Feast on St Patrick's Day
Bord Bia is marking St Patrick’s Day with the launch of a suite of global activities to promote Irish food and drink
The St Patrick’s themed global programme will include events for consumers, retailers, trade and foodservice operators to highlight the range, quality and supply capability of Irish food and drink.
World class food and drink
Customers worldwide recognise that Irish food and drink is world class: that it is high quality, distinctive, and made by a diverse range of creative producers from a unique and fortuitous island location.
Sustainable production
Our producers set the global standard in sustainable production – meeting the responsibility we all have to the planet, to society, and to future generations.
In an environment of ongoing uncertainty, it is more important than ever for Irish food, drink and horticulture exporters to remain focused on anticipating consumer needs and offer agile solutions to customers.
Food, drink and horticulture exports
Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports exceed €16 billion for the second year in a row in 2023, reaching €16.3 billion.
Highlights from Bord Bia St Patrick's Day Programme
- Irish produce being showcased to over 50,000 people in the UK at the Lord Mayor of London’s official St. Patrick’s Day consumer event at Trafalgar Square.
- In Japan, there will be a gathering of 30 premium chefs in Tokyo adapting local dishes to include Irish beef and lamb.
- In Italy, 25 high-end chefs will be serving Irish beef in their restaurants Milan as part of A Taste of Ireland promotion week in Italy.
- In China, Irish whiskey will be promoted to over 750 trade guests at the China Drinks Awards in Shanghai which recognises the achievements made by nightlife and beverage industry across Asia.
- In Lagos, Nigeria, the Spirit of Ireland cocktail week will commence. In partnership with 10 premium restaurants and bars, unique cocktails using Irish drinks will be available for consumers to enjoy.
- In France, Bord Bia is promoting Irish meat and seafood across a large range of retail stores. In total, close to 1,500 stores around France will receive a Bord Bia St Patrick's Day sales kit.
- In Germany, Bord Bia will welcome Minister for State at the Department of Food, Agriculture and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D. to launch a St. Patrick's week activation for Irish meat, dairy and confectionary in 25 Galeria Markthalle retail stores across the country.
Why Ireland for food exports?
Agri-food is Ireland’s most important indigenous sector, accounting for approximately 173,000 jobs in the country. 80% of Ireland’s agricultural land is devoted to grasslands, with a yearly grass growth rate that exceeds the European average by more than a third.
With over two decades in the Private Label market in the domestic and UK markets, Continental European markets are now benefiting from the expertise built up by Irish Private Label exporters.
Ireland is a country with a population of 4.5 million, which produces enough food to feed 40 million people. This means that Irish manufacturers have a strong export focus. Working with the latest food trends across multiple markets is second nature to a huge number of progressive companies throughout Ireland.
Facts about Irish food and drink
- Irish food and drink is enjoyed in 187 markets worldwide
- Ireland exports around 90% of its food and drink production
- Ireland is home to some of the world’s most iconic brands such as Bailey’s Cream Liqueur, Kerrygold Butter and Guinness
- Over 55,000 farmers and 315 verified companies are members of Origin Green. This is the only sustainability programme in the world operating on a national scale throughout the entire supply chain.
Find a supplier
Ireland is a clean, green, high quality and innovative producer of excellent food and drink products.
This reputation which has been earned from many years of supplying international markets.
Natural resources
The hugely valuable natural resources of Ireland have been harnessed to develop a world class agricultural industry.
Food and drink from Ireland
With 14+ supplier categories the depth and reach of food and drink products from Ireland has risen substantially in the last number of years and Irish food and drink products are now available all over the world.