Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has said that Britain remains one of Ireland’s most important export markets.
The agriculture minister and his colleague, Minister of State with special responsibility for New Market Development Martin Heydon, are leading an intensive two day virtual trade mission to Great Britain.
The trade mission, in conjunction with Bord Bia, involves engagements with key retail and food service customers.
Minister McConalogue said: “Britain remains Ireland’s most important agri-food export destination, and vice versa.
That seamless trading relationship will inevitably change on January 1, but the Irish food and drinks sector remains committed to servicing this valuable market.
“I am therefore pleased to lead this week’s first virtual trade mission to Great Britain, along with Bord Bia, to engage with leading British retail and food service companies on the strength of our quality, sustainable food offering.’’
Highlights of the virtual trade mission
The trade mission will involve a series of strategic meetings with key customers. Yesterday (Thursday November 5) the ministers participated in the first virtual trade reception, hosted by the Ambassador of Ireland to the United Kingdom Adrian O’Neill.
Minister Heydon commented: “I know that the annual embassy trade reception has been a highlight in the London food industry calendar for many years. I want to congratulate Ambassador O’Neill, his embassy team and Bord Bia London, for successfully converting this to a stimulating online event.
“These engagements offer a timely opportunity to build new contacts and insights in a virtual format,” he added.
CEO of Bord Bia Tara McCarthy said: “Our recent UK consumer research has shown that almost two in every three UK shoppers (67%) are concerned that the current Brexit situation will have a negative effect on the cost of the food and drink they buy for their households.
Half are concerned about the future quality and availability of the food and drink they buy.
“However, the research also shows that Ireland enjoys the highest level of trust of any EU nation. Irish food and drink is considered the best alternative to UK produce with over 85% of UK shoppers open to choosing food and drink from Ireland.
“This is higher than any other country of origin outside of the UK. While we are encouraged by these findings, we are also acutely aware of the costly and complex trading environment we are facing in a post-Brexit Britain.
“This week’s UK trade mission has provided a timely platform to discuss the challenges facing Ireland and the UK, two mutually dependent export markets, and how we can continue to work together to address common concerns,” concluded McCarthy.