Bord Bia, the Irish food Board, has established a UK Insight Centre in London to provide tailored consumer and market insights for Irish food and drink producers to help drive innovation and product development in the Emerald Isle.
The move demonstrates Bord Bia’s commitment to an insight led strategy that will help negate the impact of Brexit, and reinforces the strength of the relationship between the UK and Irish food and drink producers, with annual imports estimated at more than €4.5billion.
The centre, which is modelled on Bord Bia’s ‘Thinking House’ in Dublin, was officially opened by Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Minister Creed (pictured centre with the team), in a recent visit.
Opening the facility, Minister Creed, said, “Insight-led thinking is needed to address the challenges facing Irish exporters and their UK customers as Brexit draws closer. This Bord Bia initiative, supported by my Department, will help position Irish exporters with UK retailers and operators through a shared understanding of the changes in consumer trends and how to meet them commercially.”
Bord Bia’s CEO, Tara McCarthy, said, “Increasingly, food buyers are looking to partner with their suppliers to understand the evolving demands of their customers and how to meet them in a sustainable way. The insight centre will create a platform for Bord Bia and Irish exporters to work with UK retailers and operators to highlight exactly what the consumer is demanding and how they can supply these needs.
“This solution driven approach will strengthen relationships as these partnerships look to meet market challenges such as Brexit. Success in a highly competitive, global marketplace, where we seek to compete not on price, but by creating value, can only come from the insights that will enable us to make better informed decisions leading to commercial success.”
