Strong Irish presence at Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2011 Stand Nos: 613 & 615

Twelve Irish speciality food and drink producers will be exhibiting on the Bord Bia (Irish Food Board) stand at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair next month in Olympia Exhibition Centre. From September 4th to 6th, Bord Bia is coordinating a strong Irish representation from a wide range of sectors, including – seafood, confectionery, dairy, drinks and baking – most having recently had success at the Great Taste Awards 2011.

Ireland has a long established reputation for fine food and drink products and boasts a wealth of food producers who use their experience and skills to produce quality products renowned world-wide. This year sees a range of new product launches – the variety of which clearly demonstrates the creativity and innovation emerging from Ireland.

Virginia Health Food is launching three gluten free products – Helen’s Brilliant brown bread, sandwich and scone mixes.

Mileeven Fine Foods will be sampling the recently launched range of premium fruit and nut honeys.

Pandora Bell will be making its UK debut at the Fair. The range includes Honey Nougat, Traditional Sweets and Handmade Lollipops with a strong focus on retro chic design.

Mella’s Fudge will be showcasing its range of award-winning fudges including the Old Fashioned Buttery Vanilla Fudge which won a 3 star Gold Great Taste Award 2011.

Cooleeney Farmhouse Cheese will also be at the Fair with its recently revamped packaging.

Now in its 12th year, the Fair brings together producers with top retail, wholesale and foodservice buyers looking to source new, high quality food and drink products.

Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive of Bord Bia, comments, “Ireland’s strong presence at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair is an acknowledgement of the importance of the UK market. Irish producers work hard to produce artisan food that is a true representation of the skills and quality that Ireland has to offer. We are delighted that so many producers are attending this year’s show.”

Irish food and drink was a major contributor to the economy’s strong export performance in 2010, with export sales expanding by 11 per cent to reach €7.9 billion. Just over 40% of all Irish food and drink exports are destined for the UK market. The expansion in food and drink exports outpaced the increase in total merchandise exports and is estimated to have accounted for almost one-third of total growth during the first nine months of 2010.