Irish Dairy Promoted in China Through EU-Funded Campaign

Bord Bia recently hosted its first major event in China as part of a campaign co-funded by the European Union to promote Irish dairy. The event is part of a broader effort by the Irish government to boost trade with China, involving industry experts fr om both countries discussing market opportunities and the increasing demand for high-quality European dairy ingredients.

The €3.2 million campaign, titled 'European Dairy – Wh ere Nature Meets Science,' is set to run until 2028. Funded 80% by the EU, it targets markets in China, Singapore, and Vietnam, featuring technical workshops and buyer engagement events to showcase the EU dairy sector's advanced production capabilities.

This initiative underscores Ireland's sustainable, grass-fed production model and highlights the national sustainability program, Origin Green. Minister of State Timmy Dooley expressed satisfaction with Ireland's leadership in promoting European dairy, stating, "This campaign allows us to position Ireland as a leader within the European dairy sector."

In 2024, Irish dairy exports to China were valued at €385.3 million, comprising 68,900 tonnes. Key categories included specialized nutrition worth €246 million, whey at €47 million, and casein at €40 million. Bord Bia's Shane Hamill noted the positive engagement from Chinese buyers and partners, emphasizing the commercial opportunities for Irish exports.

This current campaign builds on the previous 'European Dairy – Ireland, Working with Nature' initiative, which targeted markets in Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines from 2022 to 2024. Irish dairy exports remain the largest segment of Ireland's food and drink exports, with over 1.7 million tonnes shipped annually to more than 130 markets worldwide.