ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS over food remain the top issue for continental consumers, Irish food companies have been told at the opening of the giant Sial international food conference in Paris.
A total of 32 major Irish companies taking part in the event, which opened yesterday, were briefed on the latest market research into the continental market where they sell more than €2.5 billion worth of food annually.
Bord Bia released its latest market research into the market, Continental PERIscope, which explored the eating, shopping and cooking habits of adults in France, Sweden, The Netherlands and Spain.
Environmental concerns emerged as the most important issue in the markets there, with 63 per cent of French consumers opting for food with minimal packaging and 63 per cent of Spanish consumers preferring to buy from companies aware of environmental issues.
Sustainability also impacted on shoppers' choices, with more than 25 per cent of the Swedes surveyed actively sourcing food with sustainable features, according to the research carried out for the board in May and June by Amárach Research.
"However, continental consumers have yet to embrace the environmental and ethical terminology. Almost seven out of 10 Spanish consumers were not familiar with the term 'food miles' and, similarly, 53 per cent of French consumers hadn't heard of 'carbon footprints'," said the report
The survey found more than 80 per cent of French consumers surveyed enjoyed cooking and creating great meals - but time was of the essence. The French are now looking for food that is more convenient and quick to prepare.
"Irish and UK adults lag behind their mainland European neighbours in regard to cooking expertise. Whilst 40 per cent of the Irish surveyed see cooking as a chore, the French and Spanish are more passionate," it continued.
"The Dutch also enjoy dinner-party-style cooking, are willing to try new foods and 87 per cent often make an extra effort for a special meal," said the report.
"With close to 70 per cent of our exports destined for the UK and non-EU markets, the depreciation of sterling and the dollar, some 15 per cent lower against the euro in the first half of the year, has brought downward pressure on the value of total food and drink exports when translated back into euro in 2008," said Aidan Cotter, chief executive of Bord Bia.
He said that almost 70 per cent of Ireland's exports of food and drink last year went to the UK, which took 42 per cent, and non-EU markets took 27 per cent.
Irish food and drink exports to France in 2007 were valued at some €591 million and have remained strong, increasing by 22 per cent since 2004.