Irish Food & Drink Exports Surpass €9bn For The First Time

According to new figures released today by Bord Bia, the value of Irish food and drink exports in 2012 surpassed €9 billion for the first time.

This builds upon, and consolidates, the food industry's exceptionally strong performance over the past three years, with exports currently valued at €2 billion, or 28%, ahead of 2009 levels. The strongest performing categories were meat and livestock (€3 billion), seafood (€493 million) and beverages (€1.26 billion).

Commenting on the figures, Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia said: "Despite falling global commodity prices, lower output in some sectors and the continued weakness in consumer spending in established markets, the Irish food industry has delivered another robust export performance. The continued diversification into new and emerging markets, benefitting further from favourable exchange rates, is particularly welcoming with exports to Asia up by 75% since 2010."

The immediate prospects for Irish food and drink exports in 2013 remain positive, with increased output in some key sectors, most notably beef, combined with more stable global commodity prices expected. However, feed and other input cost developments in the livestock sector will again play a key role in determining farm level performance, following a difficult year for farming due to poor weather conditions and rising costs.

The results of the annual Bord Bia industry survey, completed in December 2012, also show continued confidence among food and drink manufacturers and a strong positive outlook for the year ahead. In total, 77% of exporters reported increased sales over the past 12 months, while 75% expect export sales to increase again in 2013.

Bord Bia's Key Initiatives

Among Bord Bia's key initiatives this year will be the continued development, global promotion and marketing of its Origin Green initiative, designed to establish Ireland as a world leader in sustainability and enhance export performance. Since launching in June 2012, some 164 companies accounting for almost 60% of Irish food and drink exports have signed up to the programme. These companies are currently working with Bord Bia to develop, and commit to, sustainability plans setting out clear targets in key areas such as emissions, energy, waste, water, biodiversity and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Individual sustainability commitments submitted by major players within the Irish food industry include a 20% reduction in energy use by 2015; the implementation of rainwater harvesting by 2014 and a 30% reduction in emissions by 2020.

(CD/GK)