Irish cheesemakers take on France

Irish cheese will have a strong profile at the Salon du Fromage trade show in Paris (February 23rd-26th), with 14 Irish farmhouse cheesemakers attending. Bord Bia has one of only two non-French national pavilions at the event, the other being Spain. In total, 40 Irish cheeses will be represented at the Irish pavilion at the show, which last year attracted almost 6,000 visitors. There are 170 exhibitors from 11 countries taking part this year. The Irish farmhouse cheeses sending representatives are Ardrahan, Bellingham Blue, Cahill’s, Carrigaline, Cashel Blue, Cooleeney Farm, Corleggy, Durrus, Knockdrinna, Milleens, Old Irish Creamery, St Tola, The Little Milk Company and Wicklow Blue. The Irish farmhouse cheese sector is worth €12 million annually, with exports valued at €4.5 million.