asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry if any efforts have been made to promote fish sales to supermarket chains on domestic-overseas markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Fish Sales.
124.
An Bord Iascaigh Mhara through its retail advisory and merchandising service assists Irish firms to increase sales of both fresh and processed fish to multiple groups and supermarkets. An important objective in promoting sales of processed fish to these outlets is to effect the maximum possible substitution of fish imports.
Meetings have been held with representatives of multiples and buying groups urging them to stock and promote Irish processed fish, particularly breaded fish, shellfish, smoked fish and delicatessen lines. Multiples have also cooperated with BIM in promoting processed and fresh fish sales in media advertising.
The board is also currently engaged in a number of co-operative promotional efforts with leading exporters seeking expansion of their sales of a range of high value smoked fish and shellfish products as well as farmed salmon in hypermarket-supermarket outlets in Europe, US and Canada.