Thailand, the second largest economy in South-East Asia after Indonesia, is now open to beef exports from Ireland.

All edible parts, bone-in and boneless cuts of Irish beef fresh and frozen, except beef offal, have been approved for sale in Thailand.

Demand for beef in the country has returned to pre-Covid levels, with 80% fulfilled by domestic production and 20% by imports.

It is estimated that beef consumption in Thailand will exceed 3kg per capita by 2028, driven by a growing population and disposable income, improved perception of beef, recovering tourism as well as expected expansion in the food service sector.

Announcing the news, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon said: “Thailand was designated as a priority market for access for Irish beef and my Department has been very active in pursuit of this objective working for a number of years through the detailed application process.

"Engagement at political, diplomatic and official levels has helped to advance the case for Irish beef with last autumn’s trade mission delivering a further impetus to our efforts. 

"It is great to see our hard work now bearing fruit.”

He added: “Thailand is the second largest economy in South-East Asia. Industry selected Thailand as one of its priorities for beef access.

"It is a market with a population of over 65 million people and a growing middle class, presenting significant opportunities for Irish Agri-food exporters.

"For beef, the door has now been opened and there is a real opportunity for the industry to build on.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Food Promotion and New Markets Noel Grealish commented: "This decision represents an endorsement by the Thai Administration of Ireland’s high food safety standards.  I see the expansion of markets for Irish beef as crucial for the further development of our beef sector.

"Thailand brings the number of markets for Irish beef to over 70 and we are actively working on others including Vietnam.

"Every new international market increases the economic sustainability of our beef sector and positively impacts on family farms and employment in rural Ireland adding value sustainably into the future.

“Access for Irish beef to Thailand is the culmination of a lengthy process and represents the first bilateral agreement for Irish meat to this country.

"I hope the delivery of quality Irish beef opens the door for industry as we seek to build and enhance access to this very important market.”

Minister Heydon also noted the efforts of the Irish Embassy in Bangkok, Department of Agriculture officials, Bord Bia, the European Commission as well as the food industry and farmers in opening Thailand to Irish beef.

(Pic: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)