Biggest-ever campaign to drive Northern Irish food exports

Northern Irish food and drink companies are being assisted to increase exports by the biggest-ever marketing drive in global markets.

The aim of the campaign, developed by Invest Northern Ireland, the region's business promotion agency, is to push food and drink sales outside the United Kingdom beyond £1 billion a year.

Around 30 events in global markets have been lined up by Invest NI this year ahead as it seeks to help to increase exports of Northern Ireland's biggest manufacturing industry, currently generating over £4 billion for the local economy and employing almost 100,000 throughout the supply chain including 20,000 in processing plants.

Among the events already planned are participation in 17 major exhibition

including ANUGA, the world's biggest food show this year in Germany; Gulfood in Dubai; PLMA Private Label in Amsterdam, the International Food Exhibition in London; Boston Seafood Show; Snack and Sandwich Show in Paris; and Food Hotel China in Shanghai.

The broadest range of Northern Irish food and drink will be showcased on Northern Ireland Naturallybranded presentations at these shows.

Opportunities will also be provided to food companies to explore emerging markets such as India, China, Russia, Brazil and South Africa by means of a series of 20 trade missions.

Invest NI has also targeted the red meat, poultry and pork sectors for faster growth and has linked up with GIRA, the Swiss marketing company, which has already provided advice about opportunities in Russia and China.

Apart from sales in international markets, Northern Ireland food companies sell upwards to £2 billion annually to customers, both retail and foodservice, in Great Britain.

Dr Vicky Kell, Invest NI Trade Director, says: "This is certainly a very extensive and comprehensive business development programme, the biggest-ever that we've organised and reflects our commitment to help the food industry grow faster in global markets.

"In addition, we've set up a global network of Invest NI offices and trade development consultants offering companies, both large and small and across virtually every business sector, expert advice and practical support on-the-ground.

"Our specialist trade teams in Northern Ireland and abroad help food and other businesses to access new customers and to compete successfully in export markets by developing effective export strategies. The opportunities for local companies to grow business faster abroad are extensive."