Small Business, which has been establishedto provide owner managers with access to the highest level of best practice expertise and resources. Key elements will include a resource centre, a business network, a high impact sales centre and a resource guide.
The forum, themed; 'Regional and Local Foods – An Opportunity for Growth' is a key event on Bord Bia's calendar. Recent Bord Bia research, Periscope 2005, revealed 50% of ROI consumers consider the purchase of local produce as being of importance when food shopping.
Speakers at the conference include Mary Coughlan, T.D. Minister for Agriculture and Food; Angela Kennedy, Chairman, Bord Bia; Ewan Venters, Food and Catering Director, Selfridges & Co, UK; Beatrice Blake, Manager, Bord Bia London office; Karen Todd, Local Choice Manager, ASDA Wal-Mart; Paul Farrell, Northern Ireland Trading & Marketing General Manager, ASDA Wal-Mart; and John McKenna, Author of Bridgestone Guides.
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NOTE TO EDITOR
Research at the Forum:
British Speciality Food Market – A Consumer Lifestyle Perspective investigates the speciality food market and profiles the lifestyle and motives of speciality food purchasers in Britain. The session will include insights from research conducted earlier this year in Britain amongst food purchasers on their attitude to and usage of speciality foods. In addition, some macro trends shaping the beliefs and behaviour of consumers in this dynamic sector will be presented. Specifically, formative trends discussed during the session will include the demographic and social changes shaping the British population, the aspiration of consumers to develop their connoisseurship of food and drink, the move to ethical consumption, the demand for authenticity and transparency from corporate bodies and the on-going quest for health.
Irish Authentic Ingredients - An Ireland of Regions focuses on familiar and forgotten Irish ingredients in order to rediscover Ireland's culinary food heritage. Food writer and critic John McKenna will present new research that uncovers Ireland's hidden food heritage. His research maps and catalogues familiar and forgotten ingredients and speciality foods including air-dried lamb from Connemara; black bacon from Fermanagh; boxty from Cavan, Leitrim and Monaghan; oatmeal from Macroom; beef from Westmeath, Limerick ham; Cork City buttered eggs and the traditional regional varieties of farmhouse cheeses such as blue-veined cheese from the east coast and midlands; semi-soft washed rind cheese from the southwest; and goat's milk cheeses from the north east.
Gala Dinner / Awards:
To coincide with the event the UK Guild of Fine Food Retailers will bring the Irish element of the Great Taste Awards to Ireland for the first time. These awards have set the international benchmark for quality for speciality food and drink for the past 12 years and major award winners will be showcased at the forum's dinner after 50 judges from Ireland and the UK blind tasted entries in Dublin.
For further information contact:
Rosaleen O'Shaughnessy, Corporate Communications, Bord Bia
Tel: 01 614 2245