Record Numbers at Bloom
This year’s event also received a ringing endorsement from Bob Sweet, former Head of Judging for the Royal Horticulture Society in the UK, who has visited the show on many occasions.
“There is no doubt in my mind that this year’s Bloom event is better than Chelsea,” he stated, “It’s a world-class showcase and Bord Bia should be very proud of what it has achieved in a relatively short period of time. I recall the first show back in 2007 and it’s just incredible to see how the event has evolved.”
Before the doors opened to the public on the Friday, over 250 food buyers attended Bord Bia’s business breakfast at Bloom for face-to-face meetings with the exhibiting food and drink companies.
“We’re proud that our Bloom event has developed into such an inspirational festival of creativity, a place where creators of food and drink, of gardens, craft and art get a platform to tell their story,” commented Bord Bia Chief Executive Tara McCarthy welcoming this year’s strong attendance, “Each year Bloom provides Bord Bia and our key stakeholders with an invaluable opportunity to engage with consumers, helping us to build insight, learn and share new ideas while celebrating and showcasing the best of Ireland’s horticulture, food and drink industry. “Bloom has a strong track record of delivering sales and new business for our stakeholders, both here onsite and more importantly developing trade relationships for future business,” she continued, “This is a key component of the show and one that Bord Bia is keen to deliver and build upon.”
At the Bloom Inn, which housed some of Ireland’s emerging craft beer and craft spirits suppliers, business was “extremely brisk” stated Denise Murphy, Sectoral Manager for Drinks at Bord Bia.
Some 4,000 people worked onsite over the five days including 200 Bord Bia volunteers. It took 14 days to clear the Bloom site after having taken 31 days to build it.
Plans and preparations are already well underway for Bloom 2018 with many showgardens, sponsors and designers already signed up. Bord Bia has confirmed it will take place from Thursday, May 31st to Monday, June 4th 2018.
