Ireland's First High-Level Trade Mission Aims To Boost Dairy And Meat Trade With PH

Ireland's inaugural high-level trade mission to the Philippines has commenced discussions to enhance the trading of Irish food products, particularly dairy and meat.

"Between Malaysia and the Philippines, the trade mission team successfully engaged with over 250 customers and potential customers with a view to enhancing trade for Irish dairy and meat," Bord Bia posted on social media. I Photo: Bord Bia - The Irish Food Board Linkedin

Facilitated by the Bord Bia (Irish Food Board), the mission seeks potential partnerships with Philippine companies.

Martin Heydon T.D., Irish Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening business and trade links with the Philippines.

The Philippines holds significance as a trading partner for Irish agri-food, and the mission is anticipated to fortify these trade relationships.

In 2022, Ireland's primary exports to the Philippines included 72 million euros worth of dairy, 49 million euros of beef, 1.5 million euros of drinks, 701,084 euros of sheep meat, and 91,000 euros of seafood.

Jim O’Toole, CEO of Bord Bia, highlighted the participation of 12 Irish companies in the trade mission, including representation from importers and traders based in the Philippines.

The mission engaged with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual, the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc., and the Meat Importers and Traders Association.

A seminar for Irish-Philippines beef and pork traders was organized during the mission, identifying the Philippines as a strategic market for expanding dairy and meat exports.

Two leading Irish dairy processors, Tirlan and Lakeland Dairies, signed agreements with Philippines-based dairy distributors during the mission.

These agreements involve the supply of Irish cream and butter to the Philippines, marking a significant step in bilateral trade relations.

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