ABOUT 50 Irish food companies presented their wares to buyers from some of Britain's most prestigious retailers at a seminar in London this week.
The presentation, which was organised by the Irish food board, Bord Bia, featured speciality products such as farmhouse cheeses, duck, shellfish and mustards. Most of the items featured are produced by small and medium-sized Irish companies, often located in rural areas.
The buyers in attendance included representatives from Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. A number of British food writers were also present. The presentation was part of pan-European programme to promote Irish fine foods and drink to specialist and premium retailers.
Bord Bia chief executive, Mr Michael Duffy, said Ireland was the second largest exporter of food and drink to Britain with sales of Pounds 1.5 billion last year. "Our objective is to overtake the French and to become the largest supplier of food and drink to Britain," he added. While Ireland is well known to British consumers for meat and dairy products, Bord Bia wants to increase the export of premium foods.
Mr Harry Hutton, the senior buyer for Harrods' Food Halls, said he had come to the seminar to look at some farmhouse cheeses and mussels. "I think Ireland has quite a good image for food," he said
Before Harrods stocks a particular food item, senior staff visit the production site to "check the factory and check the production process". Consistency is the key to supplying Harrods, according to Mr Hutton, and this can often be a problem with smaller companies.
Mr Hutton was also interested in the duck and ducklings from the Monaghan company, Silver Hill Foods. "They're sending a sample in, and we'll cook it and see what it's like. We do a French product, but I think this one is better."
Silver Hill, which employs 130 people in Emyvale, exports about 80 per cent of its output to Britain, mainly to the Chinese restaurant market. Silver Hill's British sales director, Mr Peter Gaffney, said the company had recently moved into the value added sector with the introduction of new products such as smoked duckling breast and crispy aromatic duckling with pancakes.
Mr Gaffney believes the duck and pancake ready meals have huge potential for the British high street retail sector and he is currently meeting representatives of the major chains. Silver Hill, which has an annual turnover of between Pounds 15 million and Pounds 20 million, also exports quails and quail eggs.
Mr Edward Twomey, of Clonakilty Black Pudding, said the British market held huge potential for his company, which employs 20 people in west Cork. He hopes to obtain an export licence before Christmas and is already talking to one major hotel chain which is interested in stocking Clonakilty's black and white pudding.
Mr Twomey said the trip to London would be worthwhile even if he only made one useful contact. "One contact is all you need ... and the opportunity is here in England."
According to British food marketing consultant, Mr Michael McCarthy, most Irish firms have recognised the potential of the British retail sector but have little idea about the huge food service/catering business. "People think of workers in overalls but Gardiner Merchant, for example, caters for all markets and would have about 400 prestigious corporate clients."
Supplying catering companies can also be easier than the retail sector, as the packaging does not have to be sophisticated and distribution is carried out by the service company. Products can be delivered to one site "in brown paper boxes", Mr McCarthy said.
