RAI 'would not support' sourcing practices that 'undermine Irish beef'
The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) has said that it "would not support any sourcing practice that undermines Irish beef".
The RAI said it was aware of the ongoing controversy surrounding Bord Bia and its chairperson Larry Murrin.
The Bord Bia chair has been embroiled in controversy in recent week after it emerged that his business, Dawn Farm Foods, sources some of its beef from Brazil.
In a statement to Agriland, Adrian Cummins, CEO of the RAI, said that Irish beef is "widely regarded across the restaurant sector as being among the highest quality in the world.
"It is fully traceable, grass-fed and produced to standards that are internationally respected. That reputation is central to the success of Irish restaurants and to Ireland’s food offering more broadly," Cummins added.
However, Cummins acknowledged that many restaurants have been forced to remove some cuts of beef from their menus due to the price.
"In the current high-price environment, Irish beef is undoubtedly harder and more expensive to source... Beef prices for food service businesses have increased by approximately 96% in just over two years," he said.
"Farmers deserve a fair return for the top class produce they supply, but businesses and consumers also need prices that are fair and sustainable.
"That is why the Restaurants Association of Ireland has repeatedly called on the Minister for Agriculture to provide greater powers to the Agri-Food Regulator, as requested by the regulator [itself], to ensure greater transparency and balance across the supply chain," Cummins added.
The RAI CEO said that the association was "aware of public discussion around beef imports, including from Brazil, and continues to monitor developments closely".
"Our position remains consistent. We would not support any sourcing practice that undermines Irish beef or allows products produced to lower environmental or food safety standards to compete unfairly with Irish farmers," he said.
"From a restaurant and tourism perspective, Irish beef is a cornerstone of Ireland's food identity."
Cummins said that, when tourists come to Ireland, they "expect locally-sourced, grass-fed Irish beef that they can trust, with full traceability and highest standards".
"Protecting that trust is essential, particularly at a time when the sector is under significant cost pressure. A renewed focus on culinary tourism, working in tandem with Irish production, is key to supporting both farming and hospitality into the future," he added.
2 Irish restaurants awarded Michelin Stars
Cummins also welcomed the fact that two Irish businesses have been added to the list of Michelin Star restaurants in Britain and Ireland.
These are Forest Avenue in Dublin and The Pullman in Galway.
These restaurants were awarded one Michelin Star each at the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland awards, which were held in Dublin last night (Monday, February 9).
“This is a recognition of the high standards in the Irish restaurant industry today and of the depth of quality that exists right across Irish hospitality," Cummins said.
"These awards recognise the work of the entire restaurant team, from front of house to the kitchen.
"When a restaurant receives a Michelin star or recommendation, inspectors are acknowledging the full experience, from service and sourcing of food to the contribution of every person involved at every level," he added.
