Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Senator Pippa Hackett, will lead Ireland’s agri-food trade mission to Thailand and Vietnam in cooperation with Bord Bia this week.

The focus of the trade missions will be on expanding co-operation, including on trade, and promotion across a range of products including meat, dairy and seafood.

The trade missions will include high level ministerial meetings, as well as market development work at high profile trade events in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

According to Bord Bia, Ireland’s total agri-food exports to Thailand and Vietnam in 2023 amounted to €98.8 million, with dairy exports being the largest category in both regions.

Last year, agri-food exports to Thailand were valued at €59.5 million or 0.3% of all Irish agri-food exports by value and amounting to 20,104t.

This represents a 10% increase in value on 2022, and 7.3% in volume.

By comparison, Irish agri-food exports to Thailand were valued at €42.9 million in 2014, showing a 37.8% increase in export value over the decade.

Dairy produce was Ireland’s largest category of agri-food export to Thailand, worth €55 million and representing 93% of total exports to the country.

Total agri-food exports to Vietnam in 2023 were valued at €39.3 million or 0.2% of all Irish agri-food exports by value and amounting to 34,201t.

Dairy produce was Ireland’s largest category of agri-food export to Vietnam, worth €19.5 million and representing 50% of total exports to Vietnam.

Minister Pippa Hackett noted that this will be the first ever agri-food trade mission to Thailand.

"We have seen a year-on-year increase in value of agri-food exports to Thailand, which have increased by over 37% in the last decade.

"Two thirds of global economic growth now and in the future will come in the Asia Pacific region, so it is important that Ireland is active and on the ground here," she said.

During the five-day visit, Minister Hackett will meet with representatives from Thai and Vietnamese governments to discuss opportunities for further co-operation, market access and the development of sustainable food systems globally.

The minister will also attend key trade receptions and meet with key companies and importers in both countries to support Irish businesses who are active or identify potential in the region.

Minister Hackett will be joined on the trade mission by Jim O'Toole, Bord Bia chief executive.

“Our market intelligence tells us that there will be an increased demand for adult dairy nutrition and protein in the region in the coming years, representing an opportunity for Irish dairy and pigmeat and beef exporters to grow their operations in these markets.

"Our main goal on this trade mission is to build awareness of Ireland as a source of safe and sustainably produced meat and dairy, to enhance our understanding of the markets and to create further commercial opportunities for Irish exporters," O'Toole said.

Thailand and Vietnam have been identified through Bord Bia’s 2024 market prioritisation exercise as key markets for Irish dairy and meat exports.

"These markets are import-dependent, so this trade mission gives us the perfect opportunity to raise the profile of the Irish food industry while also leveraging Ireland’s national sustainability programme, Origin Green, in customer interactions," O'Toole said.