Lough Neagh Eels in Olympics' food showcase

Lough Neagh Eels from Northern Ireland featured with other food and drink producers from across the United Kingdom in a major showcase for the international media in London.

The London Great British Food event at the Ofgem Atrium was organised by Britain's Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and was designed to boost exports. Held as part of the successful London 2012 Olympics, the showcase attracted journalists from around the globe.

The eels have received EU protected name status and are exported to major European food markets and high-end restaurants.

Speaking at the special event to promote British exports during the Olympics, UK Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said: "The Olympics has showcased Britain at its best - and that includes our food and drink, which is winning a deserved reputation for quality and variety. The world clearly has an increasing appetite for our produce, and the Games have provided a perfect opportunity for us to show everyone just how great British food and drink can be.

"Such demand for our food and drink is important, because food and drink industry is the single largest part of Britain's manufacturing base. Its health and vitality are critical to this country's economic growth. That is why the Government is helping the industry promote itself to a world audience, and capture the opportunities which the worldwide demand for British food and drink clearly provide."

Despite difficult global trading conditions Britain's food and drink exports rose by nearly 10 per cent last year, and the industry is hopeful that the competitors, media and tourists from all over the world who have travelled to Britain for the Games will help spread the word about high quality British produce when they return home, leading to increased demand for British food and drink.

The food and drink manufacturing industry is very important to the UK economy - the sector employs 370,000 people and generates income of £76.2 billion, accounting for 16 per cent of the UK's total manufacturing sector revenues.

In addition to domestic businesses, over 3,500 food and drink companies from around the world have bases in the UK, highlighting the positive business environment Britain provides, stringent health standards, quality of local produce, and willingness of Britain to embrace international cuisines to help overseas companies penetrate the European market.

Caroline Spelman's comments were echoed by the British Food and Drink Federation's (FDF) Director General Melanie Leech, who said:

"We are seeing very strong performance from food and drink exports and in 2011 enjoyed our seventh consecutive year of growth. There is considerable interest in British products, particularly heritage brands and in our health and wellbeing innovation, and companies understand the importance of developing new markets. We have been working in partnership with the UK Government to help companies maximise their export potential and our members are very keen to raise the profile of British products amongst customers throughout the world."

In addition to Lough Neagh eels, two other Northern Ireland products, Comber Early Season Potatoes and Armagh Bramley Apples have achieved EU protected name status.

Dr Matthew O'Callaghan, Chair of the UK Protected Food Names Association, the body representing some of Britain's most iconic and historic foods, said:

"The UK produces some of the world's most iconic foods and drink, now recognised by the special protected status of the European Community; from cheese to pork pies, quality meat and meat products to cider, beer and wine, and from sea food to fruit and vegetables, the UK has outstanding products capable of competing with the best in the world."

At the London event, Jean-Pierre Garnier, export manager for EBLEX, the organisation promoting English beef and lamb, said:

"The Great Food Event was a great platform to showcase what Quality Standard beef and lamb are about - taste, tradition and innovation. We also wanted to link the beef and lamb to our characteristic countryside and reinforce our image of very high quality food produced in a sustainable way. Quality Standard beef and lamb can provide the inspiration and a great eating experience for cooks, chefs and consumers from many cultures and countries around the world."