The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon is leading a major agri-food trade mission to the Republic of Korea and Japan this week (June 2025).

The trade mission, in collaboration with Bord Bia, and Enterprise Ireland, runs until Saturday (June 14) and will include political meetings, as well as market development engagement at a series of trade events with commercial representatives.

It will also include two ministerial meetings, and take in visits to three cities, including two markets, two trade receptions, and 12 commercial engagements focusing on Ireland’s beef, dairy, consumer foods, and seafood products.

There are 22 Irish companies participating over the two legs of the trade mission.

The Japanese leg is set to have a particular focus on driving awareness of Irish drinks, including three drinks activations events.  

According to Minister Heydon, the focus of the trade mission is to build on, and promote, Ireland's reputation in agri-food in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the wider Asia region.

The minister will also attend Seoul Food, Korea’s largest international exhibition for the food, drink, hotel, and food service industry.

He will also attend Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan which is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors, with participation by 160 countries.

Speaking from Seoul, South Korea, Minister Heydon said: "Irish beef gained access to the Korean market in 2024, which was a significant achievement. I was delighted to be in Seoul last September for the launch of Irish beef on the market.

"This week is about building on the excellent relationships, both official and commercial, we have developed in the Republic of Korea and Japan, to strengthen and expand the relationships," the minister added.

The CEO of Bord Bia, Jim O'Toole said the aim of the mission is to build further connections with importers and distributors, particularly for the beef sector.

He said: "The Republic of Korea is the most valuable beef market in Asia and should be seen as a long-term, stable opportunity for the Irish beef industry, particularly those companies supplying Irish bone-in cuts such as short ribs that are popular for Korean barbeque restaurants.

"Security of supply is an important factor in purchasing decisions for South Korean customers, something which Ireland can deliver on backed by Origin Green farming practices including its quality assurance programmes and regular farm audits.

"This trade mission is all about highlighting these credentials and maximising value for a range of Irish cuts with our South Korean buyers,” O'Toole added.

Agriland will be covering the trade mission live from Japan, so stay tuned for developments and progress from the trip.