Irish food and drink exports reached a record £5.4 billion in 2000, a rise of 4.4 per cent, according to the Bord Bia Annual Review published this afternoon.
The report shows that demand for beef and other meat categories in European and international markets was strong prior to BSE concerns in November.
While the value of live cattle exports increased by 6.7 per cent to £160 million, the volume of animals shipped abroad was marginally lower - a trend Bord Bia expert to continue next year.
The strength of sterling had a positive impact on trade with the UK with beverage exports up 10 per cent on 1999 to £630 million. Bord Bia figures suggest that the UK remains Ireland’s most important market.
Bord Bia calculate exports of dairy products and ingredients increased 5 per cent to £1.3 billion in 2000. Exports of Irish poultry rose by 13.5 per cent to £125 million in the same year.
Exports in edible horticulture and cereals sector grew 7.4 per cent to £130 million in 2000.
