Sheep farmers will be hoping for good news from China this week, as Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed visits Shanghai and Beijing.
His visit will include a government to government meeting to advance market access priorities, including sheepmeat access.
The recent announcement of an EU-China agreement on geographical indicators, a boost for Irish whiskey and Irish cream, is also on the agenda.
Speaking ahead of his trip, the minister said it would build on the recent approval of an additional tranche of 14 beef plants to export to China. There are now 21 beef plants approved to export.
Beef access
Access for Irish beef to China was announced in April 2018. By the end of 2018 over 1,200t, valued at €2.3m, had been exported.
There is now significant potential for future growth
“Exports this year have already risen to 4,600t, valued at over €21m, to the end of August,” the minister said. “With the approval of the additional plants allowing for greater supply, there is now significant potential for future growth.”
Minister Creed will be accompanied by senior officials from his Department, and Tara McCarthy, CEO of Bord Bia.
McCarthy said: “Chinese market access and beef plant approvals spearheaded by Department of Agriculture, alongside Bord Bia’s intensive Chinese market insight work over three years, have laid the foundation for long-term growth in the Chinese market.
Exciting next phase
“The upcoming trade visit represents an exciting next phase in our strategy where we will build awareness and drive sales of Irish beef by forging new relationships and deepening existing links with key Chinese food service and e-commerce customers.
“Our 2020 marketing strategy for China will systematically build the reputation of food brand Ireland among Chinese customers and consumers; starting with the announcement next week of a major promotion that will place Irish beef front and centre with Chinese consumers.”
Read more
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New Zealand passes climate change bill with huge targets for methane emissions
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Sheep farmers will be hoping for good news from China this week, as Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed visits Shanghai and Beijing.
His visit will include a government to government meeting to advance market access priorities, including sheepmeat access.
The recent announcement of an EU-China agreement on geographical indicators, a boost for Irish whiskey and Irish cream, is also on the agenda.
Speaking ahead of his trip, the minister said it would build on the recent approval of an additional tranche of 14 beef plants to export to China. There are now 21 beef plants approved to export.
Beef access
Access for Irish beef to China was announced in April 2018. By the end of 2018 over 1,200t, valued at €2.3m, had been exported.
There is now significant potential for future growth
“Exports this year have already risen to 4,600t, valued at over €21m, to the end of August,” the minister said. “With the approval of the additional plants allowing for greater supply, there is now significant potential for future growth.”
Minister Creed will be accompanied by senior officials from his Department, and Tara McCarthy, CEO of Bord Bia.
McCarthy said: “Chinese market access and beef plant approvals spearheaded by Department of Agriculture, alongside Bord Bia’s intensive Chinese market insight work over three years, have laid the foundation for long-term growth in the Chinese market.
Exciting next phase
“The upcoming trade visit represents an exciting next phase in our strategy where we will build awareness and drive sales of Irish beef by forging new relationships and deepening existing links with key Chinese food service and e-commerce customers.
“Our 2020 marketing strategy for China will systematically build the reputation of food brand Ireland among Chinese customers and consumers; starting with the announcement next week of a major promotion that will place Irish beef front and centre with Chinese consumers.”
Read more
What can drive Irish beef price?
New Zealand passes climate change bill with huge targets for methane emissions
Housing options for an expanding sheep flock
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