Bord Bia has announced its international trade programme of activity for this year, including trade missions and trade shows across China, Europe, Japan, the US, and South East Asia.
These include an upcoming trade mission to the US in March, which will be led by the Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Development, Farm Safety, and New Market Development, Martin Heydon.
This will be followed by another trade mission to China later in the year.
Irish food and drink exports are worth €16.3 billion to the Irish economy.
Jim O'Toole, Bord Bia CEO said engagements like trade shows and trade missions offer an opportunity to communicate Ireland's potential overseas.
"The impact of meeting face to face with international customers is incredibly important for driving business and leads to benefits all along the supply chain, particularly for farmers as our primary producers," he said.
Mr O'Toole said trade shows are important for Irish exporting companies looking at building new contacts that allow industry to diversify into new markets.
"Bord Bia’s teams and network of 14 overseas offices are instrumental in executing business conversion from leads generated at these trade shows, creating significant return for the Irish economy," he added.
Included in Bord Bia’s trade show activity are a host of new trade shows focusing on the meat, dairy, and drink sectors.
There is a focus on emerging and growing markets, including South East Asia, which Bord Bia said is growing at pace and represents a priority target market for the diversification of Irish food and drink exports.
