More than a dozen Irish whiskey and Irish beef producers are in South Korea and Japan this week as part of a trade mission.
The government believes east Asia offers big growth opportunities for Irish products.
South Korea reopened its market to French and Irish beef last year after negotiations with the European Commission.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, is this week leading the trade mission to Korea and Japan in collaboration with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland.
Speaking from Seoul, Minister Heydon said: “The focus of this trade mission is to build on and promote, Ireland’s reputation in agri-food in the Republic of Korea and Japan, and the wider Asia region. The trade mission will take in Seoul Food, Korea’s largest international exhibition for the food, drink, hotel and food service industry and Expo 2025 in Osaka, which is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors, with participation by 160 countries, providing high-profile opportunities to showcase Ireland as a source of high-quality food, including dairy products, meat, seafood, drinks, prepared consumer foods and food ingredients, which satisfies the growing demand for such produce in this region.
“Irish beef gained access to the Korean market in 2024, which was a significant achievement. I was delighted to be in Seoul last September for the launch of Irish beef on the market. This week is about building on the excellent relationships, both official and commercial, we have developed in the Republic of Korea and Japan, to strengthen and expand the relationships.”
Irish produce will be on show at Seoul Food, Korea’s largest international exhibition for the food, drink, hotel and food service industry.
According to the Irish government, South Koreans eat more meat per head of population than any country in south east Asia.
Beef consumption in Korea is expected to grow by 1 percent each year over the next four years which the government sees as a “clear opportunity for Irish suppliers.”
For the Irish Whiskey industry, South Korea has been identified as a key emerging market. Whiskey exports to Japan are already more established and flourishing.
Irish Whiskey exports to Japan grew by 35 percent last year and are now worth €5 million.