IFBE Global Markets

Asia/Pacific

New emerging markets offer substantial trade opportunities - Asia has been identified as a key destination for Irish Food and Drink Exports

- Demand for Western products is increasing
- Move up the Nutrition Scale: Eat more and better
- More Asians travelling and see and taste International Cuisines and Brands
- In many countries agriculture is unable to keep pace with increasing demand

Reduces the high dependency on the UK and US markets
Total population approaching 4 Billion People(2/3 rds of the World)
Combined GDP €8,000 Billion
GDP growth rates in China/Singapore/Vietnam/India and Hong Kong between 7 and 10 % - Others 4 - 5%
2007 - Total Irish Exports of Food & Drink increased by €414m to €8.6bn (up 5% on 2006 levels)
The largest growth area was exports to Asia which rose by 50% up to €400m
This is an 80% increase 2002 to 2007
Food & Drink Exports to these Emerging Economies are 2 years ahead of target
Main Growth Markets China, India and Russia
Growth is led by Dairy and Beverages
Positive Trends most evident in pizza, luxury chocolate confectionery and frozen bakery sectors
Beverages showed strong growth in liqueurs, whiskey and beer exports
Asians value continual and long term business with a great reluctance to change


The Middle East

The Middle East can include a number of North African Arabic speaking countries, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Jordan and some West Asian countries. For the purpose of this introduction IFBE is referring to those markets on the Arabian peninsular namely, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, U.A.E, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. However, IFBE does have strong connections with many of the other above mentioned countries.

Oil has been a major factor in the growth of the Middle East over the past 40 years. Many of the States have matured beyond belief and can match most European countries for living standards, quality of life and buying power.

Linked with this has been an enormous growth in western style Supermarkets and in turn the supply of a range of top quality American and European food and beverage imports.

Irish products have enjoyed a positive and successful acceptance at retail level and the fact that two Irish Embassies as well as Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland are all represented in this small region reflect the importance of this area to Ireland.

IFBE can open difficult doors and through personal contacts and strong business relationships, build a strong presence in these markets on behalf of our Irish suppliers.


Africa

Africa is the second largest and second most populous continent. In excess of 900 million people, accounting for 14% of the world's population. The continent comprises of 54 countries and 7 colonies / dependancies. Growth in GDP in some countries is well ahead of world averages. (2007)

Mauritania
Angola
Sudan
Mozambique
Malawi

+ 19.8%
+ 17.6%
+ 9.6%
+ 7.9%
+ 7.8%


Despite a strong negative attitude towards Africa, the HDI index indicates 3 countries as High, 27 as Medium and 25 as Low. This index is measured on the following criteria. Literacy, Life expectancy, Education and Standards of Living.

Most of the major cities of Africa now have excellent Supermarket structures and a growing demand for high quality, imported branded products.

Irish brands are acknowledged for their quality and welcomed by major retail group buyers. Africa is opening it's doors to good overseas produce.

IFBE has the necessary distributional contacts in most major African markets.

Most buyers realise that payment by Letter of Credit or prepayment is a prerequisite to doing business with first world countries.