Food and drink exports from Ireland grew by 10 per cent in value to a record high of over €8 billion last year, according to a review of the year released by Bord Bia today.
Aidan Cotter, Bord Bia ceo said that despite a strong euro exchange and cost pressures in Ireland last year had been a positive one, particularly for the beef sector, which report a 20 per cent increase in sales to continental Europe.
Aiden Cotter, Bord Bia ceo
He said the dairy sector which accounts for a quarter of all exports grew by 6 per cent last year and was enjoying particular success in the infant formula category.
Bord Bia said exports to Asia were expected to exceed €300 million for the first time and this was driven by growth to exports to China. Mr Cotter said the top two performing grocery brands in the British retail sector last year were Irish and that this shows the importance of brands.
Another example of brand strength was the performance of Magners cider, which has seen an increase in exports of 26 per cent, adding €284 million to export values
"The challenge facing Irish food and drink exporters in 2007 will be to continue to invest in the development of new products and routes to market which will allow them to compete successfully in what are likely to remain difficult trading conditions," Mr Cotter said.
According to Bord Bia the agriculture and food is Ireland's largest indigenous sector, employing
approximately 155,000 and accounting for half of all exports.