Food exports rise by 13%
Agriculture and Food Minister Joe Walsh also disclosed that the British market now accounts for 40% of Ireland’s food and drink exports.
Mr Walsh, welcoming the growing awareness among British consumers of the quality of Irish food produce, said the reputation of Bord Bia’s “Ireland: the Food Island” brand is built on the adherence to the stringent standards of food safety and hygiene.
“The safety of the food we produce is a constant priority for our industry. To guarantee this safety we have in place an extensive monitoring, surveillance and inspection service along every link of the food chain,” he said.
Mr Walsh said this policy has continued to pay dividends as more than 130 countries world-wide import Irish food and drink products. Meat has been the backbone of Ireland’s trade with Britain.
This year has been another exceptional one with exports of Irish beef projected to reach 240,000 tonnes.
While Irish beef and beef products continue to make inroads into the higher value end of the market, he said more progress can and should be made.
He pointed out that other sectors such as prepared foods, Dairy Board products, beverages and mushrooms have also recorded levels of growth in 2002.
“Over the last 20 years Ireland has built a reputation for supplying high quality consumer foods both under private labelling and branded produce.
“We have increased our market share in the speciality foods and farmhouse cheeses sector.
“There has also been significant growth in the area of non-alcoholic drinks, mineral waters and fruit juices,” he said.
Mr Walsh added that Irish food companies have proved that they can succeed in the most demanding retail market in the world.
