Irish food and drink exports rose by 5% or €414m to reach €8.62 billion in 2007, according to the latest figures from Bord Bia.
The promotional agency for the food and drinks industry said this increase was achieved despite the significant strengthening of the euro against both the dollar and sterling during the year, rising ingredient costs and pressure on operating costs.
Food and drink exports to Asia rose by almost 50% to reach €400m, with Bord Bia saying that its 2009 targets for the region were reached two years ahead of schedule.
The combined value of meat and livestock exports fell by 3% to almost €2.38 billion in 2007. Lower pigmeat, sheepmeat and live cattle exports more than offset a recovery in poultry shipments, Bord Bia said.
During 2007, the dairy sector put in an 'excellent' performance with exports growing by an estimated 13% to reach €2.36 billion. Trade was boosted by a significant strengthening in prices worldwide for dairy commodities and ingredients.
The prepared foods category remained strong last year, with exports growing by 6% to €1.815 billion. Bord Bia said that positive trends were seen in the pizza, luxury chocolate confectionary and frozen bakery sectors.
The value of beverage exports rose by over 5% to reach an estimated €1.45 billion, driven by growth in liqueurs, whiskey and beer exports.
Exports of edible horticulture and cereal exports rose by 18% to €259m last year, which Bord Bia said reflected improved markets for Irish mushrooms and Irish cereals.
Bord Bia says that competitiveness, the strengthening euro and global price increases remain major challenges for the food and drinks sector.
