The value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 5% last year, to a reach a record €17 billion, according to Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects Report for 2024/25, published today.
This performance marks a milestone year for Irish food and drink exporters, despite enduring global trade challenges caused by geopolitical instability, fluctuating inflation, and ongoing high trading costs.
Growth
Growth was primarily driven by higher pricing, as cost pressures and inflation continued to impact businesses and consumers.
However, several categories recorded volume as well as value growth in the measured period, including seafood, prepared consumer foods (PCF), and meat and livestock.
Irish dairy exports – the largest category of food exports – were in line with 2023 values, remaining stable, at €6.3 billion, despite weather conditions affecting grass growth.
Total meat and livestock exports increased by 6%, to €4.3 billion, driven by higher volumes and values across beef, pig meat, and livestock.
Drinks’ export value 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, while exports in the PCF sector were worth €3.4 billion – an increase of 7%.
Seafood exports saw a 9% increase, to €595 million, and exports of cereals and horticulture increased by 4% in value, to a total of €325 million.
‘A Significant Achievement’
Speaking at the launch of the report, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, said, “It is very encouraging that this annual analysis report from Bord Bia shows a hugely positive performance for the 2024 export value of Irish food and drink, at €17 billion.
“Add to this the value of non-edible products, and Irish agri-food exports are in the region of €19 billion – a figure approaching a 5% increase on 2023.
“This is a significant achievement, given the prevailing impact of cost inflation and market volatility.
“Despite these ongoing challenges, the sector, time and again, proves its resilience.
“Our food companies, our farmers, fishers, and food and drink producers have, at each stage of the production cycle, contributed to the agri-food sector’s performance in 2024.
“I know they will continue to do so in the future, underpinned by the strategic insight, marketing and promotion support provided by Bord Bia.”
Survey
According to Bord Bia’s CEO Sentiment Survey, most Irish food and drink exporters remained optimistic about 2025, particularly in the UK and European markets.
Some 82% of respondents said that they expect growth in the retail sector, while half of the companies surveyed forecast growth in the foodservice channel, and 44% in the manufacturing sector.
Despite these ambitions for growth, global trade concerns remain, as more than one third of businesses also expressed concerns that their competitiveness could decline in the next 12 months.
The key risks to competitiveness cited include rising labour costs, sustained cost inflation, difficulties in accessing raw materials, and geopolitical tensions, such as the looming threat of tariffs.
‘Confidence And Continued Ambition’
Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole said, “The robust performance and sustained success of the Irish agri-food sector is a testament to the industry’s focus on strategic market diversification, investment in sustainable practices, and commitment to world-class quality and traceability standards, evident throughout the supply chain.
“The confidence and continued ambition of the industry is clear in the results of Bord Bia’s CEO Sentiment Survey, showing that most Irish food and drink exporters remain optimistic about achieving growth in 2025, despite the business environment and operating challenges.
“Climate change remains the most pressing challenge for our sector, and, working with our national sustainability programme, Origin Green, we must maintain our focus on maximising market value while also safeguarding our environment.
“The programme’s emphasis on verified and measurable sustainability outcomes has been instrumental in shaping Ireland’s reputation on the global stage over the past decade and will continue to underpin the resilience and success of Ireland’s agri-food sector in the years to come.”
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