The value of Irish food products sold into the Algerian market has grown by more than 39% in the first eight months of 2016, according to the Minister of Agriculture.
The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, has lead a high-level trade mission to Morocco earlier this week, while senior officials from his Department will fly the Irish flag in Algeria over the next two days.
Events will include bi-laterials with the Ministry of Agriculture and with the Algerian State Agency ONIL who manage public procurement of dairy products making them one of the largest buyers of dairy produce in the world.
The next few days will also include a series of commercial and promotional events including a major seminar, organised by Bord Bia, promoting Irish Dairy called “Food Ireland – Safe, Secure and Sustainable”.
About the Algerian market
Algeria is the second largest importer of powdered milk in the world, after China, and Ireland already provides 4.5% of its milk powder imports and 23% of cheese imports into Algeria.
These meetings will focus on strengthening trade links and highlight the unique quality and reliability of Irish dairy produce to key players in the Algerian market.
Commenting on the Algerian leg of the visit, Minister Creed said that Algeria is already a significant trade partner with Ireland for exported food products, mainly in the dairy sector.
“In the last three years Irish agrifood exports to Algeria have almost doubled in value from just under €23m in 2013 to just over €41m in 2015.
In the first eight months of 2016 the value of Irish food exports to Algeria grew by 39% on the same period in the previous year.
“This is mainly dominated by dairy but in both this sector and others we believe there is significant scope for growth.
“Monday’s high level seminar amongst other events will be central to raising Ireland’s profile as a safe sustainable producer of food to Algerian customers.
“There will also be opportunities to engage with potential importers of Irish livestock,” he said.