Ireland’s heavy hitters in the meat and dairy businesss travelled to Japan this week in a bid to open up new markets for Irish exports.

Led by Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and Bord Bia chief executive Tara McCarthy, the trade mission included representatives from ABP, Kepak, Dawn Meats, Liffey Meats, Foyle Food Group, QK Meats, Staunton Foods and John Stone.

The dairy industry was also well represented, with Glanbia, Carbery, Dairygold, Dansko, Tipperary Co-Op, Ornua and Kerry on the trip.

Japan, with a population of 126.8 million people, imported €115m worth of Irish goods in 2018.

Ireland exported 15,647t of beef and pork to Japan, comprising 765t of beef offal, 67t of fresh and frozen beef, and 14,805t of pork, in 2018.

Irish Ambassador to Japan, Paul Kavanagh, told Irish companies to “make sure that Japanese customers and buyers realise Ireland’s commitment to membership of the European Union. Because of Ireland’s membership and it is stable, safe, secure and predictable to do business with, these are all very important attributes for Japanese people.

“Brexit is perceived as a huge negative from a government and business point of view in Japan.”

Bord Bia this week opened a new office in Tokyo, to be run by Cavan man Joe Moore, who has built close links to Japan in recent years.

The signing of the Japan EU Economic Partnership Agreement (JEEPA) will see a reduction of tariffs on meat and dairy products over the coming years which will also help to increase exporting opportunities.