Aldi Ireland and ABP Food Group have today (Wednesday, July 29) announced an extension to their Irish Wagyu Beef Programme.

The contract extension is part of a deal worth €15 million and will secure the partnership until at least the end of 2028.

The move comes in response to a growing demand from consumers for Wagyu beef produced on Irish farms.

Wagyu

Launched in 2023, the Irish Wagyu Beef Programme is currently supplied by a network of over 40 farmers nationwide.

According to Aldi, this programme "brings together the finest of Japanese Wagyu genetics and Irish farming expertise".

Every animal is bred, reared, and finished on Irish family farms and is fully traceable throughout its lifetime.

Since joining the retailer's permanent range in 2024, Aldi's Wagyu steaks have received several awards including wins at the Great Taste Awards, the World Steak Challenge, the International Taste Institute (ITQI), and Blas na hÉireann.

Last year, the ABP Wagyu products supplied to Aldi won more than ten awards, bringing the total number of award wins to more than 25 in two years.

Peter Bough, buying director at Aldi Ireland, said this renewed contract marks a significant milestone in an overall partnership with ABP that has spanned more than two decades.

"The success of our award-winning Wagyu range speaks for itself, and this €15 million investment with ABP allows us to take it to the next level.

"By investing in the future of our Wagyu farmers, we’ll continue to bring more premium products to our aisles this autumn, making everyday luxury accessible to all of our shoppers," he said.

Aldi and ABP are set to expand the Specially Selected Irish Wagyu range with new products due to hit shelves this autumn, including sausages, mince and meatballs.