The official launch (today, Friday, September 6) reinforces the importance and potential for agri-food exports to grow their footprint in this important market, according to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). The launch involved Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue and Minister of State with responsibility for New Market Development, Martin Heydon, and took place at Deoksugung Palace in Seoul.
Commenting on the development, Minister McConalogue said: “Due to the huge potential it represents for Irish exporters as the fourth-largest meat importer, globally, the Republic of Korea was designated as a priority target market for Irish beef. The formal opening of the market comes as a result of my department’s dedicated work in collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland in Seoul, Bord Bia, the European Commission and other industry stakeholders.”
He explained that access was secured in May 2024 following a visit to Korea last October as part of a whole-of-Government trade mission, and the high-level meetings that took place.
“Our Irish beef is a unique and exceptional product that I am confident will exceed Korean consumers’ expectations for high quality and safe food. As Irish beef is mostly grass fed rather than grain fed like other parts of the world, this will give more choice to the Korean consumers who, like Irish consumers, demand high standards in safe and sustainable food.”
Minister Heydon added: “The expansion and diversification of markets for Irish beef is central to the development of the sector and in growing the value of Irish agri-food exports. Significant progress has already been made since the initial access announcement in May between the Irish beef industry, importers and potential customers in the Republic of Korea. As the fourth-largest importer of beef globally, the Korean market presents a fantastic opportunity for our beef sector.”
Bord Bia chief executive, Jim O’Toole said: “Trade with international markets such as Korea is the important third leg of the stool for Irish beef exports, increasing our market options and the ability to maximise value from a range of cuts. We are in Seoul less than four months after gaining access to the Korean beef market to solidify trade relationships and officially launch Irish beef.”
Irish beef exporters are targeting opportunities in high-end retail, e-commerce, and foodservice channels. E-commerce, in particular, is an ideal fit for premium Irish steak cuts, with the opportunity to reach affluent Korean consumers looking for convenience and an alternative to imported grain-fed beef. Ireland’s beef access agreement includes bone-in cuts, such as short ribs, which are popular in Korean barbecue restaurants. The majority of imported beef is consumed through the foodservice channel, where barbecue restaurants dominate.