April 27, 2023

 

First containment of Irish beef enters China after three-year suspension

 

 

A container of beef from Ireland arrived in China on April 24, marking a return of Irish beef to the Chinese market after three years' suspension due to a case of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

 

The container arrived at the port of Shanghai.

 

The lifting of the suspension by China's General Administration of Customs has paved the way for an extensive relaunch, according to a notice issued on the website of Bord Bia, the Irish food board.

 

"We are delighted to welcome Irish beef back into the Chinese market after a suspension of almost three years," said Bord Bia's China manager, Conor O'Sullivan.

 

In January, the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine confirmed the resumption of Irish beef exports to China following the suspension in May 2020.

 

The Irish food board said it hopes to quickly regain the previous share of the Chinese market held by Irish beef, and will support export growth with trade seminars, chef demonstrations and media engagement.

 

The first batch of Irish beef is mainly beef ribs, tendons and other parts suitable for Chinese food. It will soon enter the catering industry and will later be available on retail and e-commerce platforms.

 

Bord Bia's insight and planning specialist for Asia, Evelyn Chiang, said that China's consumption upgrade and preference for high-quality food offer a good opportunity for Irish beef.

 

"Hot-pot restaurants, steakhouses and barbecue restaurants are all seeking high-quality and reliable imported beef, which is great news for Irish companies in the market," she said.

 

In December 2022, Bord Bia launched a three-year campaign to promote beef and lamb to Chinese consumers.

 

- Global Times