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Slaney Foods has also announced a deal to supply Irish Hereford beef to Lidl stores in the US as the supermarket chain begins opening stores stateside for the first time.
Lidl has initially opened 10 stores in Virginia, and North and South Carolina but has plans to grow this to 100 stores by next year.
It is understood that there are plans for Lidl to expand to 300 stores in time.
“We’ve been very grateful for the support from Lidl, Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture in helping open up the U.S. market to us and we look forward to the American consumer getting a taste of premium grass fed Irish beef,” said Slaney Foods International Managing Director Rory Fanning.
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said the deal is another step in getting a further foothold for Irish beef in the US.
“This is an exciting time in the journey of Irish beef in the USA from initial access for primal cuts in 2015, to access for manufacturing beef in 2016 and the commencement of trade in manufacturing beef earlier this year.
"As Lidl starts the process of opening stores in the USA, today’s launch of Irish beef to the retail market marks another key step in this journey. I would also like to pay testament to the great work being done by Slaney and their own focus and commitment to quality, sustainability and producing premium grass fed Irish beef.”
USDA retail approval
Meanwhile and separately, Irish beef will carry a government approval label in US stores according to Bord Bia.
The USDA seal of approval is to validate Bord Bia claims that the beef comes from cattle fed a diet of more than 80% grass, that are fully traceable, from quality assured farms and processing plants, treated responsibly with antibiotics and not treated with growth hormones.
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