Grass-fed Irish Beef Gets USDA Import Approval

Slaney Foods International, based in Bunclody, County Wexford, is celebrating after landing a deal to supply premium Irish Hereford beef to stores in the United States. The deal, facilitated due to their relationship with Lidl Ireland, was actively supported by Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. It comes as Irish beef secures a USDA seal of approval after 3 years of engagement between Bord Bia and the USDA. The decision ensures that Irish Beef sold in the USA from Bord Bia approved plants can now carry the USDA shield and provide a further guarantee to US buyers and consumers that the unique claims Bord Bia makes are validated by their own national authority. In the wake of Brexit, and a challenging beef export market, this is welcome news for the Irish beef industry.
Bord Bia CEO Tara McCarthy congratulated Lidl on its confidence to bring the new taste of sustainably produced Irish beef from Slaney meats to U.S. customers. “The USDA shield on Irish beef will assist in attracting the U.S. consumer to a new beef taste, a product that is Irish and sustainably produced.” ♦