Bord Bia to Lead Mission to Russia to Create New Markets for Irish Dairy

Speaking before the mission, Michael Hussey, Sector Manager, Dairy & Ingredients, Bord Bia stated “This is a significant opportunity to demonstrate the Irish dairy industry’s commitment to operating sustainably with customers in Russia.

20 Sep 2012 --- Bord Bia will lead a dairy mission to Moscow to secure new business opportunities for Irish dairy companies including the Irish Dairy Board, Kerry Group, Dairygold and Lakeland Dairies in advance of the industry’s expansion in 2015.

Speaking before the mission, Michael Hussey, Sector Manager, Dairy & Ingredients, Bord Bia stated “This is a significant opportunity to demonstrate the Irish dairy industry’s commitment to operating sustainably with customers in Russia. Developments in the Russian market and the reduction of tariffs for dairy products will provide new business opportunities for Irish dairy companies. As Ireland gears up for increased milk production, international markets such as Russia are set to play an increasingly important role in securing new customers”.

Ireland’s food and drink exports to Russia in 2011 grew by 33% to €150 million having more than trebled since 2009. Pork, beef and seafood in particular have contributed to the strong growth in recent years. Russia’s recent accession to the World Trade Organization is set to provide further potential growth for Irish food and drink, particularly in the dairy sector. Russia is a major global importer of dairy products and one of the world’s largest import markets for butter, importing 129,000 tonnes in 2011. Other key dairy imports during 2011 included SMP 71,000 tonnes, whey powder 51,000 tonnes, cheese 369,000 tonnes and WMP 20,000 tonnes.

Alla Barinova, Russia Market Manager, Bord Bia said “Identifying and building relationships with strategic partners will be critical for Irish dairy companies success in the market. Our mission this week is specifically targeted at building on previous research to enable Irish dairy companies to source new customers in Russia.”

The Bord Bia led mission, coincides with World Food Moscow, the leading international food exhibition in Russia, and includes presentations by the delegation to key influencers in the Russian dairy industry and a programme of one to one meetings with potential customers.