Ireland’s beef exports to Europe increase by 11%
Overall, Irish food, drink and horticulture exports were up 0.7% to a total of €7.1 billion on the previous year, despite a strong euro exchange rate against sterling and price deflation in major export markets.
Agriculture and food remains Ireland’s largest indigenous exporter providing total employment of around 160,000. It accounts for close to one tenth of the Irish economy with annual sales of €18.5bn and relatively low import content.
Chief executive Aidan Cotter said: “Bord Bia is committed to working with Irish food and drink companies to differentiate themselves in the marketplace and thereby enable them to exploit the opportunities that are part of a dynamic and fast-changing market.”
The annual trade report revealed that beverage exports recovered strongly and were the best performing export category in 2005. Exports from the sector are estimated to have grown by 5.8% to over €1bn.
Cider, beer, spirits and water exports were all up in 2005. Investment in leveraging distribution, innovation and branding will remain key.
Meat and livestock exports grew by 2% to €2.1bn in 2005, representing 30% of the total value of food and drink exports. Beef exports, which account for two thirds of total meat and livestock exports, saw a small increase.
But beef exports to EU markets were up 11% reflecting a successful shift to supplying this market with premium produce rather than supplying commodity international markets. Exports of pork, bacon and live animals rose while the value of lamb exports fell.
The prospects for exporters appear more challenging in 2006 due to an expected weakening in world markets as supplies from Australia and New Zealand are set to increase.
Angela Kennedy, chairwoman, said Bord Bia has planned an active promotion programme designed to showcase the Irish food and drink industry to foreign buyers in 2006.
