Sir, - How good it was to read that BIM has managed to increase its exports to Europe, despite the food and drinks sector suffering a decline of five per cent (October 21st.) However, what amazes me is the scarcity of branded Irish products from supermarkets across Europe.
Over the past six years I have managed to find six products - Kerrygold butter and cheese, Jameson, Guinness, Bailey's, and smoked salmon. Is this the sum total of Irish efforts? As one of the most agricultural countries in the Union, with vast potential for developing and exporting processed foods, we sadly lag behind our European counterparts.
Bord Failte has successfully sold Ireland as a tranquil, unspoilt island of green pastures and fresh rivers and lakes. Surely, with the wind of this perceived image blowing in favour of Irish food producers, a lot more could be done to promote Irish foods/drinks abroad. - Is mise, le meas,
Rue Franklin,
20 1000 Brussels.