Foster Leads NI Food Drive In China

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has hosted a 'meet the buyer' sales drive for Northern Ireland food and drink companies in Shanghai.

The event was organised by Invest Northern Ireland as part of its participation at Food Hotel China, an event which focuses on the food importing business in China and other parts of Asia.

Arlene Foster is currently in China on a trade mission with Agricultural Minister Michelle O’Neill and the First and deputy First Ministers.

Speaking to industry leaders and buyers in Shanghai, Minister Foster said: "This is the first time Invest NI has exhibited at the Food Hotel China exhibition. It is very significant event for the global hospitality industry and is an exciting opportunity for the local companies participating.

"Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry is one of our most successful manufacturing sectors and one which has a longstanding commitment to exporting. Our local companies offer premium quality and highly innovative food and drink, and many businesses currently supply leading retailers, hotels, restaurants and other foodservice operations in the United Kingdom, Europe and the US."

The event gave Northern Ireland businesses the opportunity to build on contacts in Chinese industry. Some of the companies involved included Moy Park, Dale Farm, Antrim Hills Spring Water, Fane Valley and Vion, Cookstown.

The Minister continued: "A number of our companies are already supplying products to customers in China, especially Hong Kong. They include meat, seafood such as prawns and salmon, cheese, breakfast cereals and snacks. Northern Ireland is also a leading supplier of dairy products to China.

"Our companies are keen to do business in China and other international markets by providing high quality products that customers demand."

(IT)