Irish Food Exports Boom

This is a growth of 9 per cent from 2012, and sees the value of Irish food and drink market rise to €10 billion for the first time.

The UK remains the greatest importer of Irish food and drink, holding 42 per cent of the market.

Simon Coveney, minister for agriculture, food and the marine said, “Significant growth in 2013 has brought export values in the Irish Food and Drink sector to record levels. This leading performance in what was a challenging year for the industry, highlights the key role of agri-food, Ireland’s largest indigenous sector, in underpinning exports and economic activity. 

“Export values of almost €10 billion are really impressive, and demonstrate the clear opportunity and benefit of investing in a sector with proven resilience, a significant domestic economic footprint and strong ability to grow. With increasing demand from more affluent consumers in key world markets, there is little doubt that the €12 billion export target set out in the industry-led strategy for the agri sector Food Harvest 2020 is well in sight.”

Aidan Cotter, chief executive of Bord Bia said, “Among the highlights of 2013 have been the double digit growth in dairy and beef export values, the strong recovery in sales to eurozone destinations, and the exceptional performance of the industry in China, now Ireland’s second largest dairy and third largest pork market. The industry is well positioned to exploit the relentless growth in the global demand for food, underpinned by its grass-based production systems and its ability to build its presence on both new and established markets”.

Michael Carey, chairman of Bord Bia said, “The significant export growth achieved by the Irish food and drink industry, in the face of an increasingly competitive environment for exporters confirms the dedication, ambition and resilience that is abundant in the sector. This impressive growth in exports by our largest indigenous industry reflects its persistent focus on innovation and differentiation as it seeks, successfully, to boost its position across key markets.”