The international buyers will be accompanied by Bord Bia on 11 targeted itineraries visiting farms, factories, retail stores and manufacturing facilities all around the country.

A group of influential Chinese beef and lamb buyers were included in yesterday's visits. The group travelled to Irish Country Meats in Camolin, Co Wexford and Dawn Meats in Co Waterford. The group included Mr. Wei Chen, Executive VP and Secretary General of the China Meat Association.

Speaking about yesterday's visits, Simon Coveney, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine said he was "delighted to have Chinese beef buyers here this week following the recent announcement that China has lifted its ban on Irish beef.

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"This will hopefully result in some early sales and build on the ongoing contact between Irish beef exporters and enthusiastic Chinese beef buyers. My Department is continuing its technical engagement with the Chinese authorities and is aiming to ensure this process is concluded as soon as possible to allow commencement of trade."

He also said credit is due to Bord Bia on organising this "fantastic event which showcases the best of Irish food and drink to international buyers."

Meanwhile, beef and lamb buyers from Japan, Morocco, UAE, Singapore and Egypt visited ABP in Clones and Liffey Meats in Cavan, while a Chinese dairy delegation visited the Irish Dairy Board, Bord Bia, IDIA, Lakelands Dairies and Food Health Ireland.

On the pigmeat side a separate Chinese delegation travelled to Kilkenny to meet with Hermitage Pedigree Breeding, Ireland’s market leader in pig genetics.

And on the seafood side, there were four separate itineraries. The groups visited Harty’s Oysters in Dungarvan, Carr Shellfish in Tallow, Keohanes in Cork City, Dunns in Howth, Glenmar Seafood, Irish Premium Oysters & Irish Fish Canners in Donegal and Goatsbridge Trout Farm in Kilkenny.

Commenting on the event, Bord Bia Chief Executive Aidan Cotter said, “this is the largest business development event for the food and drink industry hosted by Bord Bia in Ireland. It represents a huge opportunity to showcase the breadth, depth and capabilities that has enabled the industry to build a €10.5 billion export platform and reach out to 175 markets around the world.”