The value of Irish food and drink exports has increased by 8.6% during the first six months of the year, relative to the same period last year, according to new figures from Bord Bia. The value of this increase is estimated at around €370 million.
Beef exports in particular performed strongly, rising 15% or by €140 million; approximately 40% of the total growth. Other categories that performed well were prepared foods (+15%), and dairy (+4%), while pigmeat (+9%) and beverages (+4%) also recorded solid growth.
“The export figures for the first half of the year are particularly impressive at a time when overall exports have fallen by some 6%," said Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia .
"Last year, Ireland’s food and drink exports surpassed the €9 billion mark for the first time and the prospects for the remainder of 2013 remain broadly positive with a strong demand for dairy and beef, combined with a more robust prepared foods performance and further steady growth in beverages.” In terms of the top export destinations for Irish produce, the UK accounted for over 41% of total food and drink exports during the period, driven mainly by higher meat and dairy exports. Exports to other EU markets accounted for close to 33%, following a difficult period in 2012. Exports to Asia recorded double digit growth increasing by 15% to reach €270 million.
In September, Bord Bia will welcome buyers from China, India and other Asian countries, to Bord Bia’s Global Sustainability Conference, taking place at the Convention Centre, Dublin on Thursday 26th September.
© 2013 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
