In early November, Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, conducted a trade mission to Southeast Asia, focusing on the Philippines and Malaysia, which it reported drastic growth in exports of food and beverage products in recent years.
For the Philippines market alone, major Irish export sectors include dairy (US$91 million), beef (US$61.8 million), pork (US$30.2 million), drinks (US$1.9 million), sheep meat (US$884,000), and seafood (US$115,000).
In particular, the Irish Food Board showed that exports of Irish drinks to the Philippines increased significantly by 215% in 2022, driven by whiskey and liqueur exports.
In 2022, Ireland experienced substantial growth in exports to the Philippines, with dairy exports increased by 107%, beef exports (91.4%), and pork exports (71.4%). The Philippines has now become the largest market for Irish beef outside of Ireland.
Major Irish dairy and meat processors include Tirlan, Kerry, Carbery, Dairygold, Lakeland, ABP, Kepak, Dawn Meats, and Rosderra which are active in the Philippines market through partnerships with local trading houses and importers. Among these, Tirlan and Lakeland will soon be establishing a retail presence with their dairy products. Kepak, which is among Ireland’s leading meat producers, has an established presence with full-time employees in the market.
Two of Ireland’s leading dairy processors, Tirlán and Lakeland Dairies, have signed agreements with dairy distributors in Manila during the trade mission, to supply Irish cream and butter to the Philippine market. Lakeland Dairies will supply cream under its Millac Gold brand, while Tirlán will supply Avonmore cream and butter.
Overall, Irish food and drink exports to the Philippines have shown impressive growth, particularly in dairy, beef, and pork reflecting the increasing demand for these products in the region.
Meanwhile, for the Malaysian market, Bord Bia has projected the country to remain as a major dairy importer as its domestic supply can only contribute 6% of its domestic demand. Another growth segment in the country is mozzarella and cheddar cheese for Irish exporters.
In the Asia region, Irish exports exceeded €1.4 billion (US$1.76 billion) in 2022, with Southeast Asia contributing over €394 million (US$500 million ) or 27% of the overall export value.
Jim O’Toole, CEO of Bord Bia said that the trade mission marks the start of an intensified programme of activity undertaken by Bord Bia to promote Irish food products and their producers to local partners who place a value on high-quality food products.
Globally, Irish food and drink exports achieved remarkable growth in the past year to a record-breaking €16.7 billion (US$21 billion) despite global challenges. Notable growth segments include beef and dairy. Dairy alone contributed 40% of overall exports.
