Bord Bia has begun a drive to find 25 professionals to work with Irish food companies abroad in a year-long scholarship programme. As part of the €1 million marketing fellowship programme the graduates will complete 100 business development projects on behalf of food companies in overseas markets.

A review of companies involved in the programme over the last number of years found the activities of fellows contributed additional sales of €30 million over a three-year period.

Bord Bia’s markets director Michael Murphy said the programme gave an opportunity for professionals seeking a career in the food, drink and horticultural industry while boosting Irish businesses overseas.

“This is the fifth year of the programme which has to date recruited more than 100 fellows who have completed in excess of 400 business development and market research projects for client companies in key international markets.”

Successful candidates attain an MSc in international marketing practice in association with the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.

The closing date for applications is March 4th, 2013. More information on smurfitschool.ie/bordbia