In 2021, Irish exports to Southeast Asia and Japan delivered more than 20% growth, exceeding €500 million (US$501 million) for the first time.
Highly reputed for the many decades of supplying the international market with high-quality and innovative food and drink products, producers from Ireland have set the global standard in sustainable production. Ireland is also the first and only country in the world to implement a nationwide sustainability programme, aspiring to be a world leader in Sustainable Food Systems, encompassing sustainability in all its dimensions – environmental, social and economic. With the current spotlight on sustainability in Southeast Asia, Ireland expects higher export growth potential in the region as part of its strategic roadmap.
In 2022, Irish food and beverage companies, via support from Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, has intensified their participation in major trade events across the region, with the latest one being FHA Food & Beverage 2022 held in Singapore from 5 to 8 September. Bord Bia also organised a seminar during this event to share on the many insights as well as opportunities on doing trade with Ireland.
Ireland is a rich agricultural state with 90% of its food and beverage products exported to more than 187 countries, and only 10% kept for domestic consumption. In 2021, Ireland exported €314 million (US$314.5 million) of dairy products to ASEAN representing an increase of 25%. Similarly, all other products from Ireland also reported strong growth like Drinks (€19 million, +12%), Seafood (€22 million; +54%), Beef (€76 million, +30%), and Pork (€76 million, +43%).
Meanwhile, the foodservice segment in the Asia Pacific region is undergoing a major recovery after the pandemic with total revenue projected to grow by 16.2% to reach US$1.95 trillion in 2022. Bord Bia expects that with this recovery, demand for quality dairy, drinks and meat to also increase.
Ireland, being a leader in sustainability is set to take advantage of this huge growth. In post-covid period, Asian consumers have placed greater emphasis on food safety, environmental sustainability and nutrition in the food products that they buy and consume. These priorities are in line with Ireland’s sustainability programme.
