Irish tops tree market

THE growth of the Irish Christmas tree market, now valued at over €10m, is one of the fastest in Europe.

More than 400,000 Irish Christmas trees are sold each year in the Republic, while the main export markets include Britain, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland.

The Noble Fir is the most popular tree variety, with consumers accounting for 60% of the market, with the Lodgepole Pine and Nordman Fir taking a 30% share.