Irish Food Producers get a Taste of the UK Market
Bord Bia together with experienced UK and Irish food distribution company, Oakland International, 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 – Institute of Grocery Distribution 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 the Irish Food Board, 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%.
With distribution depots in Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Ireland and Redditch, Worcestershire in the UK, Oakland International is well placed to identify and assist with the distribution plans of aspiring producers looking to grow their businesses across both retail sectors.
Oakland International is a multi temperature supply chain specialist in warehousing, distribution and logistics which has depots in the UK and Ireland, and encompasses Oakland Distribution.
Multi-award wins include 2012 winners of the Environmental Contribution Award at the European Supply Chain Excellence Awards in the category of Contribution to Environmental Improvement: Climate Change, Business in the Community Award for Carbon Reduction and finalists in the IGD Food Industry Awards. 2011 winners of the award for Best Logistics at Ireland’s Checkout National FMCG Awards as well as the UK Business Initiative of the Year award at The Grocer Gold Awards 2011.
Key industry associations include; British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF), Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), Road Hauliers Association (RHA), Food Storage and Distribution Federation (FSDF), Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), and a member of the Chamber of Commerce for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and accredited by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
* Export data sourced from Board Bia’s website www.boardbia.ie from their news and events section, published 11/01/2012.
Company details:
Oakland International Limited UK: +44 (0) 1527 596 222 Ireland: +353 (0) 1835 4855 e: sales@oakland-international.com www.oakland-international.com Twitter: @OaklandIntUK
For all Oakland International press and media enquiries, in the first instance please contact:
Kathryn Watts +353 (0) 1835 4855 e: Ireland@oakland-international.com
