6.1 Overview

Agri-food is Ireland’s largest indigenous exporting sector, with most of the food produced here going to over 180 countries worldwide. Ireland had total agri-food exports valued at a record €19 billion in 2022. The Food, Drink & Primary Production sector accounted for 40% of all export sales by Irish-owned companies in 2021 directly supporting 6.5% of total employment (164,900 people), predominantly in rural and coastal communities, in 2022. This significant domestic economic footprint, including its export profile, reflects the natural comparative advantages of Irish production and a long agricultural tradition.

Irish agri-food exports reached €19 billion in 2022, an increase of €3.4 billion or 22% on the previous year. Dairy produce was the largest of these exports at €6.9 billion (+33%), an increase of €1.7 billion on 2021. Beef, the second most valuable export, was up by €620 million to €3.1 billion (+25%). There was an increase in the value of export of beverages by €297 million to €2.1 billion (+17%), animal feed was up €150 million to €698 million (+27%) and cereal & cereal preparations exports were up €114 million to €620 million, (+22%). The only decreases in export categories were in fruit & vegetables down €41 million to €179 million (-19%), other meat & meat produce decreasing by €4 million to €26 million (-15%), and wool, flax & cotton dropping by €700,000 to €6.6 million (-10%).

While there were significant increases in the value of exports across most categories, this was primarily driven by increases in prices. Over half of product categories saw modest growth in volume, while the others saw decreases, resulting in 1% growth in volume overall.

Ireland’s total merchandising exports totalled €208 billion in 2022, an increase of 26% year on year, with agri-food exports accounting for 9% of these exports. With over 90% of Irish beef, sheepmeat and dairy produce exported each year, Ireland capitalises on its position as an open economy producing food that is safe, nutritious, and appealing at home and abroad.

250

Figure 6.1 Merchandising exports by value, 2018 – 2022

200

Billions €

150

100

50

0

Other Agri-food

Manufactured goods Machinery Chemicals

Medicinal and

pharmaceutical

Source: CSO

This chapter looks at agri-food exports, by product category and destination country, agri-food imports, by product category and country of origin, as well as prepared consumer foods. There are also two case studies, one focusing on the Japanese market and one focusing on exports of beverages globally.

Figure from page 192