Irish food exports to the UK rise by 7% as overall exports exceed €10.8b

22 January 2016 by Hannah Thompson

Irish food exports to the UK rose by 7% in 2015, to €4.4b (£3.36b), according to the Irish food board, Bord Bia.

This accounted for 41% of all Irish food and drink exports, and was mainly concentrated around dairy products, prepared consumer food, Irish whiskey and beef.

Exports to the UK account for one third of the total of Irish dairy exports, as well as 70% of the prepared consumer food exports, and 44% of prepared food.

Irish whiskey was also especially popular, with 29% of Irish whiskey exports going to the UK. Similarly, 54% of all Irish beef exports went to the UK.

Bord Bia has also estimated that the global value of Irish food and drink exports increased by 3% to exceed €10.8b (£8.24b) for the first time in 2015, and reported that the food and drink sector recorded its sixth consecutive year of export growth.

Increased output in key sectors, favourable exchange rate developments and better returns for beef, seafood and beverages were also said to have helped offset the weakening of global dairy prices.

Bord Bia has also published its new statement of strategy for 2016-2018, called Making a World of Difference. The document showcases the agency's plans to increase focus on routes to market, and highlights the importance of building its international market presence.

Chief executive Aidan Cotter commented: "Irish food exporters registered record growth, increasing exports by some €355m (£270m) in a period when global food commodity prices declined by approximately 19%, the Russian market was effectively closed to EU food exports, and consumer sentiment remained sluggish across the Eurozone. This year will present further opportunities for growth in most sectors, notwithstanding challenges from continued global dairy price pressures through the early months of 2016."

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