WTC Dublin Newsletter

World Trade Center Dublin EXPORT SUPPORT FOR SMES APRIL 2022

SEPTEMBER 2021

THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF RECRUITMENT FOR SMES TMENT ADRIAN MCGENNIS,

CEO OF SIGMAR RECRUITMENT GROUP

PLUS INTERNATIONAL TRADE NEWS:

IRISH EXPORTS SURGE TO A RECORD €165BN

MARKET ENTRY:

A GUIDE TO REGISTERING YOUR BUSINESS IN THE UNITED STATES

Title

Get Ready to Be Ready to Export.

Unlimited Call Support on Your Export Journey Market Insights for exporting Marketing and Exposure International Trade Shows and Training

Contents

CONTENTS 04

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COVER STORY:

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

THE CHANGING

HEAVENLY TASTY

NEWS: IRISH EXPORTS

LANDSCAPE OF RECRUITMENT

08 MEMBER PRODUCTS

RISING

12 MARKET ENTRY: A

18

GUIDE TO REGISTERING

INTERNATIONAL

YOUR BUSINESS IN THE

TRADE EVENTS

UNITED STATES

CONTACT US +353 (0)1 662 4036 MEMBERSHIP@WTCDUBLIN.IE WWW.WTCDUBLIN.IE

@WTCDUBLIN

@DUBLINWTC

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COVER STORY THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF RECRUITMENT FOR SMES, A GLOBAL VIEW In the last two years of the COVID-19 Pandemic, another challenge and transformation that businesses have had to face is the changing landscape of recruitment. Companies have not only had to react to global inflation but have also seen the need to adjust salary levels, start-up packages, and the flexibility of a hybrid workplace. Throughout the previous 12-months primarily, we have heard the term the great resignation, with employees shifting their views on employment, the field of employment, and choosing not to return to their traditional roles.

So how does a business stay competitive when recruiting in this landscape? How do candidates differentiate themselves in traditional roles to justify a change in their employment package?

The Pandemic has sparked a revolutionary change in recruitment worldwide. As a global company, what are the critical recruitment changes you are seeing, and what challenges in recruitment should be top of mind for SMEs? Certainly, the word “disrupt” may be overused, but what other word describes it best!

The Pandemic resulted in an unprecedented drop in recruitment and an unreliable marketplace this past year. However, we are currently seeing unprecedented demand for good, new talent. One of the most significant challenges we have seen is the adjustment of natural human senses.

In this world of virtual interviews and reliability of on-screen body language, when you step back and think about it, humans are relying on 2 out of our natural five senses to react, communicate, and relay our traits in a very different way than we are used to. We have seen that the most successful businesses and jobseekers in recruitment have been those that have been able to adjust and grow their video presence quickly.

The World Trade Center Dublin went straight to the experts! Hear from Adrian McGennis, CEO of Sigmar Recruitment Group, Ireland’s largest organically grown recruitment consultancy that has supported businesses for over 20 years connecting thousands of jobseekers with hundreds of companies. With over 150 talented recruiters, Sigmar works in a diverse When looking at the SME-specific range of markets delivering innovative recruitment pool, we find that SMEs recruitment solutions. have far more leverage in flexibility when compared to their Corporate counterparts.

While Corporations may be more agile in infrastructure and technology required to support the current talent pool, setting

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processes for a hybrid workplace and responding to employee needs take a lot more time. However, a smaller business is a lot more flexible and faster in changing processes and procedures to find what fits their company the best.

An example of this is the current conversation of how many days in the office for a hybrid work policy? SMEs have been more open to adjusting the days based on current business and talent needs. We strongly encourage SMEs to be aware of the advantage of customization they have in the current job market.

not have to be polished. It does not have to be a full production video, but utilizing video to communicate job opportunities through ads, job boards, LinkedIn, and other social media outlets is a must to be received by the current talent pool. A video also communicates more than just words. It is an excellent opportunity to promote your company culture and the people that make up your community, giving job seekers an immediate insight into the people they will potentially be working with.

We also encourage businesses to reach out a lot more than in the past. The market is very demanding, and businesses must do much I recently had another interesting conversation more than traditional recruiting methods. around the current talent pool of new, Again, video outreach in the current market graduating entry-level jobseekers. There are a will result in a higher hit rate of view of your number of young talent that have the mindset job postings and grow your talent pool. of never going into the office space. This point of view can be a significant loss to the growth of the talent in their profession as they do not know what they are missing out on from not being in an office space. There is something to be said about the day-to-day learnings, seeing live examples, and mentorship that is missing from not being together in-person.

We have seen businesses adjust to this and take steps to encourage their organizations’ in-person interactions with more amenities within the office space, such as planned group activity areas and, in some cases, small bars and canteen areas, as we call it, creating a “meitheal.”

When looking at the job market in Ireland and Europe, what and how do businesses need to change past employment practices to respond to the market’s needs?

One of the most significant areas that businesses need to change is how a company communicates to jobseekers and responds to the market’s current needs. Whether it is a blue-collar, tech, or senior-level position, communicating and articulating the business’s value proposition is more important in today’s market. We encourage companies to invest time in communicating through video. It does

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For several years, Sigmar has hosted the Ireland Business Council event (Formerly known as Ireland, the Gateway to Europe) in Boston, Massachusetts. The World Trade Center Dublin has been delighted to be involved in this event and is looking forward to the event being in person this year. Tell us a little about the event and the significance of the relationships developed from it.

While in the past, U.S. business interest in Ireland was primarily corporate tax savings.

Today, we see that the most significant pull Ireland has with U.S. businesses is our skilled workers. Whether it is a U.S. business established in Ireland or companies in the U.S., our Irish jobseekers have proven their talent and quality for these competitive jobs.

What differences do you see in recruitment between Irish/European We appreciate the support of World Trade businesses vs. American businesses?

Center Dublin as the first host of our event and support for the last 10-years.

We launched the Ireland Business Council to enhance bilateral trade relations in conjunction with Ireland’s amplification and attraction for foreign investment. We got much more than we could ever imagine through this event and relationship. For the first time this year, we were able to bring our customers to the event in Boston and had the largest attendance, with over 75 business professionals representing various industry sectors coming together to reconnect and share our best practices.

It was almost emotional reconnecting with old friends and making new friends through this pandemic recovery.

We are increasingly seeing little differences between the two regions in recruiting mechanisms, challenges, and competitiveness. We see similar technology utilized and slight differences in the legislature, but we believe the homogeneity will continue. We see SMEs to be more agile and quick to move in both markets.

As the news reports, the current job market is seeing many that have taken this pandemic opportunity to consider changing careers and making significant location moves.

What are the key suggestions you have for the individuals to stay competitive in a new field or location and be successful in their interview and job search process?

If you are looking to change your career, now is an excellent time to consider this.

Even with a company, we encourage the businesses to provide avenues for their internal talent, whether it is a new field or training for a new field, as the interest is there. We also see career moves in areas we have not seen in the past, such as the financial field going to tech or tech to HR and legal. If you are currently recruiting, we challenge businesses to keep open-minded and consider talent that may be coming from a different field, as we are also seeing positive advantages of multi-field talent.

As a jobseeker, similar to the businesses hiring them, we encourage using video to communicate your strengths and passions during the interview process.

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Research and rehearsal are still fundamental. If a company can honestly look at the There is very little room for not doing your experience, make meaningful changes to the experience for the better, and then be homework in the current market. able to communicate this experience will Employers expect you to come prepared be instrumental in recruiting the right talent and knowledgeable. We also recommend to your organization in the current market. job seekers not be afraid to ask questions about the organization’s culture, history, For SMEs, again, you can be much more and ethics. agile in this process and make changes to your company to attract the talent you need. You can also move a lot quicker and What advice do you give to should take advantage of this. If you can do companies recruiting talent today 2 – 3 interviews in a day and make a decision and likewise to the talent looking to in a few days, this will be more efficient be recruited? for your recruiting process and keep you competitive in securing the talent that fits For companies, honestly and truly seeing your company’s needs. what the company gives as an experience for their employees is crucial. It results in a For more information about Sigmar much more candid and honest interviewing Recruitment Group, contact us at the World process.

Trade Center Dublin, we will connect you to the answer for your recruitment needs!

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A BEAUTIFUL HOME DOESN’T HAVE TO COST OUR EARTH! Green living is a goal for many people today.

Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of what is in the products they choose to buy. Consumers have a renewed appreciation for artisan goods, handmade products, and locally sourced items. High value is placed on alternatives to plastics.

Conscious Convert is a sustainable brand founded by Zelia Madigan. Having traveled the world working in diverse cultures and soaking in all its beauty, Zelia wanted to bring that beauty into the lives of others.

Her world travels also opened her eyes to the mass production and the devastation it causes to our planet. As a result, she committed to creating beautiful homeware products made and with respect for nature.

Certified The products are made with nature’s best and finest organic materials, certified by the leading organic stand, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Designed in Ireland and expertly crafted in Portugal.

To further support the protection of our planet Conscious Convert donates 1% of every sale through a partnership with 1% For The Planet.

L I F E ST Y L E

S U STA I N A B I L I T Y

MEMBER PRODUCTS

100% NATURAL BODY CARE Absolute 54 Moisturiser by Doctor Mahers provides 24+hours time-released delivery of emollient and a Lipid/Ceramide Matrix of essential fatty acids and nutrients to support healthy Skin Barrier Function.

Absolute 54 Moisturiser is the only moisturising cream available that contains skin vital Omega 3 (DHA) + Omega 6 providing anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant mechanisms that minimises photo-aging, collagen UV damage, acne, and allergens.

Doctor Maher’s has developed the ‘Eco-C’ Method™ for the production of the Eutopia Body Wash, a patentable green technology that not only delivers a more beneficial product than traditional methods, but also results in a reduced carbon footprint, with an estimated 80% energy saving in the manufacture of liquid soap products.

Independent scientific tests have revealed extraordinary beneficial qualities for Doctor Maher’s Eutopia Body Wash with antioxidants present at up to 25 times higher than leading international brands.

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N E W P R O D U C TS

PURE FROM LEAF TO CUP We are excited to introduce an amazing new product from our member Solaris Botanicals’ ‘Home Office Loose Leaf Set.’ Solaris Botanicals is an Internationally Award-winning Tea Blending company from Galway. Founded by Master Tea Blender and Medical Herbalist, Joerg Mueller, they have combined their extensive knowledge of healing plants and their properties, with the blending of 1st Flush Whole-leaf Organic Teas. Their teas are prepared using traditional processing methods in line with hundreds of years of experience.

Solaris teas contain no artificial aromas or flavours and use only paper and biodegradable packaging to minimise impact on resources and the environment. This focus on using the highest quality ingredients with biodegradable materials has made Solaris Botanicals one of Irelands leading high-end tea suppliers.

RECIPE TRY OUT THIS RECIPE FROM NIBBED: NUTTY ORANGE CACAO BITES Ingredients • • • • • • •

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1 bar of creamed coconut, chopped up 2 tablespoons coconut oil 3 tablespoons of honey (or maple syrup) 4 tablespoons of almond butter 4 tablespoons cacao powder the rind of 1 orange 100g nibbed cacao block, grated 1 handful chopped walnuts 1 cup of desiccated coconut + more for topping 2 tablespoons cacao nibs (or cacao nibbles)

Cooking Instructions: •

Slowly melt the creamed coconut in a pot

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Add coconut oil + grated nibbed cacao block

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When melted add honey + almond butter + orange rind + chopped walnuts + cacao powder

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Add desiccated coconut

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Pour onto tray with greaseproof paper Cool in fridge to solidify

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Chop into bite size pieces when solid

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT We catch up with WTCD Member, SHAUNA BLAIR, founder of Heavenly who provide healthy organic snacks for babies, toddlers and older kids...

Heavenly is the award winning brainchild of Shauna Blair, a mum to four children, and a lover of all things organic and nutritious.

Shauna has created a guilt-free range of organic baby weaning meals for the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland market, and now Heavenly has moved into snacks, with stockists across the UK, Ireland, Europe and the Middle East.

Tell us about Heavenly and how it came to fruition?

Tell us a little about your background before setting up Heavenly?

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced on your journey so far?

When I started my business, I was working for my father’s engineering business as an accounts administrator. Growing up in a family business encouraged and instilled my dreams one day owning my own business.

What do you enjoy about running your own business?

As a mum of 4 children, my life is very busy, and I love the fact that I can work my own hours, and always be there when my children need me.

Having my own children with serious food allergies was the driver for starting Heavenly. I started the company initially as an allergy friendly frozen baby food company and we were the first company of our kind in Ireland.

Being a frozen baby food presented its own challenges in where to locate the product in stores. This presented huge challenges to us as we were a small team with a limited marketing budget. Whilst many parents understand the process of making and freezing their own baby food at home, the retail environment is not set up for selling frozen baby food.

The baby aisle, where baby food is traditionally located, is not near the frozen section of stores, and so parents are not in the ‘shopper need state’ of baby food, when shopping the frozen category.

In 2015, after reviewing our product offering and the retail environment, we launched our ambient baby snacks which we continue sell today. This was a defining change for the Heavenly brand.

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How has COVID-19 impacted your business and what do you think will be the long-lasting affects for Irish business and consumption trends?

Covid-19 has not been good for our business. As people spent more time at home, they were able to scratch cook for the family.

For us there were less opportunities to reach new customers in store.

I feel that consumer habits have changed in the sense that they are more open to healthier eating, and seeking out products that contribute to the wellbeing of them and their family.

The quality of organic ingredients, and their nutritional value are proved to exceed that of non-organic.

That, alongside the fact that organic food is grown without the use of pesticides, means parents are giving their little ones the best start by choosing organic.

You distribute your products across the world. Has international business changed in the face of BREXIT? International business has remained the same for us thankfully. Brexit created a lot of issues for us in terms of our supply chain from EU-UK, and UK-EU, however we are thankful that our international customers have not experiences the same issues in their supply chain.

How do you find juggling the work life balance? What advice would you offer to readers thinking about setting up a business?

I think anyone who is a parent and trying to work will find the juggle is very real. I don’t think anyone has the answer to getting that work-life balance right.

Heavenly are committed to using organic ingredients can you tell us a little about sourcing these ingredients and the importance of choosing organic?

Our Heavenly range is certified as organic by the Soil Association UK to EU standards.

These standards are among the highest in the world, and we use only the finest organic ingredients in our products, through certified suppliers.

Consumers can be assured that our products are part of a very strict supply chain which is audited every year. Organic ingredients are now almost expected as a given by parents when purchasing snacks for their baby.

I guess its about whatever works both for you and as a family, and what your priorities are. For me, ensuring I am always able to work around my family is important, and so working for myself, means I am able to do that. It’s still stressful and busy, but I get to be flexible in my working hours which means the world to me at this point in my life.

What are you ambitions for Heavenly over the next few years?

Our main focus is on international markets and continuing to expand our reach across the globe.

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MARKET ENTRY

Title

A GUIDE TO REGISTERING YOUR BUSINESS IN THE UNITED STATES

The United States, the largest consumer market globally, is a market that most businesses strive to enter. This article outlines guidelines for reviewing if you are considering a new business venture into the US market. As a foreign company in the US, the risk potentials are significant; however, with the proper guidelines and steps, the opportunity for reward is also extremely high, making the US the most sought consumer market in the world.

The good news is that the steps to incorporating a business as a non-citizen are relatively simple, and there are plenty of resources available to help you along the way. This guide will help break down the complexities of registering your business in the US. Corporate Entities in the US for NonResident There are two types of corporate entities non-citizens can open in the US: •

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

•

Corporation (C-Corp)

Th e re i s a n a d d i t i o n a l o p t i o n , S-Corporations often recommended to foreigners. However, though quite attractive, it’s important to note that they are exclusive to citizens and permanent residents.

It is most often recommended to form a C-Corp. There are some distinct advantages to incorporating as an LLC. The most obvious of these is a limited liabilitymeaning members are protected from personal liability for business decisions or actions, and personal assets are safe if the company incurs debt or finds itself

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in a lawsuit. LLCs are also free from the strict recordkeeping necessary for C and S-Corps and have almost no restrictions on profit sharing between members.

Therefore, the business structure to use when forming a business in the USA is an LLC.

Will I Need a Business Visa for the US? If you plan to move to the US and start or expand your business, the type of visa you’ll need will depend on your business’s current state.

•

L-1A Visa: If you have an existing business outside of the US that has been trading for at least 12-months and have four or more employees, you’ll need to get an L-1A visa.

•

E-2 Visa: An E-2 Visa is for a business operating for less than 12-months and has fewer than four employees. The e-2 visa is also suggested if you don’t have a business outside of the US and want to move to the US to start one. It is also the most popular for entrepreneurs (the closest thing the US offers to a “start-up visa”).

Key Requirements for your Visa Application •

You should be a national of a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation

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A detailed business plan

•

A successful visa applicant must be acting under a 8584supervisory or executive capacity whilst undertaking their business in the US.

Here are some of the basic steps and requirements: 1. Name Your LLC Every state has its own rules about what kind of names are allowed for LLCs. In general, you will need to observe these guidelines: •

Your name must include “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or LLC).

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For an E-2 visa, the applicant should be prepared to invest capital in the US at a minimum of USD 100,000.

Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).

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The E-2 visa is valid for an initial two years.

The business activities will be reviewed after this period, and if the visa conditions are continually met, the status can be extended in additional two-year stages.

Restricted words (e.g., Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.

•

Is the URL available? We recommend checking to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to create a business website today, you may want to purchase the URL to prevent others from acquiring it.

•

•

For an L-1A visa, capital investment in the US is not a requirement; however, there must be an operating US entity for the applicant to transfer to

In what US state should I register my business?

The best state to register in is where you will be conducting business the most. Two states that are notoriously inexpensive for entrepreneurs are Nevada and Delaware.

However, if you’re an online company or do business across various regions, you may want to consider registering in a state with lower tax burdens.

Delaware is a popular state due to corporate law that provides significant protections to shareholders and directors.

Incorporating in Delaware also does not require a physical address or bank account.

How to Register an LLC in the US? The process for registration varies slightly from State to State and is somewhat dependent on whether you’re forming an LLC.

2. Hire a Registered Agent What is a Registered Agent? A registered agent is a person or business that sends and receives legal papers on your behalf.

Most states require every LLC to nominate a registered agent. Your registered agent must be a resident of the state you’re doing business in or a corporation authorized to conduct business in that state.

It is typically best to hire a registered agent service for your non-residentowned business. The service you select will have a physical address in your business’s state and operate during all required hours to accept service of process and other compliance notices.

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MARKET ENTRY

The b Insight

CONTINUED: A GUIDE TO REGISTERING YOUR BUSINESS IN THE UNITED STATES

3. File your LLC with the state You will need to file your documents with the state to file an LLC officially.

Your LLC formation document outlines the organizational structure of your business. The most common name for this document is Articles of Organization. It is also known as the Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization.

TIP Your Articles of Organization will define if your company is MemberManaged or Manager-Managed; this is a critical distinction determined by the structure of your company.

4. Create an LLC Operating Agreement

•

Protects members from personal liability: The operating agreement is a formality that protects the managing members from being personally liable.

•

Ensures you aren’t subject to default State rules: When a business doesn’t have an operating agreement in place, the default rules set by the state will apply. For example, States have default rules that require the company to divide profits and losses equally.

5. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

What is an EIN? EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. EIN is a nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help identify businesses for tax purposes. It is essentially a Social Security number for a business.

An operating agreement is not required in most states, but it’s good to have one.

An EIN is sometimes referred to as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN).

What is an operating agreement?

Why do I need an EIN?

An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures.

An EIN is required to: • Open a business bank account

Why are operating agreements important?

•

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Clarifies verbal agreements: The LLC operating agreement puts all understandings between the managing members in writing. Members can then refer back to the operating agreement in the event of conflicts in the future.

•

File and manage Federal and State Taxes

•

Hire employees

What if I already have an EIN for my sole proprietorship?

The IRS requires that sole proprietorships get a new EIN when converting to an LLC.

Where do I get an EIN? Getting an EIN is an easy process that can be done online or by mail or fax. You can get an EIN for free from the IRS. 6. Get a Physical US Mailing Address In the state you choose, a physical address is necessary to open a bank account.

Does my bank account need to be opened in the same state as my LLC?

One way to get a mailing address in the US is to establish a physical office in your state. However, if you do not need to open a physical office in the US, you will still need a US mailing address in your LLC’s State.

No, your LLC’s bank account does not need to be in the State your LLC is formed in; however, the bank must have a presence in that state. Allowing you to fly into an easy-to-access international airport, like New York, visit a national bank branch to open a bank account with a bank present in your LLC’s State.

7. Open a US Bank Account Opening a US Bank account for your LLC will be the most complicated part.

Why is it complicated?

You will need to visit the bank.

•

Due to US money laundering laws, banks must know their clients.

•

You will need to travel to the US and obtain a visa.

Opening a Business Banking account for your company can be done once you’ve formed the LLC and received your EIN.

What if I already have an account with a bank in the US? Some banks, such as the one with which you have a personal statement, may allow you to prove your identity through an affiliated bank in your country. However, you will need to speak with a bank branch in the US and set this process up yourself.

It is up to the discretion of the bank to allow this.

Need additional assistance and guidance?

Contact us at the World Trade Center Dublin.

If you choose this route, you’ll need to call the bank ahead of time to make sure you’re bringing all of the required documents.

Different banks may have additional requirements, so contacting them first is necessary.

There are some other options, though. If you have ever opened a personal bank account in the US, you may be able to open a business account remotely. Additionally, depending on the nature of your business, you may be able to get by with a service like PayPal.

References • • •

Wise.com HowToStartAnLLC.com StartingYourBusiness.com

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE NEWS

Title

IRISH EXPORTS SURGE TO A RECORD €165BN IN 2021

However, while Northern Ireland remains within the customs territory of the UK, it is simultaneously within the European Union’s single market; therefore, the movement of The value of Irish goods exports soared to goods between Northern Ireland and the a record €165 billion last year despite the Republic that are not subject to customs disruption to global trade caused by the checks. pandemic. However, the full-year figures for 2021 show trade with the UK had been Northern Ireland Protocol Influence impacted by Brexit. While Irish exports to Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond said the Britain increased by €2 billion or 17% in Northern Ireland Protocol had seen trade the 12 months, imports from Britain were on the island of Ireland grow by 65%, and down by nearly €2.4 billion or 13%. Since further growth must be facilitated through the UK departed from the EU on January closer cooperation of trading agencies on 1st, 2021, companies have faced increased the island. “Over two years into Brexit, the customs requirements; however, the fall-off changes in trading patterns are beginning in imports has coincided with a significant to truly bed in. Businesses and traders have uptick in cross-Border trade on the island shifted their trading patterns to the path of Ireland. of least resistance and are focusing their

goods in the internal EU market. This is crucially important as just because North/ South political engagement has been parked. This does not mean that we cannot continue to grow the all-island economy.

There is clearly an appetite for businesses to grow these trading links, North/South and indeed East/West,” he said. The CSO noted that exports of medical and pharmaceutical products drove the strong performance in exports overall. These accounted for 38% of all merchandise exports last year, valued at €62.6 billion. Exports to non-EU countries were valued at €103.8 billion in 2021, an increase of €5.8 billion (6%) compared to the 2020 level of exports. The US was the largest export destination in 2021, Data shows that imports from Northern accounting for €52.5 billion or 32% of total Ireland increased 65% to almost €4 billion goods exported. Imports in 2021 increased in 2021, while exports from the Republic into by 18% to €102.5 billion, exceeding €100 the North rose 54% to €3.7 billion. Under the billion on an annual basis for the first time.

Northern Ireland protocol, trade in goods Imports of other transport equipment, with Britain is subject to customs checks. including aircraft, were valued at €14.4 billion or 14% of total imports.

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Two industries that showed promising growth in Ireland were the Prepared Consumer Foods (PCF) and Drink sectors.

PCF exports (including consumer-ready products, such as ready meals, pizzas, soups, and baked goods) increased by 3% last year to €2.5 billion. This performance reflected sustained strong sales across retail, most notably for the meal solutions category and for bread and value-added pig meat. Due to the pandemic in the first half of the year, food service closures continued to cause significant declines in the exports of processed cheese, value-added beef, and sweet bakery products. This category, which includes a wide range of consumer-ready products, is highly dependent on the UK, with just over two-thirds of exports destined for that market. This category’s most significant single element is value-added meats, which were significantly affected by pandemic closures in 2020. Last year, as food service reopened, exports increased by 4% to €677 million. PCF products that depend on retail had a positive year. The Meal Solutions subcategory, which includes pizzas, ready meals, and soups, increased its export value by 5% to a new record of €517 million.

The value of drinks exports increased by 19% to €1.62 billion last, which was a strong recovery after the difficulties of 2020 and returned exports in this category to 2019 levels. This recovery was most robust in Irish whiskey and cream liqueur exports, particularly to the US, with the export of this category worth €856 million last year, up 25% compared to 2020. The growing trend of premiumisation and the position of Irish whiskey in this segment led to the value of Irish whiskey exports increasing at a stronger pace than volumes. Not all categories within the drinks sector experienced the same level of recovery. Overall beer exports were down by 3% to €246 million. Beer exports are more exposed to UK and EU markets, and the closure of bars and nightclubs in many markets had a significant impact. A recovery in beer exports is expected as the hospitality industry reopens.

Sources: • TheJournal.ie • Bord Bia • Irish Times

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UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOWS APRIL Food & Drink Expo 25 - 27 April National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham More info here The Global SeaFood Marketplace - SeaFood Processing Global 26- 28 April Barcelona - Spain More info here

MAY Suppliers Day 3 - 4 May New York More info here Internet Retailing Expo 11 - 12 May NEC, Birmingham, UK More info here The American Food Fair 21 - 24 May National Restaurant Association Show, Illinois More info here FMA CHINA 2022 31 May - 2 June National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai·Hongqiao) More info here

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JULY Texworld Paris 4 - 6 July (registration will open in April!)

Paris, Le Bourget More info here

JUNE Carrefour International du Bois 2022 1 - 3 June Exponantes Park Nantes (France) More info here

Texworld New York City 19 - 21 July Javits Center, New York More info here BIOFACH 26 - 29 July Exhibition Centre, Nuremberg, Germany More info here

Irish Furniture & Homewares Show 12 - 14 June Punchestown Racecourse, Naas, Co Kildare More info here

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