Regional Brand Initiative Puts Cork on the International Food and Drink Map – Supported by Cork County Council, Cork City Council and the Local Enterprise Offices in Cork
Food and Drink Expo takes place at the NEC Birmingham 18th – 20th April 2016
Ten artisan food and drink producers will be flying the Cork flag at one of the largest and most important events on the European food sector’s calendar, Food and Drink Expo 2016. The foodie entrepreneurs are travelling to the event as part of the Taste Cork regional export programme, supported by Cork County Council, Cork City Council and the Local Enterprise Offices in Cork.
Food and Drink Expo 2016 brings together the great and the good of the British and international food and drink sector, giving exhibitors an opportunity to meet face-to-face with buyers from major UK and international retailers, distributors, restaurants and food services companies.
It is also a unique opportunity to showcase products to some of the world’s best known chefs, food writers and meet the most influential people in the sector.
Speaking ahead of the event, Tim Lucey, Chief Executive Cork County Council explained why having a presence at major food events is so important to increasing Cork’s visibility on the global stage:
“Cork County Council is delighted to support Taste Cork. We hope that by building a strong regional brand, Cork’s reputation as a centre of excellence for food and drink continues to grow, supporting sustainable employment in communities throughout the region”.
The Mayor of County Cork, Cllr. John Paul O’Shea who is attending the Food & Drink Exhibition and on behalf of the Council said:
“For decades, Cork has been at the heart of the Irish food and drink sector and is now home to hundreds of innovative companies that are part of the fabric of our economy. I want to wish these ten food companies every success at Food and Drink Expo 2016!”
As part of the Mayor’s visit to Food and Drink Expo 2016, he will call to the Northern Ireland Food trade stand to discuss cross-border synergies and potential joint programme initiatives that could be developed. He will also meet with Food & Drink Wales to discuss the upcoming Joint Food & Drink Cluster Initiative between Cork County & Wales.
Taste Cork, which has been running for several years, is an innovative initiative dedicated to developing cooperation across the local food and drink industry to promote Cork as a thriving food region. The programme is supported by Cork’s two local authorities and the Local Enterprise Offices.
2016 marks a major step in the development of Taste Cork with the appointment of New Food Executive, Rebecca O’Keeffe to drive the project’s mission.
Adrienne Rodgers, Head of Enterprise at the Cork City Local Enterprise office explains how the new appointment will give Taste Cork an ability to develop a stronger regional brand:
“The appointment of a dedicated food coordinator is a game changer for the region and will have a very positive impact, with a renewed focus on food micro-enterprises.”
Rebecca O’Keeffe of Taste Cork invites Cork food and drink entrepreneurs to get involved with the initiative:
“Taste Cork aims to grow a thriving regional brand, supporting and helping to develop a network of food micro-enterprises. Through our programmes, we will showcase the people, the stories and the boundless talent behind Cork food and drink.
We are fuelled by the pride and passion of Cork’s kitchens, farms, dairies, bakeries and small artisan producers in every community.
We are here to help bring out the wonders that Cork’s food and drink sector has to offer and we encourage food businesses in the region to get in touch and become involved!”
For more information about Taste Cork please visit www.tastecork.com
