Irish fish to feature on future Japanese plates

Irish mackerel, horse-mackerel and herring products showcased across 100 retail outlets in Japan during a two-day Bord Bia campaign with leading retail group Aeon. In 2018, Ireland exported €16m worth of seafood (50% mackerel) to Japan,  representing a 60% increase on 2016).

“Ireland has a reputation as an international leader in sustainable production because responsible stewardship and environmental protection are core principles guiding the development of our wild fisheries and the quality seafood we export,” remarked Tara McCarthy, Bord Bia chief executive.

“When Japanese customers source seafood from Ireland they are sourcing seafood from companies working under the Origin Green sustainability programme who are committed to reducing their environmental impact, serving their local communities more efficiently and protecting the extraordinarily rich natural resources that our country enjoys,” she added.

Ireland’s Food Board has developed ‘point of sale’ material to help Japanese consumers identify and recognise the origin of Irish seafood products in-store.

Leading Irish pelagic processor and exporter Kenny Ward (Ward Fish) said the Japanese market was renowned worldwide as  being purveyors of quality seafood.

“Irish mackerel, horse-mackerel and herring are the perfect match for this discerning market. The raw material being landed in Ireland is a premium quality product, handled and produced to the highest standards.”