Tipperary-based Arrabawn targeting business in Indonesia & Malaysia
Bord Bia’s Origin Green Dairy Seminars, in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur respectively, are focused on building sustainable trade relationships and include detailed presentations from senior Irish and local officials on food safety controls, market trends and updates, and Origin Green, Ireland’s food and drink sustainability programme. Each seminar will culminate with a schedule of targeted business meetings for Irish exporters in attendance with qualified high potential local buyers.

Olivia Leslie, Irish Ambassador to Indonesia, with Minister Michael Creed TD and Bord Bia CEO, Tara McCarthy, at the Irish Embassy Residence.
Addressing the delegation at the first seminar in Jakarta today Tara McCarthy, Chief Executive of Bord Bia, spoke about building upon existing trade relationships. “We are two countries on opposite sides of the world, different in many ways, but we share an understanding that security of supply is key to allowing us to plan ahead for growth and success.”
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD opened proceedings, while Paula Barry Walsh, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine explained food production and safety procedures in Ireland. Senior representatives from the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture were also present along with Mr Stefanus Indrayana, Secretary General of the Indonesian Food and Beverage Association, GAPMII. As is typical in Asia, government and industry are closely linked and engaging with senior representatives from the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture can deliver significant impact at trade level through awareness building, access and registration.
Minister Creed stated, “Bord Bia’s dairy conference is an excellent opportunity to bring targeted retail buyers, suppliers and consumers together from both our countries together. Having our own Irish dairy companies participating in this mission allows us to showcase the best of Irish dairy to a wider audience. Irish dairy farming is among the best in the world. Our natural grass-based farming methods, our competitive and innovative dairy processing industry, together with our rigorous system of food safety controls, have allowed Ireland to develop a strong export-focused dairy sector.”
Prior to the first seminar today in Indonesia, Bord Bia organised a series of briefings and cultural immersion visits for the 20 representatives from Ireland’s dairy industry to allow them experience first-hand manufacturing, retail and foodservice outlets.
Both Indonesia and Malaysia have been identified as offering potential for dairy export growth through Bord Bia’s Prioritising Markets study due to their expanding middle class, dependence on imported dairy and the growing demand for consumer foods made from quality ingredients.
Ms McCarthy added, “Bord Bia is increasing its resources across South East Asia to assist Irish exporters leverage these evolving opportunities and position Ireland as a value added supplier into the future. We have invested in insight and intelligence to enable Irish exporters to develop a network of distributors and importers in region.”
Earlier this year, Bord Bia’s insight team completed an immersion study in both markets to explore consumer attitudes to food and, specifically, to identify opportunities for Irish dairy. The comprehensive study involved Bord Bia researchers visiting families and consumers in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur to understand their attitudes to and consumption of dairy. To date, Ireland has been a limited supplier into these markets with combined dairy exports valued at under €50 million.
Ms McCarthy added, “The opportunity in these two markets is significant as Indonesian and Malaysian consumers increase the percentage of dairy-based food in their diet. We will work with industry as they develop new products to ensure they address local taste preferences and demand for functionality around protein and calcium. There is real potential to deliver a unique message for Ireland around our natural, sustainable dairy industry, which is already in line with their values.”