Irish lamb has been served for the first time to Japanese buyers, chefs and media at a Bord Bia beef and lamb seminar in Tokyo.
This summer, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed announced that Ireland had secured sheepmeat access to Japan.
Ireland’s commitment to food safety and sustainability was also highlighted at the seminar, which is part of a three-year co-funded EU campaign implemented by Bord Bia to promote meat across Asia.
Positive attributes
Irish ambassador to Japan Paul Kavanagh and Bord Bia market specialist Joe Moore represented Ireland at the event, with former Irish international rugby player Bernard Jackman and winner of the San Pelligrino Young Chef of the Year competition 2018 Yasu Fujio addressing attendees about the positive attributes of Irish beef and lamb.
Former Irish international rugby player Bernard Jackman, Irish Ambassador to Japan Paul Kavanagh and Bord Bia Market Specialist Joe Moore with Roppongi Hills Club staff members.
Joe Moore said: “It is fantastic to see Irish lamb served here for the first time today. As one of the world’s largest meat importers, Japan offers significant growth potential for Irish sheepmeat at a time when our food and drink industry is energised in unlocking opportunities in new markets.
Over the last five years, Japanese sheepmeat imports have grown in double digits
“Over the last five years, Japanese sheepmeat imports have grown in double digits, with an 18% volume growth in 2018 alone.
“As we continue to invest resources in the region, this seminar is a key opportunity to build on the strong reputation Irish pork, dairy and seafood has gained in Japan and demonstrate how the Irish food industry can work with customers in responding to consumer demands for quality and sustainably produced food,” he said.
Rugby World Cup
News of Irish meat on Japanese plates comes on the eve of Ireland’s Rugby World Cup match against Japan, with former Irish international rugby player Bernard Jackman addressing the seminar.
Jackman, who hails from a farming background and studied Japanese business, spoke about the role red meat plays in sports nutrition and beef and lamb as an important source of protein, which is particularly relevant for the ageing Japanese consumer.
Joe Moore added that the launch of Irish lamb in Japan coincides with a period when Ireland’s profile will be significantly enhanced among the Japanese public.
“The match represents an opportunity to drive awareness of Irish beef and lamb to an audience of 127m people and promote Ireland as a world-class food and drink producer,” he said.
Read more
Can Irish food exports go big in Japan?
Will Irish beef follow the rugby team to Japan?
Schmidt's men handle first job with ease
Irish lamb has been served for the first time to Japanese buyers, chefs and media at a Bord Bia beef and lamb seminar in Tokyo.
This summer, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed announced that Ireland had secured sheepmeat access to Japan.
Ireland’s commitment to food safety and sustainability was also highlighted at the seminar, which is part of a three-year co-funded EU campaign implemented by Bord Bia to promote meat across Asia.
Positive attributes
Irish ambassador to Japan Paul Kavanagh and Bord Bia market specialist Joe Moore represented Ireland at the event, with former Irish international rugby player Bernard Jackman and winner of the San Pelligrino Young Chef of the Year competition 2018 Yasu Fujio addressing attendees about the positive attributes of Irish beef and lamb.
Former Irish international rugby player Bernard Jackman, Irish Ambassador to Japan Paul Kavanagh and Bord Bia Market Specialist Joe Moore with Roppongi Hills Club staff members.
Joe Moore said: “It is fantastic to see Irish lamb served here for the first time today. As one of the world’s largest meat importers, Japan offers significant growth potential for Irish sheepmeat at a time when our food and drink industry is energised in unlocking opportunities in new markets.
Over the last five years, Japanese sheepmeat imports have grown in double digits
“Over the last five years, Japanese sheepmeat imports have grown in double digits, with an 18% volume growth in 2018 alone.
“As we continue to invest resources in the region, this seminar is a key opportunity to build on the strong reputation Irish pork, dairy and seafood has gained in Japan and demonstrate how the Irish food industry can work with customers in responding to consumer demands for quality and sustainably produced food,” he said.
Rugby World Cup
News of Irish meat on Japanese plates comes on the eve of Ireland’s Rugby World Cup match against Japan, with former Irish international rugby player Bernard Jackman addressing the seminar.
Jackman, who hails from a farming background and studied Japanese business, spoke about the role red meat plays in sports nutrition and beef and lamb as an important source of protein, which is particularly relevant for the ageing Japanese consumer.
Joe Moore added that the launch of Irish lamb in Japan coincides with a period when Ireland’s profile will be significantly enhanced among the Japanese public.
“The match represents an opportunity to drive awareness of Irish beef and lamb to an audience of 127m people and promote Ireland as a world-class food and drink producer,” he said.
Read more
Can Irish food exports go big in Japan?
Will Irish beef follow the rugby team to Japan?
Schmidt's men handle first job with ease
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