Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin hosted at Kerry Group facilities in China visit

On January 7, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Irish prime minister, and his delegation, visited Kerry Group's regional headquarters and innovation center in Shanghai, as part of his official trip to China.

Kerry Group, an Irish company and a global leader in taste and nutrition, has been operating in China for more than 25 years. It provides a range of specialist ingredients to local and international food and beverage producers, including protein products, probiotics and natural extracts, to provide solutions for taste, wellness and food protection.

In 2022, Kerry Group established its China headquarters in the Xuhui district of Shanghai in response to its rapidly developing business. It received a recognition certificate from the Shanghai government in 2024. Kerry's operational network in China spans key provinces including Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Hebei, and Shandong provinces, demonstrating the group's expanding commitment to the Chinese market.

Described as "A real Irish success story on the world stage" by the Taoiseach on his social media channels, the company has strengthened its local foundation by building an integrated value chain encompassing R&D, production, technology and marketing, and through strategic investments such as the acquisition of three flavor manufacturing plants. These efforts have consolidated its leading position and marked its entry into a stage of sustainable growth and profitability in the vast Chinese market.

Driving the future of sustainable nutrition in China

Building upon this strong local foundation, Kerry is now focused on a greater ambition: to enable sustainable nutrition for hundreds of millions of Chinese consumers, partnering with leading Chinese food, beverage, nutrition, and pharmaceutical companies.

Supported by over 150 local scientists and technologists, Kerry co-creates innovative solutions tailored to the market, from authentic Chinese cuisine flavors to advanced nutritional and functional ingredients. Its comprehensive portfolio empowers brands to develop products that are both delicious and beneficial to well-being.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin highlighted to Chinese media that "The Chinese market is of crucial importance to Irish companies and products, especially in the food and beverage sector. Ireland boasts world-leading quality and safety standards in areas such as beef, dairy, and infant formula, and the agri-food sector has become a vital pillar of Ireland-China economic and trade relations." 

Kerry Group, as a flagship Irish company within this pillar, stands as a prime example of this shared commitment, driving the future of sustainable nutrition while strengthening the economic bridge between the two nations.

The Taoiseach and his delegation were welcomed to Kerry China by Sidy Dioum, chief operating officer of Kerry APMEA, Inanc Isik, vice president and general manager of Kerry North Asia, together with the Kerry China leadership team.

During the visit, the Taoiseach, along with Irish Ambassador to China Dr. Nicholas O'Brien, Irish Consul General in Shanghai David Murphy, and the accompanying delegation explored Kerry's growth and innovation journey in China since 1999.

The Taoiseach was offered a symbolic welcome drink in the colors of the Irish flag on this arrival, made with Kerry ingredients, and incorporating distinctive Chinese flavors, including osmanthus and oolong tea.