French like our lamb as food exports hit €534m
Monday October 23 2006
France may be considered the gastronomic centre of the world, but Irish food and drink exports to the country reached €534m last year, and even our cheeses may soon be giving brie and camembert a run for their money.
Bord Bia has brought a delegation of Irish companies hoping to get a slice of the lucrative market to the massive SIAL food trade fair, which opened in Paris yesterday, with 136,000 international trade visitors attending.
Lamb dominates Irish exports, accounting for 60pc of the total. The French consume 40pc of all the lamb produced in Ireland, while Irish beef exports to France rose by 80pc last year and Bord Bia is targeting further growth in 2006.
Irish farmhouse cheeses have also gone on sale at the prestigious Galeries Lafayette in a special Celtic promotion in their food hall, which will also showcase handmade chocolates, charcuterie, and traditional cake mixes.
Dairy exports to France are worth €96m and Irish whiskey exports €16m.
- Aideen Sheehan
