Bord Bia Launches Irish Lamb in the US

Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board) has launched Irish lamb in the US at a landmark event in New York. Irish lamb was yesterday served for the first time in the US, following access for Ireland to export lamb in 2022.

The event, which took place in Park Avenue yesterday, showcased to food media, chefs, restaurateurs, and trade partners the exceptional quality, sustainability, and provenance of Irish lamb, which is pasture-raised on family farms across Ireland.

Renowned Irish chef Mark Morarity traveled to the US for the event, preparing a series of dishes designed to highlight the versatility of Irish lamb across global cuisines.

In 2024, total Irish food and drink exports to the US were valued at $2 billion (€1.8 billion), up 22% on 2023, making it Ireland's second-largest export market after the UK. Sheepmeat consumption in the US is forecast to reach over 17,000 tonnes by 2029, providing perfect export opportunities for Irish companies.

Bord Bia CEO Jim O'Toole explains a key part of promoting Irish lamb stateside will be positioning it as a premium product with high health and nutritional benefits while also highlighting Ireland's commitment to food safety standards and sustainability.

"Bord Bia's focus will be on raising the profile of Irish sheepmeat through awareness of it as a premium, natural product sourced from family-run farms, and fully traceable from farm to fork," said O'Toole. "The success of Irish lamb in the US is also about highlighting the fact that Ireland produces lamb year-round, versus the seasonal production of our competitors. Working with local partners to showcase Ireland's heritage, quality, and trust or 'green credentials' is key."

US wholesaler Marx Foods, which already imports Irish beef, received the first shipment of lamb to the US this week from Irish Country Meats, the sheepmeat division of ABP Food Group.

"At Marx Imports, our mission is to identify the world's best meat programmes and bring them to distributors, foodservice, and consumers across the U.S.," said Justin Marx, EVP of Marx Imports. "ABP is one of those exceptional partners — we've built a strong relationship through their Irish beef programme, and we're thrilled to now introduce their Irish lamb to American dining tables."

The launch of Irish lamb comes at a time when U.S. consumers and chefs are increasingly seeking sustainable, high-quality proteins. With its natural farming methods, full traceability, and remarkable eating quality, Irish lamb from ABP is perfectly positioned to meet that growing demand.

Paschal Walsh, Commercial Director with Irish Country Meats said, "We are incredibly proud to see Irish lamb enter the United States, a significant milestone for Ireland's agri-food sector and Irish Country Meats. Gaining access to the US marketplace is a testament to the dedication of our team and the hard work of our farmers. Irish lamb is renowned for its exceptional taste and quality, and we look forward to the opportunities this development brings for both Irish Country Meats and ABP."

Bord Bia's New York office is now targeting lamb buyers in the US for inward visits to Ireland in May 2026 to demonstrate the substance behind Ireland's claims. Bord Bia plans to also increase its promotion of lamb at trade shows in the US and introduce Irish exporters to potential customers and routes to market.

"We are thrilled to introduce Irish lamb to the US market and to share its distinct flavour and quality with consumers here," said Bord Bia's Meat and Foodservice Market Specialist, Adam Hannon. "Irish sheep farmers have long been recognised for producing some of the world's best lamb, rooted in our grass-fed farming practices and deep respect for nature."

"Bord Bia has been engaging with key importers and customers over the last year, and we have planned an intensive programme of engagement with key buyers and trade to secure a smooth and swift process for Irish companies wishing to export to the market," adds Hannon. "This access decision will accelerate Bord Bia's activities with lamb buyers in retail and foodservice, optimise the value returned to Irish producers, and bring its advertising message closer to the US consumer."

In 2022, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine confirmed the lifting by the USDA of a ban on EU sheepmeat, paving the way for full market access for Irish sheepmeat exports to the US market.

For more information on Bord Bia (The Irish Food Board) and Irish lamb, please contact the organization directly.

About Bord Bia
The Irish Food Board

Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, is the government agency responsible for promoting Irish food, drink, and horticulture worldwide. Its mission is to drive the success and sustainability of Irish food and drink producers by connecting them with global customers and consumers.

Through its Origin Green sustainability programme – the world's only national food and drink sustainability initiative – Bord Bia works in partnership with the entire Irish supply chain to ensure that food and drink from Ireland are produced to the highest standards of quality, safety, and environmental care.

Headquartered in Dublin, Bord Bia operates a network of international offices across key global markets, including New York, London, Paris, Dubai, Shanghai, and Singapore, helping Irish exporters build long-term commercial relationships and elevate Ireland's reputation as a world leader in sustainably produced food and drink.