US beef supply partnership with Sysco announced by ABP Food Group

ABP Food Group has revealed its inaugural agreement to export beef to the United States, marking the first such arrangement since the lifting of the European beef ban that lasted 15 years, just one year ago. ABP has committed to providing beef to both Sysco Metro New York and Sysco Boston, with an initial focus on supplying steak houses and restaurants within those areas. This partnership between ABP and the Sysco distribution centers in New York and Boston was made possible through the facilitation by Pallas Foods, an Ireland-based subsidiary of Sysco Corporation. Once the agreement is fully operational, it is expected to generate up to €15 million annually, with the first deliveries set to begin in March of this year. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Simon Coveney, expressed his enthusiasm at the announcement, stating: “It’s a pleasure to witness the formalization of this agreement between ABP and Sysco today. This marks the inaugural sale of Irish beef into the US following the reopening of the market, and I anticipate it will lead to further agreements for Irish firms. ABP deserves commendation for being the first European entity to export beef to the US after 15 years, and Pallas Foods must also be acknowledged for their contribution. Collaborating with major US food entities like Sysco is an ideal strategy for introducing US consumers to the exceptional taste and quality of Irish beef, and I extend my best wishes for their success in this endeavor.” Paul Finnerty, CEO of ABP Food Group, commented: “We are eager to expand our partnership with Sysco, who will play a crucial role in helping us introduce our sustainable, grass-fed, hormone-free Irish beef to American dining tables. We are thankful for the efforts of Tadhg Geary and Pallas Foods in forging this international partnership.” He added, “Our initial efforts will be concentrated on the Northeastern US, aiming to establish Irish beef in a sustainable and careful manner. I also want to acknowledge the efforts of the Minister, the Department of Agriculture, and Bord Bia for their support in reaching this important milestone for the Irish beef industry.”