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The Good Food Ireland Awards, took place on Monday 29th September in The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin. Good Food Ireland is a not-for-profit all island network of members driving Ireland as a food tourism destination. The organisation promotes the link between the food producer and the hospitality sector in order to steer domestic and international tourists to places committed to sourcing local food.

Speech by Martin Cullen, T.D., Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, at the Good Food Ireland Awards Showcase Dinner, on Monday 29 September 2008, in Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to be present for this happy occasion that rewards excellence in all aspects of Irish food and cuisine.

Food is an increasingly important factor for today's discerning tourist. Food is central to the visitor experience and a large proportion of time on holiday is spent consuming food, or deciding what and where to consume. The travelling public has become more adventurous and correspondingly demands good food and an enjoyable dining experience.

There are significant business opportunities in the provision of good food with over 8 million overseas visitors having come to this country last year alone - generating €4.9 billion in foreign exchange earnings. In addition domestic visitors generated over €1.5 billion in revenue in 2007.

Irish Food Tourism has excellent foundations on which to build. We have a solid reputation for the production of quality beef, lamb, dairy products and seafood. The growth of artisan food and organic producers has led to an increasing number of establishments promoting an Irish food experience based on these resources.

The growth in Farmers’ Markets has played a part in promoting the local food agenda to the trade and provides the platform to promote the concept of Irish food to our visitors. In 2008 over eighteen festivals were held around the country with the main focus being food. Very recently (for example) in my home city of Waterford, we celebrated during the weekend of the 4 September the Terra Madre 2008 Festival. This event combined serious debate and discussion regarding sustainable Irish food production with gourmet education, cookery demonstrations and producer's markets.

Investment by Fáilte Ireland and its predecessor, CERT, in the area of Professional Chef Training is also reaping benefits with the current generation of Irish Chefs now considered the equal of their best international counterparts.

The emphasis in future growth must be on visitors' needs and expectations and in continuing to enhance the “value for money” perspective. This can be achieved when all the partners combine to create unique and stimulating opportunities for delivering a quality food experience.

I believe that the provision of quality dining experiences must be a central part of our plans. In seeking out and recommending the best of local food from artisan producers right through to the top restaurants and hotels, you have recognised the vital link between food and tourism. I commend your vision to grow Ireland as a food tourism destination including providing the tourist with a tangible organisation of local food operators to assist and inform them on exactly where to go.

I am aware that Good Food Ireland facilitates and works closely with Fáilte Ireland on media visits and trade familiarisation trips. I know that you promote your members at home and overseas through Tourism Ireland, who work tirelessly at promoting Ireland as a food tourism destination. This year alone you embarked on a trade mission to the United Arab Emirates with Tourism Ireland and to the Discover Ireland’s “Wonderful West” Promotion in New York as well as a number of shows in the UK and Europe. Showcases such as the event you held in the Curragh racecourse this year - which provided for 650 guests – highlight the very best of what is available in Ireland and helps to attract additional visitors to our shores. In that regard I would like to wish you every success in October when you will be engaging in a showcase in London with 200 tour operators and media representatives.

The membership of Good Food Ireland ranges from the proprietors of B&Bs, five-star hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafés, cookery schools and food shops. The organisation also includes food producers, farmers and fishermen. Your philosophy is simple. By presenting visitors with an assurance that they will receive good food from people who care about food, they can be confident in the quality and service they will receive. I am sure that this philosophy will continue to attract both domestic and international tourists generating business and ensuring that Good Food Ireland members are the number one choice for customers. I also welcome your policy to prioritise the core indigenous ingredients of Irish cuisine and promote local and artisan food producers.

Congratulations to all those nominated across the 15 award categories but especially to the well-deserving winners who I believe will receive a lovely piece of Waterford Crystal. Each and every one of you has displayed excellence in your field and enhanced the holiday experience of our visitors.

I wish you and all the members of Good Food Ireland continued success for many years to come.

Ends.