15 Irish food exporters exhibit at world's largest food fair
Bord Bia and 15 Irish food exporters are in Paris for the world’s largest food fair, Salon International d’Alimentation (SIAL), which opened last Saturday, October 19 and runs until Wednesday, October 23.
Approximately 7,500 exhibitors from 130 countries will be competing for the attention of around 8,000 buyers with an estimated purchasing power of €50 billion.
Today (Monday, October 21), Minister of State with responsibility for research and development, farm safety and new market development, Martin Heydon, will visit the Irish companies exhibiting at SIAL and attend a series of customer meetings arranged by Bord Bia.
Bord Bia chief executive, Jim O’Toole commented that Bord Bia has invested in a major pre-show B2B marketing campaign to recruit influential buyers to meet with Irish exhibitors.
Origin Green branded billboards are on display at prominent locations within the exhibition area to entice trade buyers to visit the Ireland stands.
“SIAL takes place every two years and is an important component of Bord Bia’s strategic global business development plans," O'Toole commented.
"Our goal is to ensure that our Irish exporters experience the best possible outcome from their participation in SIAL. Bord Bia has arranged high level meetings between international buyers and retailers and their Irish meat and dairy suppliers.
"These meetings will be supported by Minister Martin Heydon and are designed to strengthen and grow their trading relationships and identify further business opportunities.”
A special feature at SIAL are the Innovation Awards, which spotlight innovative products developed by the agri-food sector.
Dawn Farms has been shortlisted for its MEAT+ product, which combines plants with meat. The company will be showcasing MEAT+ at the dedicated SIAL Innovation Zone.
Ahead of the show, Minister Heydon said: “This is my second opportunity to come to SIAL and see first-hand how Irish exporters stand out on this competitive global stage.
"The theme of this year’s event is ‘60 years of excellence in global food innovation’. Who better exemplifies this, than Irish farmers and food producers who have been producing innovative and high-quality food production for decades?
"I am delighted to see global meat and dairy players exhibiting here alongside newer companies. SIAL is an opportunity for our Irish exhibitors to connect with both French and international trade visitors.
These engagements are invaluable to explore new customer opportunities as well as building on existing customer relationships, to strengthen our exports.”
Irish companies have a long history of exhibiting at SIAL and this year marks Ireland’s 24th appearance at the trade fair, which celebrates 60 years this year.
