Irish lamb has landed in the US for the first time since access was granted in 2022, with Bord Bia holding a New York launch for the meat on Wednesday.

US wholesaler Marx Foods, already importing Irish beef, received the first shipment of lamb this week from Irish Country Meats, the sheepmeat division of ABP Food Group.

Director at Marx Foods, Justin Marx, said it is “thrilled” to introduce Irish lamb to “American dining tables”. “Irish lamb is renowned for its exceptional taste and quality,” he added.

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Irish lamb was served at the Park Avenue launch event – attended by media, chefs and trade partners – with Irish chef Mark Moriarty travelling to New York to demonstrate the versatility of Irish lamb across global cuisines.

Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole said Irish lamb will be promoted Stateside as a premium product with high health and nutritional benefits, while also highlighting Ireland’s commitment to food safety standards and sustainability.

“Younger consumers, who are open to eating more lamb, are willing to pay more for quality lamb that is reared ethically and comes from a natural environment,” he added.

Bord Bia’s New York office is planning to invite lamb buyers from the US to Ireland to show them Irish sheep farming in practice.

This comes as sheepmeat consumption in the US is forecast to reach over 174,000t by 2029, with the US Ireland’s second largest food and drink export market after the UK.