Britain remains key market for our produce
Meat, livestock and prepared foods were the largest sectors, accounting for 27% and 26%, respectively, of food and drink exports.
Britain remains the key market,
representing 46% of total food and drink exports in 2002.
Gross output of food and drink was in excess of 15 billion in 2001 and accounted for 9.2% of GDP.
The food and drink industry accounts for almost half of exports by indigenous industry, employs 167,000 people and exports to 130 countries.
Bord Bia said year-on-year increases were achieved across prepared food, beef, beverages and live animals, while dairy, pigmeat, sheepmeat and horticulture and cereal sectors were down on the previous year.
The most important markets for food and drink in 2002 were Britain (46%); the Continent (28%), and international markets (26%). Meat and livestock and prepared food sectors accounted for 27% and 26%, respectively, of total exports. Dairy accounted for 21% and beverages 14%.
Bord Bia chairman Philip Lynch said there was an uncertain economic environment, increased competition and currency appreciation during the year.
But it was encouraging to see that despite these factors, there had been overall growth in food and drink exports in 2002. The positive performance of a number of sectors counterbalanced the difficulties experienced in others.
"I am confident that Bord Bia has the strategy, people and services to assist Irish food and drink companies achieve their growth objectives," he said.
Bord Bia chief executive Michael Duffy said they were pleased that Irish food and drink exports resumed growth in 2002.
They expect to see a continued growth this year, especially in prepared foods, beef and beverages. However, growth in some sectors such as dairy, pigmeat and sheepmeat remain challenging.
He said Bord Bia will work closely with its clients and customers in the different sectors to build on the good work carried out last year.
It will assist in identifying and
exploiting market opportunities to their full potential, enabling them to increase the share of their targeted market.
Mr Duffy said 2003 will undoubtedly be another challenging year for the industry, which is facing a number of important issues maintaining competitiveness, increased competition and the continuing consolidation in the retail sector.
This environment makes it all the more important for companies to innovate, build strong market position and compete effectively on the global stage," he added.
