The value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 5% last year, to a record €17 billion, according to Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects Report for 2024/25, published this week.
Values And Volumes
The value of Irish dairy exports, which is the largest category of food exports, remained stable, at €6.3 billion, despite weather conditions throughout the year affecting grass growth. Total meat and livestock exports increased by 6%, to €4.3 billion, driven by higher volumes and values across beef, pig meat, and livestock.
The report shows that the value of drink exports grew by 19%, to just over €2.1 billion, with ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages achieving a threefold increase, year on year, to €235 million. Whiskey exports increased by 13%, to a value of more than €1 billion. Exports in the prepared consumer foods (PCF) sector were worth €3.4 billion, which was an increase of 7%, while seafood exports recorded a 9% increase, to approximately €595 million. Exports of cereals and horticulture increased by 4% in value, to a total of €325 million, in 2024.
‘Robust Performance And Sustained Success’
“The robust performance and sustained success of the Irish agri-food sector is a testament to the industry’s focus on strategic market diversification, investment in sustainable practices, and commitment to world-class quality and traceability standards, evident throughout the supply chain,” said Jim O’Toole, Bord Bia’s chief executive.
“The confidence and continued ambition of the industry is clear in the results of Bord Bia’s CEO Sentiment Survey, showing that most Irish food and drink exporters remain optimistic about achieving growth in 2025, despite the business environment and operating challenges.”
Exports
Exports to the EU increased by 4% and were worth almost €5.9 billion. The EU now accounts for 35% of all Irish food, drink and horticulture exports – back from a 36% share in 2023. France, Germany and Belgium accounted for nearly 40% of total exports, recording value increases of 5%,12% and 12%, respectively.
The UK continues to be the largest single market for Irish food, drink and horticulture exports, with the value going up by 7%, to €5.9 billion. The total share of exports for the UK in 2024 is estimated to be almost 35%, however, this remains lower than pre-Brexit trading, highlighting how Irish exporters have sought to diversify their exports to other markets. Despite the UK market seeing inflation ease, cost-of-living challenges remain, and the announcement of a landmark tax-raising Budget could pose challenges for consumers and businesses.
International Markets
The value of trade to international markets increased by almost 5% in 2024, to €5.2 billion. This increase was primarily driven by a rise in trade with North America, of 14%, to approximately €2 billion. Performance in Asia was mixed, with dairy exports declining by 12%, in value terms, and exports of pig meat continuing to face challenges, falling below €100 million. Exports to Africa increased to €950 million – up by 10% on 2023 levels.
“It is very encouraging that this annual analysis report from Bord Bia shows a hugely positive performance for the 2024 export value of Irish food and drink, at €17 billion,” said the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue.
“Add to this the value of non-edible products, and Irish agri-food exports are in the region of €19 billion – a figure approaching a 5% increase on 2023. This is a significant achievement, given the prevailing impact of cost inflation and market volatility.”
