The value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 4% to a record €13.5 billion in 2021, 2% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Ireland exported the equivalent of almost €37 million worth of food and drink every day last year to customers in more than 180 countries worldwide, according to new data from Bord Bia.
Ireland exports about 90% of its food and drink production, and the performance is considered robust, given the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the fact that Brexit means the UK is now operating outside of the EU Customs Union.
Value by sector
Worth more than €5 billion in 2021, the dairy sector remains the largest element within Irish food and drink exports, followed by meat and livestock, which generated over €3.5 billion in export sales, and prepared consumer foods, which was worth more than €2.5 billion.
The value of primary seafood exports returned to growth last year, increasing by 6% to €485 million, albeit with varying trends across the sector.
The value of Irish horticulture and cereal exports increased by 14% to €271 million in 2021. The main export products within this sector are mushrooms, primary cereals, and amenity horticulture.
The value of drinks exports increased by 19% to €1.62 billion last, which was a strong recovery after the difficulties of 2020 and returned exports to 2019 levels. That recovery was most robust in Irish whiskey and cream liqueur exports, particularly notably to the US.
New 10 year strategy for Bord Bia
The figures are revealed as Bord Bia launches its new 10-year Statement of Strategy. The plan envisages a significant expansion in the value growth of Irish food and drinks exports, including an 11% increase in the value of dairy, meat, and livestock exports, and a 14% jump in prepared consumer food exports. Sustainability is a core theme within the new strategy.
Bord Bia Chief Executive Tara McCarthy said the industry’s performance had been extraordinary:
While we understandably focus on the headline figures, it is worth remembering that within those billions and millions are businesses and farms in every county and indeed, almost every parish in the country. Businesses that, whether large or small, are run by people who have faced tremendous challenges over the past 20 months, both professional and personal. It is our privilege in Bord Bia to support these wonderful risk-takers, visionaries, and innovators.
Export Destinations for Irish food and drink
Last year, 34% of Ireland’s food and drink exports went to international markets outside the EU and the UK, while 33% went to the EU, and 33% to the UK.
The EU was the largest single regional destination for Irish food, drink, and horticulture, as the value of exports increased by 2% to €4.5 billion last year. The value of exports to the UK was €4.4 billion last year, which was a very slight decline on the previous 12 months.
The US market rebounded strongly, with export values up 22% to €1.3 billion driven by strong whiskey and liqueur sales. The value of exports to Africa grew by 12% to €918 million last year, while exports to South East Asia increased by 20% to exceed €500 million for the first time.
More here on the latest WLR News.
