BIGGEST EVER SPEED DATING EVENT FOR IRISH FOOD PRODUCERS - The National Convention Centre is hosting the biggest speed dating event between Irish food and drink producers. 520 food buyers from 28 countries across four continents are in Dublin to attend Marketplace International 2012, a major one-day business development event organised by Bord Bia. Almost 180 Irish food and drink companies will meet with targeted buyers during 4,500 meetings taking place during the day.
Aidan Cotter, the chief executive of Bord Bia, said that Irish food and drink exports performed very strongly in 2011, led by major growth in dairy, meat and seafood. For the year, it is estimated that the value of exports outside of Europe by 20% or €350m to reach almost €2.2 billion.
Janice Lu, the general manager of ACSCO International in China, says this is her second trip to Ireland when she secured a deal to source pork products in 2008. She is here today to secure a seafood contract and says she is in the market for general bulk fish as well as shell fish.
Mike Atwood, the purchasing director of sandwich chain Subway, says the company has a long track record in Ireland since opening its first store here 20 years ago and sources a lot of its products here. He says the company is today looking for suppliers to fit in with its planned snacking and breakfast ranges.
Andrew Cavanna from Selfridges says his chain is hosting an Irish promotion in April and is looking today for that ''special Irish producer'' for the event. He says the supply chain from Ireland to the UK is the biggest nut to crack for him and says that despite the relative short distance from the UK to here, there is a problem getting produce across the sea. He says there is no company there that can bring seven or eight producers' products together and get them transported to the UK.
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MORNING BRIEFS - BP said today that net profits hit $23.9 billion (€18.2 billion) in 2011 following a loss the previous year when the British energy giant was ravaged by US Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster.
*** On the currency markets, the euro is worth $1.3127 and 83 pence sterling.
