Irish Wagyu steak is now available in Canada - marking a rare development for Irish beef exports - Bord Bia said today (Thursday, April 16).

Canada is now the only market in North America where Irish Wagyu is available.

Wagyu is a breed of cattle originally from Japan, known for producing beef with higher levels of marbling.

In Ireland, Wagyu beef is produced by specialist farms, typically through cross‑breeding Japanese Wagyu genetics with Irish bred cattle.

Dawn Meats, one of Ireland’s largest beef processors, launched the premium product in Toronto yesterday (Wednesday, April 15).

The launch follows Dawn Meats winning the World’s Best Steak last year at the World Steak Challenge, one of the leading global competitions for beef producers.

In addition to winning the overall global title, Dawn Meats also won the award for the World’s Best Grass-Fed Ribeye for its Premier Butcher Ribeye Wagyu Cross steak.

Chief executive of Dawn Meats, Niall Browne said: “Irish Wagyu beef is produced and processed in close partnership with our specialist farms and its launch in Canada reflects demand for Irish steak where quality and consistency are highly valued, particularly in high-end hotels and restaurants.

“We consistently strive to achieve high standards for our customers, and we are thrilled to launch this product to the Canadian market.”

Exports to Canada

Canada is a market of "increased priority" for Ireland, with food and drink exports worth €164 million in 2025, according to Bord Bia.

It is Ireland’s 12th largest food and drink export market and the fourth largest outside the EU.

Meat exports to Canada were valued at just over €21 million, with beef being the main category.

Speaking at the launch event in Toronto, Shane Hamill, Bord Bia’s global business development director, said: “The launch of Irish Wagyu to Canada represents a notable step for Ireland’s beef sector and reflects growing interest in Irish steak among international buyers.

“It also shows the beef sector’s ambition and reflects Ireland’s commitment to the Canadian market, particularly important during this time of international trade volatility and market uncertainty.”