The company announced that this long-term supply agreement has already resulted in three shipments from its facilities in Monaghan, Tipperary, and Wexford.

An official announcement Is expected later this week during a trade mission to China and South Korea, led by Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, and Minister of State Martin Heydon.

Since the ban on Irish beef imports was lifted in May 2020, ABP has consistently supplied beef to the Chinese market, with all seven of its Irish plants producing for China.

Martin McMahon, ABP’s General Manager of International Sales, stated that expanding into Asia is a key milestone for both the company and the Irish beef industry.

“China and South Korea are critical markets, and there’s great potential for quality Irish beef in the food service and retail sectors,” McMahon said.

He also expressed gratitude to the Department of Agriculture and Bord Bia for their efforts in establishing and growing this vital trade channel, calling for continued support to expand market access further.

Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole remarked that the introduction of Irish beef to Korea is the result of years of relationship-building and government efforts to secure market access.

“Since gaining access four months ago, Korean businesses have shown strong interest, recognizing Irish beef as a premium, grass-fed alternative,” O’Toole said.

He added that Bord Bia will provide market insights to help ABP and other exporters expand in Korea and will soon share research on Korean consumer preferences to guide Irish beef producers.