Fall in fruit and veg exports but huge potential in sector

FRUIT and vegetable exports from Ireland have fallen but there are abundant opportunities in the sector.

That’s according to the Irish Exporters Association (IEA) and the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) in a cross-border horticultural development report launched at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast yesterday.

IEA chief executive John Whelan said total exports of fruit and vegetables fell by 10% in 2004 to €218 million. The largest decline was to the North, where a 50% fall was recorded.