ABP Food Group has announced it has become the first Irish beef processor to launch in the South Korean market by securing an export agreement with K Meat, a premium meat importer with advanced sales channels across South Korea.
The long-term supply agreement has seen ABP deliver three shipments to date from its locations in Monaghan, Tipperary, and Wexford.
'Extremely Important Markets'
“Our extended presence in Asia marks a significant step forward for both ABP and the Irish beef sector as a whole," said Martin McMahon, general manager of ABP international sales, ABP Food Group.
"China and South Korea are extremely important markets and there is a great opportunity for quality Irish beef in the food service and retail spaces."
Chinese Market
In May 2018, ABP became the first European beef processor to secure a contract in China when it secured an exclusive three-year agreement with Asian restaurant chain Wowprime Corporation.
In 2019, the company reached a deal with Beijing Hopewise Ltd to launch a range of premium Irish beef products on JD.com, one of the largest business-to-consumer online retailers in China and a Fortune Global 500 Company.
ABP has maintained a constant supply of beef to the Chinese market since the lifting of a restriction on Irish beef imports in May 2020, with all of ABP’s seven Irish sites producing beef products for China.
'Dynamic market'
"Bord Bia has the in-market expertise to support ABP and other exporters looking to grow their trade in this dynamic market," said Jim O’Toole, chief executive at Bord Bia.
"We will present a valuable insight study on beef conducted with Korean consumers to better understand their taste preferences."
