UAE key target market for Northern Ireland food companies - Bell
Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister, Jonathan Bell, is
supporting 13 local companies taking part in Gulfood, one of the
world's largest annual food and hospitality trade shows.
Speaking from Gulfood in Dubai Jonathan Bell said: "Gulfood is one
of the most important food and hospitality shows in the world and
historically has already delivered significant business for
Northern Ireland companies including Free'ist, Dale Farm and
Glenarm Organic Salmon.
"As an Executive, we recognise the importance of supporting our
local businesses to explore export markets helping them to develop
international business opportunities in key markets. Northern
Ireland already boasts some of the world's finest produce and, as
we look to grow our international reputation during Northern
Ireland's Year of Food & Drink, this exhibition is giving us a
platform to raise our profile and to promote our local food offeringon a global stage.
"The UAE region is a key target market for ambitious Northern
Ireland food and beverage companies with a 17% increase in exports
here in the latest 12 month rolling period, from October 2014 to
September 2015, compared to the same period last year. Invest
Northern Ireland is helping the producers here at Gulfood to take
advantage of potential opportunities, connecting them with buyers
and distributors and helping them to drive exports.
"The United Arab Emirates is an important trading partner for local businesses and Northern Ireland's relationship with this market
continues to grow. I am confident that this year's Gulfood will be
a success and further business will result from contacts made duringthe exhibition."
The Minister's visit will take him to Dubai in the UAE and Kuwait
where he will conduct a series of business meetings with existing
businesses and potential investors.
Pictured with the Minister are Shane McAuley, Director of Business
Development Invest NI Food and Beverages Middle East and Asia and
Barry Clarke, Head of Territory IMEA Dubai.
supporting 13 local companies taking part in Gulfood, one of the
world's largest annual food and hospitality trade shows.
Speaking from Gulfood in Dubai Jonathan Bell said: "Gulfood is one
of the most important food and hospitality shows in the world and
historically has already delivered significant business for
Northern Ireland companies including Free'ist, Dale Farm and
Glenarm Organic Salmon.
"As an Executive, we recognise the importance of supporting our
local businesses to explore export markets helping them to develop
international business opportunities in key markets. Northern
Ireland already boasts some of the world's finest produce and, as
we look to grow our international reputation during Northern
Ireland's Year of Food & Drink, this exhibition is giving us a
platform to raise our profile and to promote our local food offeringon a global stage.
"The UAE region is a key target market for ambitious Northern
Ireland food and beverage companies with a 17% increase in exports
here in the latest 12 month rolling period, from October 2014 to
September 2015, compared to the same period last year. Invest
Northern Ireland is helping the producers here at Gulfood to take
advantage of potential opportunities, connecting them with buyers
and distributors and helping them to drive exports.
"The United Arab Emirates is an important trading partner for local businesses and Northern Ireland's relationship with this market
continues to grow. I am confident that this year's Gulfood will be
a success and further business will result from contacts made duringthe exhibition."
The Minister's visit will take him to Dubai in the UAE and Kuwait
where he will conduct a series of business meetings with existing
businesses and potential investors.
Pictured with the Minister are Shane McAuley, Director of Business
Development Invest NI Food and Beverages Middle East and Asia and
Barry Clarke, Head of Territory IMEA Dubai.