JERSEY’S efforts to build political and economic links with France will be reinforced by attendance at one of France’s major shows in Paris later this month.A small team from Jersey will be attending the Paris International Agricultural Show (Salon International de l’Agriculture) between 22 February and 2 March.
The event is one of the world’s largest and most important agricultural shows, drawing larger crowds than any other exposition in Paris. Last year it attracted nearly 700,000 people including the French President and other significant politicians. Reasons for attending the event include:
* strengthening existing political, economic and cultural links with Normandy which fosters relationships at a regional and national level;
* the opportunity to promote the Jersey brand;
* the chance to identify export opportunities for Jersey products in a major market.
This will be the third year that Jersey has attended the event. Because of Jersey’s strong links with regional contacts in the Normandy region, the Island has again been invited to be part of the La Manche (Normandy) stand.
Deputy Carolyn Labey, who is Assistant Minister for both the Economic Development Department and the Department of the Environment, will lead the delegation. She will be accompanied by the Minister for External Relations, Senator Sir Philip Bailhache.
Deputy Labey said: ‘We’re looking forward to returning to the Salon to build on the strong political, business, tourism and media relationships we developed last year.
‘Our position as a partner with La Manche is significant and indicates the strength of our relationship with the General Council of La Manche that they have invited us to be part of their stand.
‘This year we’re bringing some fantastic producers with us, along with representatives from transport and tourism, to showcase the Island as a tourist destination and the variety and high quality of our produce.’
At this year’s event, the Jersey team will showcase the variety and quality of Island produce through videos, promotional material and tastings. Local produce will include Jersey Dairy ice cream, Jersey wine, cider and vodka, Jersey Royal potatoes and black butter. Businesses attending the Paris show include:
Albert Bartlett – Jersey Royal Potatoes
La Mare Wine Estate
Jersey Dairy
La Robeline Cider
Blue Islands
The Paris International Agricultural Show is one of the world’s largest and most important agricultural shows, drawing larger crowds than any other exposition in Paris.
It is an exceptional showcase for regional products, regional and international gastronomy, large-scale farming and green tourism. The fair’s largest section, where Jersey had a presence, featured two football-stadium-sized floors of French regional foods and drink.
The show is a key event in French political circles. In 2013 there were 53 official visits to the Salon by French national politicians, including the French President.
In 2013 there were 1,127 exhibitors at the Salon, 8% of those international, over an area of 145,498m².
Visitor numbers for 2013 were up nearly 2% on 2012 at 693,752. Of these, 115,308 were classified as trade visitors, up 20% on 2012.
The show attracted 7,191 international visitors from 85 countries, up 36% on 2012.
1,800 accredited journalists attended resulting in 7,901 articles of press coverage.
This is the second year of co-operation between Jersey and La Manche and the third year Jersey has attended the event.
