Food and drink exports surpass €9 billion
Irish exports are up 28% on 2009 levels, with the strongest performing categories being meat and livestock (€3 billion), seafood (€493 million) and beverages (€1.26 billion)
Print15 January 2013
According to Bord Bia, the value of Irish food and drink exports in 2012 surpassed €9 billion for the first time. Exports are currently valued at €2 billion, or 28%, ahead of 2009 levels. The strongest performing categories were meat and livestock (€3 billion), seafood (€493 million) and beverages (€1.26 billion).
Aidan Cotter, chief executive, Bord Bia stated that despite falling global commodity prices, lower output in some sectors and the continued weakness in consumer spending in established markets, the Irish food industry has delivered a robust export performance.
"The continued diversification into new and emerging markets, benefitting further from favourable exchange rates, should be welcomed with exports to Asia up by 75% since 2010," he said.
The immediate prospects for Irish food and drink exports in 2013 remain positive, with increased output in some key sectors, most notably beef, combined with more stable global commodity prices expected.
However, feed and other input cost developments in the livestock sector will again play a key role in determining farm level performance, following a difficult year for farming due to poor weather conditions and rising costs.
The results of the annual Bord Bia industry survey, completed in December 2012, also show continued confidence among food and drink manufacturers and a strong positive outlook for the year ahead. In total, 77% of exporters reported increased sales over the past 12 months, while 75% expect export sales to increase again in 2013.
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