Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Leon Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Nothing is denting the world's appetite for Irish dairy

The sector was the biggest contributor to record food and drink exports in 2015.

IRISH FOOD AND drink producers have defied plunging prices to deliver record exports last year.

Bord Bia reported the industries delivered a new high of €10.8 billion-plus in offshore sales in 2015, buoyed by growth in three of the country’s four key sectors.

Dairy products were easily the number-one single export category with an estimated €3.24 billion in products shipped out for a 4% rise on last year’s total.

However the biggest increase came from the drinks industry, which was responsible for €1.26 billion in exports – 10% up on the 2014 figure. Bord Bia said the resurgent Irish whiskey sector was the greatest single driver of the growth.

Bord Bia1 Bord Bia Bord Bia

The UK took an even-greater share of Irish food and drink exports last year, accounting for 41% of the overall trade.

That compared to a 31% share going elsewhere in the EU, while the remaining 28% went to other international markets.

Bord Bia said exports to North America were up 19% thanks to booming dairy, drink and prepared-food sales, while exports to China increased 16% on better dairy and pigmeat trade.

The increasing returns came despite commodity prices plunging last year when compared to 2014 figures.

Bord Bia2 Bord Bia Bord Bia

Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter said the overall export increase came despite headwinds that including the lower returns, Russian markets that were effectively closed to EU imports and a sluggish eurozone.

READ: One bank is telling investors to ‘sell everything’ as stock markets tank >

READ: Thanks to Facebook and Apple, the IDA says it’s just had the best year ever >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
12 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds