Exports of Irish food and drink fell last year by over 7%, according to Bord Bia. The drop is due mainly to a decrease in exports of beef and live cattle because of BSE.
However, some sectors of the industry did manage to increase their foreign sales.
2001 was extremely difficult for the food industry and exports fell by 7.7% to €6.6 billion. The beef and cattle industry was the worst hit, because of international concerns about BSE. Beef and cattle exports were down 27% to €1.69 billion.
But beef exports to Britain increased massively, by 65%, to fill the gap caused by the foot and mouth crisis there. Foot and mouth also created extra demand for Irish lamb - with sheepmeat exports were up by 41%. Pigmeat exports were up 18%.
Prepared food exports (meals, pizza and confectionery) increased by 4% and horticulture - mainly mushrooms - were up by 10%
Chairman Philip Lynch said the results were encouraging given the range of difficulties faced.
Bord Bia is currently taking part in Berlin's Green Week, the world's largest consumer fair.
