Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine | June 10, 2025
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, is this week leading a high-level agri-food trade mission to the Republic of Korea and Japan. Organised in collaboration with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland, the mission aims to deepen Ireland’s commercial ties and enhance market opportunities across the two strategically important Asian markets.
Running until Saturday, 14 June, the trade mission will include political engagements, commercial meetings, and trade promotion events across three cities. The itinerary features two ministerial-level meetings, two trade receptions, visits to two markets, and twelve business-focused engagements promoting Ireland’s sustainably produced beef, dairy, seafood, and premium consumer food and drinks.
A total of 22 Irish companies from the food and beverage sectors are participating, with a special emphasis in Japan on Irish drinks, including three dedicated promotional events.
Promoting Irish Food and Drinks in Asia
Speaking from Seoul, Minister Heydon said:
“The focus of this trade mission is to strengthen Ireland’s position as a trusted supplier of premium, sustainably produced agri-food in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the wider Asian region. With increasing demand for high-quality food and drink, Ireland’s export potential is significant. This mission allows us to build on our strong official and commercial relationships and create new opportunities for Irish producers.”
He added that Ireland’s participation in major events such as Seoul Food—Korea’s largest international food industry exhibition—and Expo 2025 in Osaka will boost visibility and reinforce the country’s agri-food brand in these important markets.
The Minister also highlighted the significance of Ireland’s recent market access for beef in South Korea, secured in 2024.
“I was honoured to be present in Seoul last September for the launch of Irish beef on the market. This week, we’re building on that milestone to deepen engagement with key stakeholders and buyers in both countries.”
Focus on Korean Beef Market
Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole emphasised the importance of South Korea as a growth market for Irish beef exports:
“South Korea is the most valuable beef market in Asia and presents a stable, long-term opportunity, particularly for bone-in cuts like short ribs—popular for Korean barbeque. Our latest consumer research shows strong demand for grass-fed beef, which is viewed as healthier and more natural, helping position Irish beef as a premium choice in this market.”
Mr O’Toole added that Ireland’s reputation for secure, traceable supply and sustainable practices—underpinned by Origin Green and robust quality assurance systems—are key selling points in South Korea’s competitive import market.
“This mission allows us to support our Irish meat companies at Seoul Food, and to explore new retail and food service opportunities, including through e-commerce platforms.”
Market Background
- South Koreans are the highest per-capita meat consumers in Asia, averaging 60kg per person annually—17kg of which is beef.
- Beef consumption is forecast to grow by 1% annually over the next four years.
- In 2024, South Korea imported nearly 500,000 tonnes of beef—92% from the U.S. and Australia—highlighting the potential for Irish suppliers to gain market share.
Participating Companies
Companies joining the trade mission include:
- Meat & Poultry: Liffey Meats, Dawn Meats, ABP, Kepak, QK Meats, Silver Hill Duck
- Dairy & Ingredients: Lakeland Dairies, Carbery, Kerry Group, Tirlán
- Spirits & Drinks: Intrepid Spirits, Clonakilty Distillery, Hyde Irish Whiskey, Curraghmore Irish Whiskey, Boann Distillery, Walsh Whiskey, JJ Corry Whiskey, O’Malley Spirits Trading, Ahascragh Whiskey, Jameson Distillery, Church of Oak Distillery, Dingle Distillery
For further updates on the trade mission, follow @agriculture_ie and @BordBia on social media or visit gov.ie/agriculture.
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