News: Irish food and drink exports reach a record €17 billion [Bord Bia]
“This performance marks a milestone year for Irish food and drink exporters, despite enduring global trade challenges caused by geo-political instability, fluctuating inflation and on-going high trading costs.
Higher pricing was the primary driver of growth in 2024, as cost pressures and inflation continued to affect businesses and consumers. 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 Irish dairy exports, which is the largest category of food exports, remained stable at €6.3 billion, despite weather conditions throughout the year affecting grass-growth. Total meat and livestock exports increased by 6% to €4.3 billion driven by higher volumes and values across beef, pigmeat and livestock.
The value of drink exports grew by 19% to just over €2.1 billion, with ‘ready-to-drink’ (RTD) beverages achieving a threefold increase year-on-year to €235 million. Whiskey exports increased by 13% to a value of more than €1 billion. Exports in the prepared consumer foods (PCF) sector were worth €3.4 billion, which was an increase of 7%, while seafood exports recorded a 9% increase to approximately €595 million. Exports of cereals and horticulture increased by 4% in value to a total of €325 million in 2024. ”