Vietnamese market now open to Irish beef exports
With a growing population and demand for high-quality proteins, Vietnam has opened its market to Irish beef exports.
It was announced this week that the Vietnamese market is now open to beef exports from Ireland.
Announcing the news, agriculture minister Martin Heydon, said: “Vietnam is the world’s 14th most populous country and its economy has experienced rapid growth and development in recent years. Rising disposable income, urbanisation and a shift toward eating out are leading to increased demand for beef."
Welcoming the announcement, food promotion and new markets minister Noel Grealish said: “This decision represents an endorsement by the Vietnamese administration of Ireland’s high food safety standards. I was delighted to visit Vietnam for St Patrick’s Day, where I met with the vice minister of agriculture, who advised me of the positive outcome of last year’s audit visit to Ireland.
"Since then, officials in both countries have worked together to agree on the conditions under which trade can take place, culminating in this very positive outcome.”
Categories of Irish beef and beef products approved by Vietnam’s government include minced meat, meat preparations, heart, liver, kidney and cooked beef products.
Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, averaging 6% increase annually over the past 15 years. Rising incomes and a growing middle class have driven demand for higher-quality protein sources, and with limited domestic production and food service expansion, beef is seen as a premium protein.
With market access for Irish beef now secured, Bord Bia is commissioning market insight research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Vietnamese market. The research findings will be used to inform Bord Bia’s beef clients of opportunities and potential routes into the beef sector in Vietnam.
Bord Bia chief executive Jim O’Toole said: “I am delighted that Irish beef has secured market access to Vietnam, which has been a priority market for access. This is an important step that underlines the importance of continuing to open markets and develop new opportunities for Irish food and drink exports.
"Vietnam represents a large and promising market, and our understanding of its potential will be further strengthened by a new Bord Bia market insight report, due for publication in the first quarter of the year.”
