Bord Bia,the Irish food board,and Oakland International,a UK and Irish food distribution company,conducted an event to help Irish food producers boost their exports to the UK market.
The day-long event for Irish food suppliers was part of the Bord Bia UK Retail Programme.It was aimed at providing visiting companies with a broad overview of the UK retail market,along with supply chain information needed to facilitate effective product delivery into the UK Market.
The event,which was aimed at potential export producers,provided a detailed overview of UK's supply chain market and management facilities,as well as the functionality played by agents.
The event included detailed presentations by Bord Bia,IGD-Institute of Grocery Distribution and SPAR UK,as well as Oakland International and Oakland Distribution.
Following this,the visitors then undertook a site tour that provided first hand information on how the supply chain works and then a fact finding retail tour to a variety of supermarkets in the area.
Oakland International MD Dean Attwell said that these events continue to be popular with producers in Ireland who are seeking to export to the UK.
The events discussed and evaluated specific issues and needs of the producer,as well as focused on the operational experience required to successfully deliver their products into retailer depots,Attwell added.
According to latest figures released by the Irish Food Board,Bord Bia,the value of Irish food and drink exports increased by 12%,or€1bn in 2011 to reach an all-time high of€8.85bn,and as a result the sector represented 25%of the rise in total export revenue.The value of Irish food and drink exports over the last two years has increased by€1.8bn or 25%.
