Press release
Minister Heydon and Minister of State Grealish welcome opening of Thai market for Irish beef exports
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, and Minister of State with responsibility for Food Promotion and New Markets, Noel Grealish, today announced the opening of the Thai market to beef exports from Ireland.
Announcing the news, Minister Heydon said:
“Thailand was designated as a priority market for access for Irish beef and my department has been very active in pursuit of this objective working for a number of years through the detailed application process. Engagement at political, diplomatic and official levels have helped to advance the case for Irish beef with last autumn’s trade mission delivering a further impetus to our efforts. It is great to see our hard work now bearing fruit.”
The Minister added:
“Thailand is the second largest economy in South-East Asia. Industry selected Thailand as one of its priorities for beef access. It is a market with a population of over 65 million people and a growing middle class, presenting significant opportunities for Irish Agri-food exporters. For beef, the door has now been opened and there is a real opportunity for the industry to build on.”
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Grealish commented that:
“This decision represents an endorsement by the Thai Administration of Ireland’s high food safety standards. I see the expansion of markets for Irish beef as crucial for the further development of our beef sector. Thailand brings the number of markets for Irish beef to over 70 and we are actively working on others including Vietnam. Every new international market increases the economic sustainability of our beef sector and positively impacts on family farms and employment in rural Ireland adding value sustainably into the future.”
Minister Grealish added:
“Access for Irish beef to Thailand is the culmination of a lengthy process and represents the first bilateral agreement for Irish meat to this country. I hope the delivery of quality Irish beef opens the door for industry as we seek to build and enhance access to this very important market.”
Concluding Minister Heydon noted the collaborative effort of all involved, including the Irish Embassy in Bangkok, department officials, who together led this effort, along with Bord Bia, the European Commission, as well as the food industry and farmers:
“It has taken a huge effort by Team Ireland, over several years, to get beef market access to Thailand across the line, and Minister Grealish and I thank everyone who has contributed to those efforts.”
All edible parts, bone-in and boneless cuts fresh and frozen. Beef offal is not included.
General information:
Thailand is the 2nd largest economy in South East Asia (after Indonesia).
Overall demand for beef is back to pre-COVID levels. Of this:
Beef consumption is growing, set to exceed 3kg/capita by 2028.
Drivers for growth: