Bord Bia has predicted that Irish food exports could grow by as much as 15% by 2020. In 2012 Irish food exports had a record year in that it surpassed the €9 Bn mark for the first time.

The Agri-food sector accounted for €7 Bn of these exports and the vision is” to increase this export value to €12 Billion” by 2020. The Food Harvest Report 2020 found that the Agri-food sector has moved from a “commodities-based supply to one that is increasingly brand centred and consumer focussed”. The Irish food sector can capitalise on this opportunity by smart production (reduce costs with higher productivity) and by enhancing our green credentials, according to the Food Harvest Report 2020.

To read the full Food harvest Report 2020, please click here >>>>>>>>>>

To read about Bord Bia’s Origin green initiative, please click here >>>>>>>>

Average global freight rates have hit a new 15 month low, according to Drewry analysts. In monetary terms this equates to an average price of $2,065 per 40 foot container across 600 trade routes, a dramatic fall of 18% since the start of the year and a 12% decrease on the Asia-Europe, Asia- North America trade lanes in April alone.

The rate of $2065 per 40 foot container is the lowest rate recorded since February 2012. Drewry cites overcapacity on the main global trade lanes as one of the main drivers effecting these declining rates.

A class action lawsuit into price fixing has been taken by a number of shippers against some of the world’s most famous freight forwarding companies including household names Panalpina, CEVA, ABX Logistics worldwide, Expeditors International, Kuehne and Nagel, Nishi-Nippon, Schenker, Morrison Express Logistics, United Air cargo Consolidators, UTI Worldwide and Vantec, all of whom have already agreed to settle.

The class action lawsuit has resulted in a first round of settlements which will be distributed to “class members on a pro-rate basis” which is based on specific criteria.

The case is known as Precision Associates, Inc. v Panalpina World Transport and full details are contained on the link below.

To view Precision Associates, Inc. v. Panalpina World Transport, please click here>>>>>

 Sources:www.freightforwardercase.com and Voice of the Independent, April 2013 Edition

Africa has the potential to become the “New China” For Irish Exporters with exports having increased by over 200% to a value of €2.7 Billion since 2009 and the Irish Exporters association estimates that this could reach €24 Billion by 2020.

Mr Bryan Delaney, Irish Exporters Association, said that “African markets have a greater potential for Irish Exporters over the next decade than China”. He also noted the huge growth in exports to sub Saharan Africa; South Africa in particular.

The IMF has ranked the African region as the fastest growing region in the world. The high potential growth areas for Irish Exporters were identified as Agriculture, Energy and Utilities, Construction and Tourism.

The IMF also reported that Africa has now six of the ten fastest growing countries in the world and predicts that Sub Saharan Africa will grow between 5-6% over the next two years.

To read more about African export potential, please click here>>>>>

In preparation for the abolition of the milk quota system in 2015, Glanbia have announced a €150m investment in a super milk production facility in Belview, South Kilkenny.

The new facility will have the capacity to produce 700 million litres of milk and 100,000 tonnes of dairy powder on an annual basis. Expected increase demand from high growth regions such as Asia, Central America and Africa will be the focussed target market for the new facility, The Belview plant is due to open in 2015, co-inciding with the abolition of the milk quota system.

Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, commenting on this major announcement said

‘Today’s announcement will further secure Ireland’s standing as a world-leader in the dairy industry. Food is Ireland’s number one export sector and critically important to our economy and export-led growth. Enterprise Ireland is delighted to support this significant investment and looks forward to working with GIIL as they embark on this ambitious expansion and grow and develop their international sales – sustaining and creating jobs in Ireland’.

To read the full press release from Glanbia, please click here >>>>>>

Enterprise Ireland client companies set a new record in 2012 by accounting for €16.2 billion in Irish Exports. This is the first time that Enterprise Ireland client companies broke through the milestone €16 Bn mark.

This is very encouraging news as the IMF predicts that the world economy will grow by 3.3% in 2013 an Enterprise Ireland client companies are perfectly poised to capitalise on this growth.

The focus for Enterprise Ireland in 2013 are the high growth economies  in Asia, latin America and the Middle East. The most notable high growth sectors in 2012 were advanced engineering, software and medical devices.

To read the full press release from Enterprise Ireland, please click here>>>>>>>

Ethiad Cargo posted its strongest freight traffic performance to date in Quarter 1, 2013. Freight Traffic increased by 20% year and year, setting a new volume record, which equated to 101,776 tonnes from January to March 2013.

Consequently cargo revenues increased by 17% when compared to Quarter 1, 2012 ($193m vs. $165m (2012)).

James Hogan, CEO Ethiad Airways stated “Our Q1 2013 results have again outstripped global trends, with our strongest ever first quarter results for passenger revenue.

“This performance demonstrates that Etihad Airways’ strategy of organic growth, wide-ranging partnerships, and strategic equity investments is delivering for us and our partners,” he said.

To read the full press release from Ethiad Cargo, please click here >>>>>>>>

Air cargo need to be at the core of any new aviation policy. This was the key message from the Irish Exporters association in its submission to the Minister of transport urging an “open skies” policy in order to “improve  the competitive options in getting our hi-tech, high value goods to the markets”, stated John Whelan, CEO of the Irish Exporters Association.

An extensive survey of Irish exporters was conducted by the Irish Exporters Association and some of its key findings were as follows:

• The arrival into the Irish market of Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways and Emirates Airlines notwithstanding, respondents still called for enhancement of Ireland’s connectivity with major trading partner countries.

• Increased level of competition in air freight could be achieved through a combination of incentives and reduced airport charges.

• New airline carriers would reduce the tonnage that is air trucked to the UK and elsewhere.

• Respondents called on the Government to encourage airport handling operators to increase their competitiveness. The respondents proposed that airport handlers should switch their charging method to a consignment basis — as in the case in Continental Europe and the US — rather than the existing weight basis which is a legacy practice here and in the UK.

• Manufacturers expressed the view that the Government should carefully consider how the proposed sale of its stake in Aer Lingus might impact on the availability of cargo services into and out of Ireland. They stressed that any proposed sale should be to a cargo-friendly carrier.

To read they full submission from the Irish Exporters Association, please click here >>>>>

Emerald Freight Express are delighted to announce the attainment of IEA Life Sciences Ireland Good Distribution Practice(GDP Passport Accreditation) which was presented to them by John Whelan(CEO Irish Exporters Association)  on May 3^rd 2013 at their Santryhall Terminal in Dublin.

Owen O’ Brien CEO of Emerald Freight Express commenting on the award said “This accreditation will position our company to fully service Irelands Pharma & Healthcare sector, as we now have all the prerequisite qualifications to handle Global Export shipments requiring precision handling and expertise”.

He also added that:

“This GDP Accreditation follows extensive training of our customer service management team and the enhancement of our designated GDP facility. This award demonstrates our commitment to  clients to show we have achieved the highest industry standard to meet the expectations of Irish Life Science manufacturers. This is another milestone achievement for Emerald Freight Express following our full AEO Security Accreditation from Customs/Revenue in 2011”.

John Whelan, chief executive of the IEA, stated ;
‘’The pharmaceutical and medical devices industry operates in a highly regulated environment, additionally in recent times there has been an increase in counterfeit products entering the supply chain, and also new medicinal compounds increasing the need for temperature control environment with 50% of new drugs entering the market with specific temperature control limits. Consequently there further specific requirements in managing the international supply chain for the life sciences industry has arisen. The GDP system is the industry standard for transport of Life Sciences products. Hence it is critical to the industry to see companies such as Emerald Freight making the investment in the GDP Passport system ‘’

Emerald Freight Express is Ireland's premier independent Freight Forwarder, established in 1981 and serving Dublin - Cork - Shannon - Belfast, with a full range of multi modal transportation services and 3PL Logistics.

The key to our success over the past 32 years is our belief that our customer is King / Queen and we strive to meet and exceed our customer’s expectations consistently on a daily basis.

Quality service is our daily bread and our dedication to a quality management system is certified and visible by constant maintenance of our full AEO and GDP Accreditations.

Our people at Emerald Freight Express are proud and passionate in performing a high degree of quality service and customer care, on a daily basis. In partnership with our Global Agency Network we provide seamless global freight management and tailor-made solutions for our clients both at home and overseas.

While information technology plays a major part in our service capability we believe it’s our team at Emerald who make us dynamic and special, with hands on customer care and personal commitment to meet our customers service demands on a daily basis, 24 7 365.

Emerald Freight Express is pleased to announce the launch of a new development related to the moving of Personal Effects and Household Goods across the globe.

This exciting new development has been branded as Emerald Global Movers and can be viewed at www.emeraldglobalmovers.com. You will see that we offer a full range of packing, moving and shipping services with excellent DIY tips to help potential customers reduce costs from door to door.

With many years experience in moving personal effects and household goods we have a reputation second to none both at home and abroad. We have an extensive array of Road, Sea and Air services providing you with the most competitive rates in the marketplace.

You can always be assured of our personal attention and our hands-on approach to meet your service needs and expectations so why not contact us today for a quotation and we’ll take very good care of you and your precious household and personal effects.

The two week dispute between striking dock workers and management of Hong Kong International Terminals (HIT) show no signs of abating.

Management successfully obtained an injunction which prevents no more than 80 union members to conduct peaceful picketing in a designated staff car park. There are currently between 400-500 dock workers actively protesting towards achieving wage increases and improved working conditions.

Resultant delays of up to 60 hours have caused major inconvenience for shippers who use Hong Kong port facilities. The option to divert shipments via Shenzhen is rapidly becoming a very attractive option for international shippers.

To read the HIT press release about the Hong Kong port demonstrations, click here >>>>

To read more about Hong Kong Port Demonstrations,click here>>

Irish Industrial turnover in February increased by 3.1% when compared to January 2013. In annual terms this represented an increase of 0.1%.

In volume terms the three month period from December 2012 to February 2013 represented a 6.7% increase in industrial production on the previous quarter.

To read the full report from the CSO, please click here >>>>

To read about Irish GDP growth in 2012, please click here >>>

Large amounts of container traffic have experienced diversions and delays as a result of a major port strike in the worlds third busiest port, Hong Kong port.

The port strike,which involves 450 workers has now entered its second week. Striking port workers are seeking a 20% pay rise and are looking for mandatory work breaks during their 12 hour shifts.

The port operator, Hutchinson Port Holdings Reust had their terminal premises occupied l;ast Monday and had to get a special court order to get the strikers to vacate their premises. However, the stand-off continues.

To read HPHI’s press release, please click here >>>>>>>

Emerald Freight Express are delighted to join an elite group of freight forwarders in Ireland to be awarded with Irish Life sciences GDP accreditation, a pre-requisite to serving Irelands bourgeoning Life sciences/Pharmaceutical sector, in order to protect the integrity of this critical supply chain.

The formal presentation of this esteemed accreditation was made by Mr. John Whelan, CEO of the Irish Exporters Association at Emerald’s Santry Hall terminal to Emerald Freights Managing Director, Mr. Owen O’Brien.

To read more about Emerald Freight's specialist services for the pharmaceutical industry, please click here >

Ireland has successfully bucked the EU trend of negative GDP growth (-0.5% GDP decline 2012) by posting growth figures of 0.9% for the year ended 2012.

GNP also grew by an impressive 3.4% in the same period. This is the second successive year of GDP growth; which is a very positive indicator in regards Ireland’s economic recovery.

Irelands Gross Domestic Product in 2012 grew by 0.9% to a grand total of €160 Billion.

To read more about Irelands GDP growth, please click here >>>>>>>>>>

To read about the Euro area GDP performance, please click here >>>>>>>

Below is an excellent video of a 2000 tonne crane being unloaded at the Port of Essex as part of the construction of a gateway new port at the old Shell refinery on the Thames.

With six berths and the ability to handle ultra large container ships, London Gateway will have a total handling ability of 3.5M TEU’s per anum with automated stacking, which will cut down on port charges and waiting times. From a customer’s viewpoint, a products speed to market will be greatly increased as a result of cutting edge technology

[youtube code="DvJ5jTc2N6k "]

The Irish presidency of the EU has already resulted in significant advancements in a number of key areas. Negotiations in regards the complex EU budget are on track, whilst negotiations in regards the EU-US Free Trade Agreement have taken its significant first steps.

Agreements already reached include “Two Pack”, which deals with the overhaul of banking regulations and the launch of the “European Year of the Citizen”.

Ireland will hold the presidency until June 2013, in which the majority of meetings of the Council of the EU will be chaired by Irish ministers.

To read more about Irish EU presidency progress, please click here >>>>>>>>

To read about the IEA’s game changing proposals for the presidency, please click here >>>>>>>

CMA-CGM has announced that as part of its revenue restoration programme, it is to implement a number of general rate increases, effective April 1^st, 2013.

From North Europe to the Far-East the increase is $125 per TEU(twenty foot equivilant) and from North Europe to Saudi Arabia, the rate increase is $80 per TEU and $120 per FEU(forty unit equivilant).

To read the full press release form CMA-CGM, please click here >>>>>>>>>

The Irish Exporters association has issued a strongly worded statement this morning regarding the Cypriot governments plan to implement significant taxes on personal savings. This surprise move has created alarm throughout the Euro zone.

In regards the potential effect of Irish exports, John Whelan, CEO of the Irish Exporters association said “the Eurozone is in a very fragile condition just now, and according to the IMF will contract by half a percent this year .The Cyprus crises if badly handled by the EU leaders, could push the recession deeper and will make life very difficult for Irish exporters who rely on the EU markets for 59% of Irelands manufactured goods, including agri foods, and 35% of all services exports”.

To read the full press release from the Irish Exporters Association, please click here >>>>>>

To all our friends and customers both at home and overseas we extend a special Irish greeting to celebrate Saint Patricks Day on Sunday, March 17^th.

As Saint Patricks falls on Sunday, Monday March 18^th is a public national holiday and our operations will be closed. However you can always contact us 24/7/365 bon our emergency number +353 87 247 365 0

2013 ……..the year to come to Ireland and be part of The Gathering – a year long celebration of Ireland and all things Irish

Through the Gathering 2013, communities throughout Ireland are showcasing and sharing the very best of Irish culture, tradition, business, sport, fighting spirit and the uniquely Irish sense of fun.                       

There are currently over 3,000 events organised for the Gathering 2013.

Below are some of the many highlights which are expected to bring many of the 70 million Irish descendants and diaspora home this year:

St. Patricks Day Celebrations (Dublin)

Way of Life In Kerry Gathering (Ballybunion)

An Post Tour of Sligo Cycle (Sligo)

Sea Sessions Surf and Music festival (Bundoran)

International Quilts Festival of Ireland (Galway)

Fleadh Feirste (Belfast)

Street Performance World Championship (Cork)

Clans of Ireland Conference (Dublin)

Mc Cormack Family Gathering  (Laois)

Mac Donagh family Gathering  (Galway)

For all other nationwide events please clikc here>>>>>>>>>>

The world’s largest container ship, the Marco Polo, recently docked at Hamburg port. This magnificent vessel has the capacity to carry a massive 16,020 TEU’s (twenty foot equivalent units).

At 54m wide and 394m long it is the largest containership in the world,the same length as four standard football pitches.

It commenced its maiden voyage from Ningbo, China to Southanpton, full of goods for the Christmas market and returned recently to dock in Hamburg  last week.

Below is an impressive video showing the Marco Polo being safely escorted to port by a relatively small tug boat

[youtube code="S14jDxUxXpM"]

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, is in Washington D.C today meeting with senior executives of the US administration to hammer out a free trade agreement between the EU and US, which could be worth in the region of €100m to the Irish economy annually.

This follows on from the February announcement, where the EU and US agreed to launch negotiations into having a free trade agreement between both economic superpowers.

Minister Bruton also said that “This has clear benefits to Ireland where over 115,000 people are directly employed in over 700 US firms in Ireland. US firms contribute over €3 billion annually to the Irish Exchequer in taxes and an additional €14 billion to the Irish economy in expenditure on payrolls, goods and services."

To read the full press release, please click here >>>>>>

Etihad Cargo recently posted its January record breaking tonnages by recording its largest uplift figures to date, with a massive 27% increase on January 2012 tonnages.

January’s tonnage of 32,613 tonnes is hugely significant as it represents the largest January tonnage to the date for the global Air Carrier.

In 2012 Etihad Cargo reported annual tonnage growth of 19% when compared to 2011. In addition Etihad Cargos capacity has increased by a massive 14% in Available Tonnage Kilometres, when compared to 2011.

Kevin Knight, chief strategy and planning officer said “2012 was a record-breaking year for Etihad Cargo and based on projections, demand will be greater again in 2013.

The impressive tonnage figures for January were driven largely by increased demand into and out of China and India.”

To read the full press release from Etihad Cargo, please click here >>>>>

The Panama Canal Extension program reached an important juncture yesterday as the dredging, widening and deepening of the Culebra Cut was completed.

Jorge L. Quijano, Panama Canal Administrator commented “This important achievement fills with pride each man and woman that works within the organization," and that “Gradually, we are completing all the projects that make up the Expansion Program."

During the dredging of the Culebra Cut, a total of 3.2 million cubic meters of material was removed.

To read more about the Panama Canal Expansion, please click here >>>>>>>>

To read of other Panama Canal Expansion milestones, please click here >>>>>>>>