Kerry Group is top Irish exporter
Aryzta is No 2, followed in order of turnover by the Irish Dairy Board, Glanbia, Kellogg European Trading, Dawn Meats Exports Ltd, Origin Enterprises PLC, Irish Food Processors, Diageo, Atlantic (Coca Cola) Industries, Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing, Kepak Group, R & A Bailey & Co, Green Isle Foods Ltd, and Greencore Group PLC.
Of the top 20 exporters, seven are from the ICT sector, five are from the pharmaceutical/medical devices sector, and five from the agri-food sector.
Irish Exporters Association chief executive John Whelan said Irish-owned agri-food companies account for 16% of the top 20 exporters, and are more dominant in the food and drink sector than in the chemical, pharmaceutical and ICT sectors.
The food and drink sector accounts for about half of all exports from Irish-owned firms. Because of the highly labour intensive nature of the sector, it remains a vital part of the Irish economy. As a share of exports by the top 250 firms, food and drink represents 14%.
Multinational companies which have invested heavily in Ireland to service the EU27 and other international markets account for over 75% of total Irish exports.
