The Chinese delegation includes representatives from the China Food & Drug Administration (CFDA) led by Minister Bi Jingquan, said a statement from Bord Bia, who organised the visit. CEOs and senior representatives from some of China’s leading dairy and infant formula companies including Beingmate, Yili, Yashili, Sanyuan and Mengniu were also travelling as well as top Chinese retailers.

The visitors toured Joe and Michael Hayden's 300-acre, 160-cow dairy farm supplying Glanbia and received a briefing on grass-based milk production, traceability, controls and standards on Irish farms.

Food safety is a key concern for the Chinese authorities and a number of new laws have been introduced in China in recent times. This visit also allows the Chinese authorities to update Irish officials on its new regulations, Bord Bia said.

The Chinese delegation is then due to attend a dinner with leading figures from Ireland's dairy industry Sunday evening.

China is the largest dairy importer in the world and Ireland is the second-largest exporter of finished infant formula to the Chinese market.