Ireland's Food & Drink Exports - 2012
According to new figures released today by Bord Bia, the value of Irish
food and drink exports in 2012 surpassed €9 billion for the first time.
This builds upon, and consolidates, the food industry's exceptionally
strong performance over the past three years, with exports currently
valued at €2 billion, or 28%, ahead of 2009 levels. The strongest performing categories were meat and livestock (€3 billion), seafood (€493 million) and beverages (€1.26 billion).
Commenting on the figures, Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia stated "despite falling global commodity prices, lower output in some sectors and the continued weakness in consumer spending in established markets, the Irish food industry has delivered another robust export performance. The continued diversification into new and emerging markets, benefitting further from favourable exchange rates, is particularly welcoming with exports to Asia up by 75% since 2010."
Bord Bia Chairman Michael Carey added "Irish food and drink was a major contributor to the economy's strong export performance in 2012 and I would like to commend the industry for its performance in what remains a challenging and competitive environment. Many of the major categories recorded increases, led by meat and livestock which increased by €128 million; seafood exports increased by 18%, or €75 million, while beverage exports recorded growth of €37 million."
