President of Ireland Mary McAleese launched a new Bord Bia initiative in Spain in March, designed to boost the image and reputation of Irish food in the Spanish market.
The project involves reaching out to student chefs at top catering schools across Spain to build stronger relationships with the future generation of chefs and to establish an awareness of, and loyalty to, Irish produce. President McAleese attended the first of a series of 'Irish Food Master Classes' conducted by the internationally renowned Michelin star chef Mario Sandoval. These classes will provide trainee chefs with an insight and understanding of Ireland's unique food and drink product offerings and highlight Ireland's commitment to quality and sustainability.
Speaking at the event, President McAleese said: "Today, we are bringing two food cultures together and, I hope, forging enduring relationships that will bear fruit far into the future. Our investment in research, animal traceability and marketing makes us uniquely placed to provide quality food products. Food and drink is, in fact, Ireland's most important indigenous industry, one of our greatest sustainable resources and one of our fastest growing export areas. Today's Master Class is an important stepping stone in building strong relationships between Spanish kitchens and Irish farms."
Presidential visit to Spain
