The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Shane McEntee TD, has attended Fruit Logistica, the world's leading trade fair for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, in Berlin.

In excess of 2,400 companies from across the entire fresh produce value chain were in attendance, including global players and small and medium-sized suppliers.  The buyers include some leading players in retail, wholesale, packaging, importers and exporters. It is estimated that the event will attracted over 50,000 visitors from over 100 countries.

Speaking at the event the Minister praised the involvement of 6 Irish potato companies and Bord Bia in promoting the Irish potatoes and in particular Rooster variety to the German and the wider international market.  He stated that "this variety bred by Teagasc has established a tremendous reputation on the Irish market, is expanding on the UK market and is now being introduced to Germany and further afield". The Minister stressed the high quality of the variety and the fact that it could be used in many different ways from boiling, chipping and processing. He emphasised the international basis of the potato industry and the importance of Ireland becoming more involved in exports.  He stated "that the Irish market was relatively small and can easily suffer from an oversupply situation and therefore it was vitally important that we should look to developing exports".   

In conclusion, the Minister wished the companies involved every success and hoped that business would follow on from their participation in the Fruit Logistica event.

Pictured above:  Shane McEntee TD, meeting with Lorcan Bourke and Mike Fleming of An Bord Bia

Pictured above:  Shane McEntee TD, meeting with Ross and Peter Keogh of Keogh Potatoes

Date Released: 10 February 2012