KINSALE EVENT: Food sales in Britain and Ireland are driven by premium food specialists at the top end of the broad multiple retail market, according to the chief executive of Bord Bia.
Mr Michael Duffy says: "New research shows speciality food is broadening its appeal to mass-market audiences. Market conditions internationally point to a positive future for speciality food, and the growth record of the Irish sector in taking up the opportunity is very impressive," he adds.
Today and tomorrow, more than 200 international food buyers will gather in Kinsale, Co Cork, to meet more than 100 producers of speciality foods in Ireland to discuss the development of the speciality food sector and sample the delights of a two-day farmers' market on the streets of the town.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Mr Walsh, who addresses the symposium this morning will emphasise the importance of the small, craft food producers in the context of Ireland's €8 billion food and drinks industry.
In total, there are more than 200 speciality food and drink producers in Ireland, employing 1,500 people and with a turnover of €250 million. "But there is still scope for expansion when you see that the combined value of the speciality food market in Ireland and Britain alone is in excess of €4 billion," Mr Walsh says.
