Food and drink exports up by 1.7%

Irish food and drink exports rose by 1.7% last year, according to An Bord Bia's annual review for 2002.

The figures show that the total value of food exports in 2002 was €6.8bn. Exports of meat, livestock and prepared foods grew by an average of 26%.

Bord Bia chief executive Michael Duffy said the beef sector in particular made a significant recovery.