Ireland’s food and drink exports reached a record €17 billion last year.
The record figure was reached despite geo-political instability, fluctuating inflation, and ongoing high trading costs.
Higher pricing was the primary driver of the overall 5% growth in 2024, as cost pressures and inflation continued to affect businesses and consumers according to Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects Report for 2024/25.
However, several categories recorded volume, as well as value growth, most notably within seafood, prepared consumer foods (PCF), and meat and livestock.
The value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 5% last year to a record €17 billion, according to Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects Report for 2024/25, published today.
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The value of Irish dairy exports, which is the largest category of food exports, remained stable at €6.3bn, despite weather conditions throughout the year affecting grass-growth.
Total meat and livestock exports increased by 6% to €4.3bn driven by higher volumes and values across beef, pig meat and livestock.
The value of drink exports grew by 19% to just over €2.1bn, with ‘ready-to-drink’ (RTD) beverages achieving a threefold increase year-on-year to €235m.
Whiskey exports increased by 13% to a value of more than €1bn.
Exports in the prepared consumer foods (PCF) sector were worth €3.4bn, which was an increase of 7%, while seafood exports recorded a 9% increase to approximately €595m.
Exports of cereals and horticulture increased by 4% in value to a total of €325m in 2024.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue said: “It is very encouraging that this annual analysis report from Bord Bia shows a hugely positive performance for the 2024 export value of Irish food and drink at €17bn.
"Add to this the value of non-edible products and Irish agri-food exports are in the region of €19bn, a figure approaching a 5% increase on 2023.
"This is a significant achievement, given the prevailing impact of cost inflation and market volatility. Despite these ongoing challenges, the sector time and again proves its resilience.
"Our food companies, our farmers, fishers, and food and drink producers have, at each stage of the production cycle, contributed to the Agri-Food sector’s performance in 2024.
"I know they will continue to do so in the future, underpinned by the strategic insight, marketing and promotion support provided by Bord Bia.”
Irish food and drink exports to the European Union accounted for €5.9bn of the total - up 4% year-on-year.
Within that France, Germany, and Belgium were the country's biggest customers.
However, the UK continued to represent the single largest market for goods - with exports there worth €5.9bn.
Exports to North America, meanwhile, were up 14% to €2bn, Bord Bia said.
*This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.
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