Exports of food and drink from Ireland last year rose by 2%. Bord Bia says this was a robust performance given the adverse market conditions.
But the board says that following the recent CAP reforms, exporters will have to focus more on creating new products and improving marketing efforts.
Last year food and drink exports were worth €6.67 billion. Exports of beef and livestock were up by 5% to almost €2 billion. Dairy exports also grew by 5% to €1.6 billion, and beverages rose by 8% to €1.2 billion.
But exports of vegetables, lamb and pigmeat were down, and exports of prepared foods fell by 5% to €1.5 billion - mainly due to adverse currency trends.
Bord Bia chief executive Michael Duffy said the 2% overall growth was a strong result. He also said that with the recent CAP reforms, companies must improve production costs and also invest in marketing and new products.
Bord Bia is to merge shortly with Bord Glas, which currently markets fruit and vegetables. The combined Irish-based staff of about 60 is to be decentralised to Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.
