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Creed Pushes for Progress on Beef Access in Seoul

Today the Korean leg of the Government of Ireland Trade Mission got under way with the first full day of events in Seoul. Minister Creed met with the South Korean Minister for Agriculture Mr. Kim Yung-Rok. Commenting on the meeting Minister Creed said:

"I stated the very high priority accorded to achieving beef market access to Korea and the importance of further advancing the process, following on from recent inspection visits. A follow up meeting has been arranged between Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine officials and Minister Kim's technical experts"

Minister Creed then opened an Origin Green Dairy seminar. In addition the Ministers addressed ‘The Flavour of Ireland’ networking reception showcasing the best of Irish food and drink to an audience of South Korean buyers and media. This event gave the Irish delegation a chance to meet key players in the South Korean Market, such as Won International, and to learn more about the opportunities for exporting Irish meat and dairy products to Korea.

Today's engagements concluded with the Minister meeting with a number of South Korean Companies who hold contracts with Enterprise Ireland supported businesses.

Concluding on today's meetings, the Minister noted that it was very important for Irish producers to make industry contacts in South Korea:

"A key part of our efforts during Trade Missions is to facilitate important introductions between Irish exporters and key industry contacts on the ground. Today's engagements with significant industry players along the supply chain provided a good opportunity for our industry representatives to develop new relationships which will aid their efforts in developing their footprint in the South Korean marketplace."

Note for Editors

Ireland already has pigmeat access to South Korea, and a strong trade has developed: in 2016, Ireland exported 5,048 tonnes of pigmeat to Korea, at a value of EUR11.2m. South Korea consumes high amounts of pork, and OECD figures put their average consumption of pigmeat at about 28.3kg/capita in 2016.

South Korea consumes about 10.3kg/capita of beef, only slightly less than the EU average but very high by Asian and global standards. Therefore, with a population of over 51 million, South Korea is an important potential market for Irish beef products.

Exports of dairy produce to Korea in 2016 were EUR3.3 million, or some 1,300 tonnes. Trading volumes in 2017 have increased to EUR3.4 million by the end of August and it represents a key market for Irish cheddar cheese, milk powders, and casein products.