FOOD AND drink exports increased in value by 8 per cent in the first five months of the year and growth has accelerated since, according to the Minister for Agriculture.
“This solid performance follows huge efforts by companies and producers to improve competitiveness and to identify market opportunities in a very challenging international trading environment,” Brendan Smith said.
What is perhaps most impressive is the level of achievement across sectors and markets by companies large and small.”
He said exports of prepared consumer foods to Britain had recovered, the strategy of targeting premium markets for quality assured meat was working, companies continued to build business in markets for dairy products and ingredients and beverage exports had responded to increased demand internationally for premium drinks.
In an end-of-year statement, the Minister said it had also helped that pressures on currencies had eased.
“This performance is a positive step to achieving the ambitious targets in the industry focused Food Harvest 2020 report, which sets out a strategic vision for agri-food, fisheries and forestry framed by smart, green approaches to achieving growth targets.
“As over 80 per cent of Irish agri-food production is exported, it is encouraging to know that global demand for food is expected to grow as the world population is expected to reach eight billion by 2025,” Mr Smith added.
“Diets are changing in economies recording significant growth and there is strong demand in mature economies for premium and functional foods that offer value for money and health properties.
“Our high-quality standards and sustainable production, over a decade of investment in food research and above all the commitment of so many food and drink companies and entrepreneurs to satisfying their customers’ expectations position the agri-food sector for growth in the next decade.”