Taoiseach Enda Kenny opened a new Bord Bia office in Poland on Thursday, which is to drive Irish export growth in 11 targeted central EU countries.

Enda Kenny said Bord Bia’s presence in the region would assist exporters to build enduring business relationships at a time when Ireland’s food and drink industry is seeking new premium markets for food and drink in order to meet the targets of FoodWise 2025.

The new Warsaw office is to facilitate the drive of increased Irish food exports.

Bord Bia chief executive Tara McCarthy said the decision to establish an office in Poland followed considerable research into potential growth in Poland itself and its location as a gateway to central Europe.

“This office opens at a time when many Irish companies are looking to new opportunities while still holding their positions in traditional markets. The value of trade to Poland has almost trebled over the last five years with dairy, beverages and prepared foods, all showing strong growth in 2016.

"The potential for further growth here and in emerging EU markets will increase their attractiveness to exporters and the increasing awareness of Origin Green will offer important assurances to buyers on sustainable sourcing."

Quarter of a billion euro of Irish exports

Central and eastern Europe accounts for over a quarter of a billion euro of Irish food and drink exports. The three largest markets, Poland, Czech Republic and Latvia, account for almost 85% of this trade which has doubled in value in the past five years.

The key sectors driving growth of Irish exports in the region are prepared foods, which are driven by fat filled milk powders in Poland, and meat, which is driven by beef and pigmeat in Poland.

The 11 target countries include Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

During his visit the Taoiseach will also meet the Polish prime minister, Beate Szydlo, to discuss Brexit issues before the triggering of Article 50 and to explain Ireland’s particular concerns.

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