The interim Chinese Ambassador to Ireland made an official visit to Kepak at its headquarters and plant in Clonee, Co. Meath, earlier today (Friday, June 22).
The visit from Ms. Yang Hua marked the approval of two of Kepak’s sites, Kepak Clonee and McCarren Meats (Kepak Cavan), for exports to China.
Kepak, which has had a commercial office in Shanghai for a number of years, is “well positioned to begin building a strong market presence for its beef and pork in China”, according to the firm.
L-R: Xiaoming He, from Agrakepak; Colm O Cribin, from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Yang Hua, counsellor of the Embassy of China; John Horgan, managing director, Kepak; and Christopher Watson from Kepak. Image source: Colm Mahady, Fennell Photography
Commenting, John Horan, managing director of Kepak Group, said: “China will be a valuable market for selected meat cuts that are a popular mainstay of Chinese cuisine and we at Kepak look forward to building on already strong relationships to create further business opportunities there.
The approval of our pork site, McCarren Meats, is particularly welcome as trading in China is an integral part of a successful EU-based pork business.
Continuing, Horgan said: “I would, on behalf of Kepak, like to acknowledge the endeavour of Minister Michael Creed and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in ensuring these approvals progressed.
“I would also like to extend my thanks to the Chinese authorities for recognising the quality of the meat Kepak is producing here in Ireland and to Ms. Yang Hua for visiting our site today,” Horgan concluded.