Minister Hackett commences agri-food Trade Mission to the US
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, is today (Sunday) leading a major agri-food trade mission to the United States (24-27 March) in collaboration with Bord Bia and Irish food and beverage exporters. The purpose of this visit, which will focus on engagements in Texas and Seattle, is to consolidate, enhance and strengthen Irish agri-food exports to the United States particularly, on this occasion, to States outside of Ireland’s historic and cultural centres of influence. The United States is a key market for Irish agri-food and drink exports and were worth €1.6 billion in 2023.
Speaking ahead of the trade mission, Minister Hackett stated:
“This Trade Mission is a great opportunity to develop new trading relationships in areas of the United States that might not be traditionally identified by Irish exporters. The size and scale of the market place in the United States represents a significant opportunity for our high quality food and drink exporters. Our focus will be on building new relationships, working to widen market access as well as strengthening our existing links with the US, which is one of our largest trading partners.”
During the four-day itinerary, Minister Hackett will meet with leading US retail, foodservice and distributors who are customers of Irish food and drink. This will involve promotion of Irish dairy, meat, prepared consumer foods and beverages and will also use the opportunity to highlight the sustainability of Irish food exports and the continued growth of the Irish organic sector. She will also attend a “Spirit of Ireland” event hosted by Bord Bia in partnership with the Irish drinks industry. Spirit of Ireland is an immersive event focused on building awareness of Irish spirits within the US alcohol trade industry and priority target customer accounts. This event, taking place in Austin, is expected to attract up to 100 alcohol buyers and representatives from 18 Irish spirit brands.
Bord Bia CEO, Jim O’Toole, who will accompany Minister Hackett on the Trade Mission, added:
“Irish food and drink exports to the US have seen exceptional growth in recent years, with last year’s total exports representing a 26% increase in value since 2019. Throughout the month of March, Bord Bia has organised a number of US market focused events and activations including a US insights day for Irish exporters (March 1st), a seafood market study visit to Boston, and participation at the Annual Meat Conference in Nashville Tennessee (18-20 March). These events, and this week’s Ministerial-led trade mission, will further help bolster the work of Bord Bia’s Global Business Development and North American teams in this highly valuable market.”
Irish food and drink exports to the United States: