Ireland exported food and drink worth €6.8 billion in 2002, an increase of 1.7 per cent on 2001, Bord Bia said today.
In its annual report, the food marketing board said although the performance of the food and drinks sector was encouraging, 2003 will be challenging as higher costs affect competitiveness.
Increased exports were achieved in prepared food, beef and beverages in 2002, but dairy, pigmeat, sheepmeat and cereal sectors were down on the previous year.
The most important markets for Irish food and drink in 2002 were Britain (46 per cent), Europe (28 per cent) and international markets (26 per cent). Meat and livestock and prepared foods accounted for 27 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively, of total exports. Dairy accounted for 21 per cent and beverages 14 per cent.
Mr Philip Lynch, chairman of Bord Bia, said he found it encouraging to see overall growth in Irish food and drink exports in 2002, with the positive performance of a number of sectors counterbalancing the difficulties experienced in others.