The trade delegation to Dublin is aimed at helping the growing number of British-based food and drink businesses get a taste for new markets.
Taking place on March 10–11 2015, the mission will give 40 British firms access to digital marketing techniques that specifically work for the Irish market with visits to Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
It will also offer meetings with Irish-based importers and relevant businesses, visits to Irish multinational brands including Diageo and a chance to hear from successful entrepreneurs that have cracked the Irish food supply market, as well as meet with buyers from stores and food services and facility management firm Sodexo.
‘Wonderful opportunity’
“Ireland is on our doorstep, shares the same time zones – and is experiencing an impressive economic recovery – with more than six per cent growth in GDP [gross domestic product] in the first three months of last year,” she said.
“There are strong trade links already established with a particular focus on food, so it’s a wonderful opportunity for the smallest firms to pick up advice and build solid Irish contracts to boost confidence and sales.”
Irish trade mission
- Day 1: Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and trade matchmaking dinner
- Day2: GiftDirect, KPMG, Sodexo, John Stapleton (New Convent Garden Soup Company), Dunners and Diageo
There are 40 places available on the trade mission, with a number having already been snapped up by businesses including Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, Bluebird Tea, Kiddyum and Wild Peanut.
Ten of the places will be awarded to new food and drink brands working with the Grocery Accelerator – the UK’s first dedicated food and drink accelerator who mentor, connect and invest in new businesses.
For more information, including how to book your place on the trip, click here.
Pitch to buyers
Simon Lacey, co-founder of Grocery Accelerator said: “This provides a unique opportunity for all of the businesses in the Grocery Accelerator family to build a greater understanding of the Irish market and at the same time pitch to buyers at two high profile retail events.”
The trip is a collaboration between Enterprise Nation and professional services firm KPMG, international payment provider PayPal and international delivery firm UPS and will focus on firms specialising in food manufacture and supply.
Further trade delegations will explore export opportunities in Berlin in May and the US and Asia in the latter part of the year.