The biggest international food buyer event to be staged in Ireland got under way yesterday and involves the arrival of more than 400 food and drink buyers from 30 countries.

The week-long Marketplace event has been organised by Bord Bia and will see more than 100 buyers from Asia coming here, including the largest ever Chinese trade delegation to travel to Ireland. Food and drink buyers and distributors have also come from places such as Australia, South Africa and Algeria, as well as the UK and Europe.

The buyers represent sectors such as meat and dairy, alcohol, seafood, bakery, confectionery and speciality foods.

Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter said this was the biggest business development event the State agency had ever hosted. "It represents a huge opportunity to showcase the breadth, depth and capabilities that have enabled the industry to build a €10.5 billion export platform and reach out to 175 markets around the world."

Some 215 buyers are embarking on itineraries around the country today visiting farms, factories and shops from Donegal to Wexford.