Menu
18/11/2008
Rotterdam Showcase For NI Food
A fresh shop window to Northern Ireland's food products was opened yesterday as Invest Northern Ireland showcased the commitment of local food companies to innovation.
Invest NI is one of the main sponsors of the 7th Annual World Food Technology and Innovation Forum, 2008, the leading global event dedicated to excellence in new product development and production. The two-day forum is organised by the World Trade Group in Rotterdam. A group of four local companies - Moy Park, Craigavon, Norbev, Ballymena, Gilfresh, Armagh, and TraceAssured, Craigavon - have also been assisted to take part in the event geared to top executives responsible for R&D, innovation, and marketing activities in the food sector.
Maynard Mawhinney, Invest NI's Food Director, commenting on the organisation's support for the forum, said: "Our support for this important event highlights the developing commitment of Northern Ireland food companies, both large and small, to innovation across the broadest range of business activities, from new product development to manufacturing processes.
"The forum covers many areas of interest to our companies including healthy eating trends, global buying behaviours, personalised nutrition, environmental issues and sustainability, energy efficiency, and opportunities for new products in sectors such as ingredients and markets such as Asia.
"A key focus of the conference is the creation of a world class lean manufacturing plant, implementing lean manufacturing principals and cost reduction throughout the process.
"These issues all have relevance for our companies. Knowledge gained through our sponsorship and participation will be made available across our client bank.
"It is essential that the food industry, our most important manufacturing sector and second biggest exporter, is kept abreast of international trends and developments. Food and drink in Northern Ireland is worth around £3 billion annually and is a major supplier of beef, poultry, dairy and bread products to Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland, other parts of Europe, and increasingly to the US and Middle East.
"Almost 70% of food and drink products are now sold outside Northern Ireland," he continued, noting that "we want to ensure that Northern Ireland is seen globally as a source of innovative products in tune with market requirements".
"We are working closely with local food producers in the dairy, meat, drinks, ingredients and consumer foods sectors to enable them to strengthen their competitiveness, increase research and innovative capabilities, and access to international markets," he concluded.
The programme also includes networking opportunities for participating companies, prearranged meetings with senior tech's research facility in the Netherland's Food Valley, which is Europe's largest food grade facility conducting food research and pilot manufacturing.
(BMcC)
Invest NI is one of the main sponsors of the 7th Annual World Food Technology and Innovation Forum, 2008, the leading global event dedicated to excellence in new product development and production. The two-day forum is organised by the World Trade Group in Rotterdam. A group of four local companies - Moy Park, Craigavon, Norbev, Ballymena, Gilfresh, Armagh, and TraceAssured, Craigavon - have also been assisted to take part in the event geared to top executives responsible for R&D, innovation, and marketing activities in the food sector.
Maynard Mawhinney, Invest NI's Food Director, commenting on the organisation's support for the forum, said: "Our support for this important event highlights the developing commitment of Northern Ireland food companies, both large and small, to innovation across the broadest range of business activities, from new product development to manufacturing processes.
"The forum covers many areas of interest to our companies including healthy eating trends, global buying behaviours, personalised nutrition, environmental issues and sustainability, energy efficiency, and opportunities for new products in sectors such as ingredients and markets such as Asia.
"A key focus of the conference is the creation of a world class lean manufacturing plant, implementing lean manufacturing principals and cost reduction throughout the process.
"These issues all have relevance for our companies. Knowledge gained through our sponsorship and participation will be made available across our client bank.
"It is essential that the food industry, our most important manufacturing sector and second biggest exporter, is kept abreast of international trends and developments. Food and drink in Northern Ireland is worth around £3 billion annually and is a major supplier of beef, poultry, dairy and bread products to Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland, other parts of Europe, and increasingly to the US and Middle East.
"Almost 70% of food and drink products are now sold outside Northern Ireland," he continued, noting that "we want to ensure that Northern Ireland is seen globally as a source of innovative products in tune with market requirements".
"We are working closely with local food producers in the dairy, meat, drinks, ingredients and consumer foods sectors to enable them to strengthen their competitiveness, increase research and innovative capabilities, and access to international markets," he concluded.
The programme also includes networking opportunities for participating companies, prearranged meetings with senior tech's research facility in the Netherland's Food Valley, which is Europe's largest food grade facility conducting food research and pilot manufacturing.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 June 2004
Council issues food poisoning warning
With the barbecue season upon us, Belfast City Council has issued a timely reminder about the dangers of food poisoning.
Council issues food poisoning warning
With the barbecue season upon us, Belfast City Council has issued a timely reminder about the dangers of food poisoning.
24 November 2009
BBC Food Show To Boost NI
Award winning products from Northern Ireland will be showcased at the BBC Good Food Show later this month.
BBC Food Show To Boost NI
Award winning products from Northern Ireland will be showcased at the BBC Good Food Show later this month.
15 August 2019
Local Culinary Delights To Be Showcased To The World
The finest selection of local food and drink produce is to be celebrated over the coming months as part of Tourism NI's 'Taste the Island' campaign. Over 150 experiences feature in the programme for September, October and November that aims to shine a spotlight on the superb culinary experiences available in Northern Ireland.
Local Culinary Delights To Be Showcased To The World
The finest selection of local food and drink produce is to be celebrated over the coming months as part of Tourism NI's 'Taste the Island' campaign. Over 150 experiences feature in the programme for September, October and November that aims to shine a spotlight on the superb culinary experiences available in Northern Ireland.
13 December 2013
Dog Food Meat Found In Human Food Chain
A government report has revealed that meat meant for dog food is thought to have ended up in the human food chain. The discovery was made in an "industrial-scale" fraud carried out in the region.
Dog Food Meat Found In Human Food Chain
A government report has revealed that meat meant for dog food is thought to have ended up in the human food chain. The discovery was made in an "industrial-scale" fraud carried out in the region.
20 June 2011
Taste Of Ulster Gets Cash Boost
A £150,000 support package for several projects promoting the quality of local food - such as the successful Taste of Ulster scheme - has been announced by the Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill. The Minister made the announcement today as she met with one of the beneficiaries of the funding support, Food NI.
Taste Of Ulster Gets Cash Boost
A £150,000 support package for several projects promoting the quality of local food - such as the successful Taste of Ulster scheme - has been announced by the Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Michelle O'Neill. The Minister made the announcement today as she met with one of the beneficiaries of the funding support, Food NI.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
