Irish goods worth over $7 million were sold during a television promotion on a US shopping television channel on St Patrick's Day. This was an increase of 38 per cent on 1995.
The Minister for Tourism and Trade, Mr Kenny, did an interview for the channel, QVC, which was screened during the 24 hour St Patrick's Day celebration. The channel is received by 54 million homes in the US and focuses on jewellery, giftware, pottery, knitwear, dolls and soft furnishings. Of the 220 Irish products featured on the show, 154 sold out. QVC is the single biggest customer for Irish giftware in the US.
The next promotion will be in September and will be linked to a Rose of Tralee special by QVC.
Mr Kenny said a QVC team would be in Ireland at the end of August for the Rose of Tralee festival filming items for inclusion in the show. It would provide a superb opportunity to promote Irish goods and tourism.