Value of food exports rises 10%

The value of Irish food and drink exports grew by 11 per cent last year to €7.9 billion, according to figures released by Bord Bia today.

Dairy exports grew by more than €300 million (17 per cent), meat and livestock exports were almost €200 million (9 per cent) higher and beverage and prepared food exports recorded growth of €130 million (12 per cent) and €100 million (8 per cent) respectively.

Bord Bia said the food and drink sector was a strong driver of the State's improved export performance last year. The Irish Exporters' Association said last week that the value of goods and services sold abroad was €161 billion in 2010.

Bord Bia said growth was supported by a more stable consumer environment, reduced exchange rate pressures, improved competitiveness and rising global prices for most agricultural commodities.

"The strength of the industry's export performance is all the more commendable for the fact that it has been achieved in what remains a highly competitive marketing environment," Bord Bia chairman Dan Browne said.

Exports to euro zone markets increased by 14 per cent last year, with sales to continental Europe growing to account for 34 per cent of the industry's total sales.

Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter said prospects for Irish food and drink exports remain positive.

"In a year in which the world's population will reach seven billion, growth in global demand is set to underpin food markets well into the future, albeit with some volatility to be expected," he said.

"The challenge for the Irish food and drink industry is to maintain its current momentum, particularly in the areas of cost competitiveness, innovation and marketing. "