January 13, 2012

Aidan Cotter, Bord Bia chief executive said that Irish food producers are hopeful that they can consolidate 2011's record of EUR8.85 billion (US$11.4 billion) export performance this year.

Irish food and drink exports grew by EUR1 billion (US$1.3 billion) last year, reaching EUR8.85 billion (US$11.4 billion). That 12% surge followed 11% growth in 2010, with Irish beef sales growing at almost twice the European average. The top categories were dairy-EUR2.6 billion (US$3.3 billion), meat-EUR2.59 billion (US$3.3 billion), prepared foods-EUR1.5 billion (US$1.9 billion) and seafood-EUR420 million (US$539 million).

While global food prices soared last year, export volumes accounted for 25% of these Irish gains. While beef output is expected to fall by 3-4% and global food commodity prices are likely to soften in 2012, Ireland's food and drink exporters believe they can, at the very least, retain the 25% gains of the last two years.

Cotter said: "The optimism among Irish food producers is justified. Ireland exports up to 90% of its food output, whereas most other European countries are primarily dependent on their domestic markets. The primary sectors of beef, milk and dairy account for about two thirds of overall exports. We also saw 12% growth in prepared foods, while seafood is up by 13%. Our surveys have shown that seven out of 10 exporters will roll out new products this year. These factors are all very encouraging."

Overseas interest in Irish food is at an all-time high. Of the 500 buyers attending Bord Bia's Marketplace 2012 showcase in Dublin's Convention Centre on February 7, some 400 are coming from overseas - a large increase on expected numbers, with buyers coming from as far afield as the US and China.

An industry-only event, Marketplace will host up to 6,000 speed meetings between 500 buyers and 180 Irish food companies, 90 of whom also attended the launch of Bord Bia's Outlook for 2012 in the same venue yesterday.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said: "A Chinese delegation visited Ireland recently and were particularly impressed with our grass-based production systems. Ireland can meet increasing world demand for quality and sustainably produced food if we maintain this level of commitment to identifying market opportunities and delivering those products."