True Marketing Programme

One of the most successful initiatives launched by the IEA is The True Marketing Programme.

Within this project, over 60 companies benefited from the ERDF InterregIIIA funds, aimed at developing and expanding their business into the UK market. Together with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland, the IEA ran this successful Programme until September 2006 when it closed. Due to its success the IEA were awarded the Extension Programme 07-08, which closes June 2008.

The UK Speciality Food and Drink market is valued at €7.1 billion, which makes it attractive and profitable for your business. Companies on board are from the speciality food and drink industry.

A Professional Expert Advisor is appointed to provide tailored needs analysis, practical business and trade mentoring to each company, to assist you in building your export plans and to identify the most suitable distribution channels.The programme aims to provide three key benefits, such as: Mentoring; Training; and access to major Trade Shows.

What has emerged over this five-year time frame is positive tangible results on behalf of companies who have joined the Programme. Looking at overall results, significant increases in sales and exports, as well as the creation of new jobs and safeguarding of current positions have been registered.

Alongside one-on-one business advice and expertise to speciality food and drink companies, the True Marketing Programme also includes free access to workshops and seminars, mainly covering Financial Management, e-business innovations, and UK market features.

Last but not least, the Programme has exhibited at the Speciality and Fine Food Fairs, which takes place at London’s Olympia early September each year. These events are brilliant opportunities to display your products, be updated on new trends, meet with suppliers and decision makers from the UK speciality food market.