Exports worth €8.6bn to economy, says Bord Bia

IRISH food and drink exports reached €8.62 billion last year, a 5% increase on the record levels achieved in 2006.

Bord Bia said the performance, which added €414 million to sales, was all the more impressive when viewed against a significant strengthening of the euro against the dollar and sterling, rising ingredient costs and pressure on operating costs.

Agri-food represents Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, contributing 8% to the country’s gross value added and a corresponding share of its employment.