This week’s State visit by President Michael D Higgins to the UK represents an opportunity to highlight the importance of the UK as our largest market for Irish food exports, according to the IFA.
IFA President Eddie Downey said he hoped the visit would further strengthen the trade links between the two countries, which is very important for our agri-food industry.
Last year, we exported €4.1bn worth of food products to the UK, which accounted for 41% of the overall figure for 2013.
Eddie Downey said, “Our ambitions for sustainable growth in the agri sector are based on the demand that will arise from the rapidly-expanding world population. With the UK population predicted to grow to almost 70 million by 2025, the interest generated by the visit of our President over the coming days should have a positive impact for our sector. I would encourage Bord Bia to maximise the potential that will undoubtedly emerge from this high-profile event”.
The IFA President also identified benefits for food tourism to this country as a result of the State visit. “Failte Ireland figures show that our strongest market for visitors is the UK. The interest that will be generated from President Michael D. Higgin’s four-day visit should result in greater numbers of UK tourists coming here, where they can enjoy our quality food and hospitality”.