The Cahir ABP meat processing plant is one of seven Irish beef plants approved for export of beef products to South Korea. The Department of Agriculture confirms the opening of the South Korean beef market to exports from Ireland. Minister McConalogue says the access to the market with a population of over 50 million people is provided after a detailed audit last month by the Korean authorities of Irish plants.
South Korean consumers are the highest per-capita consumers of meat across Asia, with consumption of 79kg per person. Of this 17kg is beef with beef consumption predicted to grow by 1% year on year over the next four years. South Korea is only 35% self-sufficient in beef production and the Minister revealed that it is also actively working on access to markets in Vietnam and Thailand. The other plants arrived are ABP in Monaghan, Dawn Meats in Cork and plants in Cavan, Meath, Wexford and Waterford. The approval is for cattle under the age of 30 months.
