Shane McEntee TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has opened Ireland's Organic Food Stand at Biofach, the world's largest and most prestigious organic food fair in Nuremburg, Germany.   Speaking at the opening, Minister McEntee stated that this event clearly shows that Irish Organic companies "can compete on the world stage".

Fifteen innovative Irish seafood and food companies are participating at the event, which takes place from 15th to 18th February. Last year Biofach attracted 2,346 international exhibitors and 44,591 trade visitors from 128 different countries.

Minister McEntee emphasised that "even in these difficult times there is a market for organic food, both at home and abroad, which must be maximised to its full potential. It is clear that there are opportunities out there for Irish companies to make inroads into developing markets".

The Minister acknowledged with thanks the work of Bord Bia in organising the Irish participation at the event and noted the contribution that Bord Bia has made "to raising the profile of organic food among consumers both at home and abroad".

In conclusion, the Minister wished the companies involved every success and hoped that Biofach would open the door to many profitable associations for the participating Irish companies.

Note to Editors

Biofach 2012

Irish Exhibitors

• Connemara Seafoods
• Irish Seaspray Ltd
• Healys Honey
• Solaris Botanicals
• Murphy's Irish Seafood
• Ballybrado Ltd
• Good Herdsmen Ltd
• Kenmare Select
• Marigot Ltd T/A Celtic Sea Minerals
• ISPG Ltd
• Kush Seafarms Ltd (Kush Shellfish)
• Ocean Farm Ltd
• Burren Smokehouse Ltd
• First Ireland Spirits
• Highbank Farm Ltd

Organic Sector in Germany

In 2010, the German market was worth €5.9 billion. Germany has .95 million hectares of organic agricultural land. However, Germany is still a big importer of organic food and drink. Germany remains one of the largest organic markets along with the US and France.

Minister of State Shane McEntee, TD, Ms Valérie Cooke of the Irish Seafood Producers Group, Connemara, leading suppliers of organic salmon and trout, and Mr Liam MacHale, German Market Manager, Bord Bia.

Minister of State Shane McEntee, TD, Ms Julie Calder-Potts of Highbank Orchards, Kilkenny, producers of organic ciders and syrup, and Mr Liam MacHale, German Martet Manager, Bord Bia

Minister of State Shane McEntee, TD, and Mr Jorg Muller of Solaris Tea, Galway, specialist blenders of whole-leaf organic tea.

Minister of State Shane McEntee, TD, and Mr  John Harrington, Kush Shellfish, Kenmare, Co. Kerry, producers of organic rope mussels

Date Released: 17 February 2012

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