February 12, 2015
Irish firm ABP to supply beef to US market via Sysco
After the US lifted a 15-year ban on European beef last year, the Irish ABP Food Group announced its first deal to supply beef to the US.
The meat company has agreed to supply beef to Sysco Metro New York and Sysco Boston, initially focusing on steak houses and restaurants.
The relationship between ABP and Sysco's New York and Boston distribution centers was facilitated by Ireland-based Pallas Foods, a subsidiary of Sysco Corporation.
When fully protracted, the agreement could be valued at up to US$17 million yearly with first shipment expected to commence in March this year.
"This represents the first sale of Irish beef into the US since we regained access to the market and no doubt will be the first of many such deals for Irish companies", said Simon Coveney, the Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine.
Paul Finnerty, the CEO of ABP, added that the company will first focus on establishing beef supply in the northeastern region of the US.
