The Irish Ambassador Joe Hayes welcomed Irish food retailers and those involved in food service, wholesale and manufacturing in Singapore to a special Irish Food Showcase headlined by Michelin Star Chef Kevin Thornton.

Organised by the Embassy of Ireland, in conjunction with Bord Bia, Irish Food Board and The Irish Chamber of Commerce Singapore, the evening event featured a range of Irish produce specially chosen by Chef Thornton and the Irish Food Board to demonstrate the quality and flavour of the Emerald Isle’s seafood, meat and dairy products.

In addition to Burren Smokehouse organic smoked salmon, McGeough’s air dried lamb and the world famous Cashel Blue cheese, guests were treated to a cooking demonstration by Thornton of his award-winning scallop dish; Sautéed Bear Island king scallop with truffle mousse, scallop carpaccio, and enoki mushroom fingers of truffle on bog oak.

The fare was accompanied by wine and Guinness, one of the most widely recognised Irish brands. Commenting on the iconic dark stout beer, Breiffini Kennedy, Asia Manager, Bord Bia, Irish Food Board, said: “Guinness is synonymous with Ireland and is recognised the world over. It is our mission to elevate global knowledge of other Irish produce - such as our outstanding seafood, meat and dairy products - and to develop markets for Irish suppliers to bring these foodstuffs to tables worldwide.”

In 2010 exports of Irish Food and Drink to Singapore exceeded $37m (€21m). Led by Ireland’s global brands, alcoholic beverages was the largest category accounting for 44% of sales. Dairy exports accounted for 40% and meat 13% of sales, making Singapore Ireland’s third largest Asian market overall and the largest in per capita food sales.

Mr Kennedy continued, “We believe Irish products have a significant advantage over other food imports as they are produced to the highest standards, off grass, in a clean environment. We are in an excellent position to meet Singapore’s high standards for food imports and to further develop our position in Singapore with high quality products.”

Echoing Mr Kennedy’s sentiments, Ambassador Hayes added: ““We’re delighted to have this opportunity to showcase quality Irish food products from our green island in a city renowned for the diversity and excellence of its cuisine.”

The value of Ireland’s food and beverage exports to Singapore also encompasses sales by multi-nationals with factories in Ireland, such as Abbott. Home grown Irish companies including Kerry Ingredients and Glanbia Nutritionals also have a strong foothold in the Asian market with Singapore based headquarters, and are open to sharing their expertise with others trying to break into the region.

Colm McCarthy, President of Irish Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Irish Chamber of Commerce Singapore counts many of the world’s leading Food and Food Ingredients companies among its membership. We also have a dedicated Food, Pharma and Life Sciences Strategic Group to further combined Irish and Singaporean interests in this market. One of our key objectives is to leverage our connections to facilitate introductions to help promote Irish food, suppliers and manufacturers, and raise awareness of the high quality Irish produce and food related services on offer in the region.”