Singapore, September 2025 — Ireland’s dairy sector, a cornerstone of Europe’s agri-food exports, is setting its sights firmly on Asia after recording exports worth €440 million in 2024. To build on this momentum, the European Union and Ireland have launched a €3.2 million co-funded campaign titled “European Dairy – Ireland, Where Nature Meets Science”.
The initiative, announced in Singapore, will run through 2028 and aims to strengthen Asia’s nutrition pipeline, ensure supply resilience, and forge long-term partnerships across Singapore, China, and Vietnam.
Why Singapore?
Singapore was chosen as the campaign’s launchpad not just for its status as a regional trading hub, but also for its reputation as a global food innovation centre. With its world-class safety standards, advanced research infrastructure, and strategic reach across Asia, Singapore offers a fertile ground for collaboration between Ireland’s sustainable dairy producers and Asia’s fast-growing food sector.
Her Excellency Sarah McGrath (above), Ambassador of Ireland to Singapore, highlighted the symbolism of this launch:
“This campaign is a symbol of Ireland’s commitment to strengthening bridges between Europe and Asia. By launching in Singapore, we reinforce not only a vital trade relationship but also our shared pursuit of innovation, research, and sustainable development in food.”
Bord Bia at the Helm
Spearheading the campaign is Bord Bia – the Irish Food Board, which supports the growth of Ireland’s food, drink, and horticulture industries worldwide. With offices in Singapore, Shanghai, and Tokyo, Bord Bia connects Irish producers with priority markets in Asia, expanding trade links and encouraging collaboration.
Lisa Phelan (above), Bord Bia’s Director for Southeast Asia and ANZ, explained the value of Ireland’s dairy offer:
“Ireland’s grass-fed, sustainably produced dairy brings provenance, quality, and science-driven innovation. By working with Singapore, which combines technological expertise and regional knowledge, we can secure Asia’s nutrition future with dairy that is trusted, traceable, and future-ready.”
Ireland’s Sustainable Dairy Edge
Ireland is Europe’s flagship for sustainable dairy production, blending traditional grass-fed farming with advanced research and development. Its credentials are world-class:
90% of herds grass-fed, unmatched globally at scale.
95% of processors certified under Origin Green, Ireland’s national food and drink sustainability programme.
Ranked second globally in the Food Security Index, reflecting safety and reliability.
Home to the Dairy Processing Technology Centre, which develops functional ingredients for infant formula, medical nutrition, and cutting-edge food innovation.
These strengths allow Irish dairy to offer more than commodities. From casein proteins for bakery and meat processing to specialised nutrients like lactoferrin for infant and medical use, Irish dairy is woven into the fabric of Asia’s food and health industries.
The Asian Opportunity
Asia’s appetite for dairy is expanding rapidly. In Southeast Asia, dairy imports are projected to grow at a 7.8% CAGR between 2025–2030, driven by rising incomes, urbanisation, and demand for protein-fortified foods. By 2030, the region is expected to surpass China in combined dairy imports.
In 2024, Irish dairy exports to Southeast Asia were worth €237.7 million, with 78,127 tons of products shipped. Key categories included fat-filled milk powder (23%), infant food (22%), and skimmed milk powder (20%).
The campaign will capitalise on these opportunities by promoting Irish dairy’s sustainability, traceability, and functionality—qualities that align with Asia’s demand for safe and innovative nutrition.
Campaign Activities
Running until 2028, the EU–Ireland dairy campaign will roll out across China, Singapore, and Vietnam through:
Nine trade fairs including Food Ingredients Asia (Bangkok 2025, 2027), Food & Hotel Asia (Singapore 2026–2028), and Food Ingredients Vietnam (HCMC 2026).
135+ customer meetings and 12 technical seminars.
A mix of digital activities, public relations campaigns, and study visits for industry leaders.
The initiative aims to:
Reaffirm European Dairy’s reputation as a trusted supplier.
Provide science-driven, traceable ingredients to Asian partners.
Connect Singaporean firms with EU innovation pipelines.
Building Bridges for the Future
The campaign is more than a trade initiative—it is an expression of cultural and economic ties between Europe and Asia. Ireland’s grass-fed heritage combined with Singapore’s innovation hub status creates a platform for advancing food resilience at a time when global supply chains remain volatile.
PHOTOS: IRISH FOOD BOARD
As Ambassador McGrath noted, it reflects “the spirit of partnership that will define the future of our ties.”
With Irish dairy exports already surpassing €440 million in Asia and a roadmap of activities set through 2028, the EU and Ireland are betting on a powerful combination of nature and science to shape the region’s food future.
