ABP targets expansion into China with JD.com aiming for 300 million subscribers

ABP has unveiled a landmark partnership with Beijing Hopewise Ltd to introduce a selection of high-quality Irish beef products on JD.com, one of China's leading online retail platforms. JD.com, recognized for its vast user base and significant transaction volume, reported having 301.8 million active users in the early months of 2018. Known previously as 360buy, JD.com is listed among the Fortune Global 500 companies. The trend of buying beef products online is rapidly gaining momentum in China. Under this new agreement, ABP will transport premium beef selections in bulk to Hopewise's processing centers in Shanghai and Beijing. There, the beef will be packaged for consumers, who can then order it for home delivery directly through the JD.com app on their smartphones. Mark Goodman, the Managing Director of ABP's International Division, expressed his enthusiasm: “ABP is proud to be the pioneering European processor bringing premium beef offerings to China's burgeoning online market. This agreement further validates the exceptional quality of Irish beef and ABP's offerings. We are eager to enhance our presence in the Chinese market, collaborating closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Bord Bia to increase the market share of Irish beef in China.” This venture marks ABP's second engagement in the Chinese market. Previously, in May, ABP became the first Irish firm to enter into an exclusive three-year deal with the Asian restaurant chain Wowprime Corporation. Additionally, earlier this year, ABP expanded its “Irish Nature Organic” steak offerings with YATA, a supermarket chain based in Hong Kong. Beyond China, the company also ships Irish beef to the Philippines and Japan.