Organic Irish exporters targeting export growth at leading organic trade fair
Trade fair is taking place on the first day of a three-day government-led organic trade mission to Nuremberg and Munich
Print26 July 2022
Bord Bia is supporting Irish organic food and drink producers in targeting new business opportunities at BioFach, the world’s leading trade fair for organic produce, taking place in Nuremberg, Germany this week from 26-29 July.
Seven Irish exporters of organic seafood, dairy, and meat are exhibiting on the Origin Green Ireland stand, taking place on the first day of a government-led organic trade mission to Germany.
Ireland’s growing organic sector
“The strong Irish presence at this flagship organic event is valuable in building awareness of Ireland’s growing organic sector among key trade buyers,” said Bord Bia interim chief executive, Michael Murphy.
“Ahead of BioFach, Bord Bia’s German office has been targeting buyers though trade media and direct marketing to highlight the strong sustainability credentials of organic suppliers from Ireland and ensure that Irish suppliers are top-of-mind for prospective buyers attending the show.
“To support the long-term development of the Irish organic sector, Bord Bia will use this trade mission and our presence at BioFach, to deepen commercial relationships and increase our understanding of the organic market in Germany.” he added. “A series of meetings with leading German organic retailers and food manufacturers will take place today to further grow the market for Irish organic exports.”
BioFach attracts buyers from over 130 countries, with over 50,000 visitors expected over the three days. The Origin Green Ireland pavilion was officially opened today by the Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Senator Pippa Hackett, during a tour to meet the Irish exhibitors.
Minister Pippa Hackett described the present moment as “a pivotal time” for Ireland’s organic sector.
“As we continue to grow organic output in Ireland, it is vital that we increase the market opportunities for organic Irish produce at home and abroad,” Minister Hackett said.
“Deepening trade relationships and increasing market understanding through this trade mission is essential in this regard,” she added.
“Today, along with my departmental colleagues and Bord Bia, we have back-to-back engagements with senior personnel across German government and industry to ensure we can maximise the benefits of attendance at BioFach.”
Currently, Ireland’s organically farmed area is approximately 2% of our total agricultural area. Under the Programme for Government, the aim is to increase organic farmland to 7.5% by 2027.
Value of the European organic market
In 2021, Bord Bia commissioned Zenith research to conduct a study into the ‘Opportunities and barriers for Irish organic produce’. In Europe, the study examined opportunities in France, Germany, Italy, Austria, the UK, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
The cumulative organic market in these eight countries was valued at €27.7 billion in 2020, growing from €19.5 billion in 2015. Fruit and veg accounted for the largest share, at just over a third of total value, followed by dairy (19.3%) and eggs (11.4%), with beef, seafood and lamb all accounting for less than 10% share collectively. However, beef was the fastest growing category, having grown by 8.7% annually since 2015. Across these markets, imported organic produce accounted for 18% of the total organic market in 2020.
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