Taoiseach lauds food exports to France as key to economic recovery

Sales into France of Irish beef, lamb, and other agri-food products are playing an important part in Ireland’s economic recovery, according to Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Speaking at the SIAL food expo in Paris, Mr Kenny said there is a long history of friendship between Ireland and France. He said Irish agri-food exports to France grew 14% to €646m during 2011, which is testament to France’s appreciation of both Ireland and its high-quality food output.

“France is our number one customer globally for lamb and for seafood. It is our second largest customer for beef, our third largest for whiskey,” he said.

“That is a big figure, and it speaks of the trade relationships between both our countries. And despite marketing challenges during 2012, Irish food companies remain very committed to the French market.”

Mr Kenny congratulated Bord Bia on the international launch of its sustainability programme ‘Origin Green’ in Paris. He noted that companies who collectively produce more than 50% of Irish food and drink exports have already signed up to the new programme, and others are set to follow.

Bord Bia expects Irish beef exports to France this year will reach 47,000 tonnes. A decrease of 5% compared to 2011, this drop is consistent with lower Irish and global production levels for the year, and consistent with a more difficult trading environment in France.

French slaughterings of beef during the first six months of the year led to a 10% decline in imports, notably from key partners the Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium.

French beef exports fell by 20% as trade with Turkey stopped due to increased trade tariffs. This created a knock-on effect on the German market, while the Greek market has also remained depressed.

Bord Bia’s presentations at SIAL explained that against this economic backdrop, Ireland’s continuing strong trading relationship with France has been remarkably positive.

Chairman Michael Carey said: “The Irish food and drink industry is the jewel in the crown of Ireland’s economic recovery, and despite occasional fluctuations in supply and demand, the opportunities remain enormous.

“The European export market is extremely important for Irish food businesses, and the French market is Ireland’s number one destination for food exports within the eurozone.

“The French market is very well developed, and the French consumer understands the message about Irish food and the importance of our sustainability programme.”