Exports of Irish food, drinks and horticultural goods exceeded €8 billion last year according to Bord Bia's annual report.
Exports rose in all major categories to €8.1 billion despite a strong euro that led to increased competition in the world export market.
Bord Bia chairwoman Angela Kennedy said in the report that the Ryder Cup was the year's most significant promoter of Irish produce, resulting in some €15 million worth of direct sales and worldwide advertising exposure estimated to be close to €2 million.
Bord Bia's pan-European promotion of Irish beef had, it said, resulted in the export of beef to European countries reaching an all-time high at 480,000 tonnes. Overall beef and livestock proved to be the most significant growth area - with exports valued at €155 billion last year.
Italy, France and the Netherlands are Ireland's chief beef importers, with the UK market developing well. Russia and Algeria are the main non-EU destinations of Irish beef exports.
Exports of pig products decreased by 6 per cent to €223 million last year, with the United Kingdom the main consumer of Irish pig products. Exports of live cattle performed strongly last year ending the year 35 per cent higher at €145 million.
Total exports for the consumer food, dairy, ingredients and drinks sectors last year totalled almost €5.2 billion.
Growth of exports in the dairy sector brought the annual figure to about €2.7 billion with exports to EU countries remaining strong, although there was a slight decrease in exports to non-EU competitive markets.
Exports to non-EU countries were boosted in particular by strong sales of baby formula.
Exports of Irish beverages grew by 28 per cent in 2006 to €1.9 billion. The figures account for all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including beers, water and soft drinks sales.
The United Kingdom represents 48 per cent of the Irish beverages export market, while the United States is the country's second biggest export market for beverages.
Bord Bia reports a strong and growing organic food sector here, with organics worth about €76 million to the Irish economy last year.