FDBusiness.com

Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board) together with experienced UK and Irish food distribution company, Oakland International, recently played host to a visiting group of Irish food producers looking to capitalise on current growth in Irish food exports.

The day-long event for Irish Food suppliers, part of the Bord Bia UK Retail Programme, was organized to provide visiting companies with a broad overview of the UK retail market, along with supply chain information needed to enable effective product delivery into the UK market.

Following detailed presentations by Bord Bia, IGD and SPAR UK, as well as Oakland International and Oakland Distribution, the visitors then undertook a site tour to provide 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’s MD, Dean Attwell, stated: “With a growing number of complex factors involved when working with UK retailers, these events continue to prove highly popular with producers in Ireland who are looking to export to the UK, as we both discuss and examine specific issues and needs of the producer, as well as focus on the operational experience required to successfully deliver their products into retailer depots.”

Aimed at potential export producers, the day provided a detailed overview of UK’s supply chain market and management facilities, as well as the functionality played by agents, to capitalise and explore the many opportunities available for Irish food exporters in the UK.

According to recent figures released by Bord Bia, the value of Irish food and drink exports increased by 12%, or €1 billion in 2011 to reach an all-time high of €8.85 billion, and as a result the sector accounted for 25% of the rise in total export revenue. The value of Irish food and drink exports over the last two years has increased by €1.8 billion or 25%.

CAPTION:

Oakland International’s Managing Director, Dean Attwell with Vinesh Patel, SPAR UK Supply Chain Controller.