Irish food and drink exports reach record high

Bord Bia, Ireland’s food promotion body, last week reported that the value of the country’s food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 22 per cent last year to reach a new record high of around €17 billion.

The significant increase in food and drink exports, up €3 billion since 2021 and almost 30 per cent on pre-pandemic levels (€13 billion in 2019), can be attributed to both increasing unit prices, due to inflation and rising input and operational costs, and an increase in the volume of goods exported.

The volume of exports for sectors such as Irish beef and dairy increased in 2022; while prepared consumer foods (PCF) and drinks achieved new milestones in the value of their respective exports.

Value added meat and seafood exports reached over €1 billion in 2022. This represented an increase of 30 per cent compared with the previous year, with exports surpassing pre Covid-19 levels by 23 per cent.

Within meat, this subcategory represents a vitally important outlet for traditionally lower value cuts.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Dublin estimates that total Irish agri-food exports, including non-edible products not included within Bord Bia’s report, to have been worth €18.7 billion in 2022, representing a 21 per cent year-on-year increase.

Bord Bia chief executive Jim O’Toole said the industry’s performance in the face of challenging market conditions has been highly commendable.

“In my first Export Performance and Prospects Report as chief executive of Bord Bia, I’m delighted to welcome the highest ever value of exports by the Irish food, drink and horticulture sector.

“Following two years of profound disruption, 2022 brought a new range of cost and sourcing challenges, making this year’s export performance even more impressive.

“The results are testament to the resilience of one of Ireland’s most important export industries.”