21 Irish food companies at world food trade fair

Irish food companies are showing a growing interest in exhibiting at Sial, one of the world's largest food and drink fairs, with 21 of them showcasing their wares at the Paris event this week.

Some 15 companies exhibited under the Bord Bia banner at the last Sial fair in 2012. The biennial event attracts 150,000 international visitors and more than 6,300 exhibitors.

The Irish companies exhibiting in the meat, dairy, frozen and bakery halls include Glanbia, Dawn Meats, Green Isle Foods and the Irish Dairy Board. Glanbia Consumer Foods' chilled soup range, Fusion and Street, has also been nominated for a Sial d'Or innovation award.

Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney is at the event today to brief the international media about Origin Green, Bord Bia's sustainability initiative. It was launched to an international audience by Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the last Sial fair.

Mr Coveney said he believed it could provide new business opportunities.

“The Irish food and beverage industry has embraced the concept and now we aim to intensify our engagement with international consumers to demonstrate its effectiveness,” he said.