Approval of additional beef plants, access for sheepmeat and dairy exports are on the agenda for the Irish trade mission to China this week.

“I look forward to engaging with my Chinese counterparts in relation to the process for approval of a number of additional beef plants, as well as progressing discussions on the next steps in the path towards sheepmeat access”, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said.

The mission will visit the three cities of Shanghai, Beijing and Hohhot. Total agri-food exports to China in 2018 amounted to almost €800 million, a nearly fourfold increase from €200 million in 2010, according to CSO trade statistics. Dairy products accounted for 68% (€541 million) of total exports. Pigmeat export value increased to €77 million last year.

Following the announcement of Irish beef access in April 2018, there are now seven Irish plants approved to export beef to China. Exports of Irish beef commenced in summer 2018 and by the end of 2018 around €2.8 million (1,400 tonnes) had been exported.

Minister Creed will be accompanied by senior officials from the Department of Agriculture, Bord Bia as well as dairy and meat companies.

“Bord Bia has completed over 500 hours of qualitative research studies in the region to identify the most profitable route to market for Irish producers,” Bord Bia CEO Tara McCarthy said. “These insights also inform our on-going consumer and trade campaigns in China which includes online promotions, inward buyer visits, and EU co-funded campaigns.”

Programme

1. Shanghai, Monday 13 May

  • Industry meetings with key Chinese customers, Shanghai
  • 2. Shanghai & Beijing Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 May

  • The official opening of SIAL and the Irish Pavilion, Shanghai
  • Meetings with ministerial counterparts in Beijing on market access and technical cooperation
  • Minister hosts a celebration of Irish beef in the Embassy of Ireland, Beijing
  • 3. Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, Thursday 14 May

  • An Irish dairy delegation will meet key Chinese dairy companies.
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    Watch: Minister, meat industry and Bord Bia at Beef Summit