Irish food exports set a record in 2017. The Irish Food Board announced this on Wednesday 10 January. Irish food exports grew 13% last year, reaching a record €12,6 billion.
It turns out that Ireland's food exports have been on the rise since 2010 and have grown by 60% since then. As mentioned above, a growth of 13% was achieved last year. In comparison, in 2015 the growth was 3% and in 2016 the growth was 2%.
Dairy export popular
The largest growth was reflected in dairy exports (+19%). The export of butter and milk powder in particular stimulated this growth. Due to the high butter price, the export value of butter increased by no less than 1% in 60 year. With these figures, the dairy industry accounts for about a third of Ireland's total agri-food exports. It is worth €1,2 billion. The majority of these products go to countries in the European Union (EU), with the Netherlands in third place.
Pork exports also increased last year. This is an increase of 14%. Processed foods rose 17% and beef showed a 5% increase. Beef is a very important export product for Ireland, one of the most important markets for this is the Netherlands.
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Brexit and expectations
Despite the uncertainties and difficulties caused by Brexit, trade with the United Kingdom (UK) grew. The UK therefore remains the most important market for the Irish. Tara McCarthy, CEO of Bordia Bia (the Irish Food Board), expressed her expectations for 2018: "We expect growth to be slower, but our main export categories will continue to grow stable in volume."
In addition, Ireland's strategy is to become less dependent on the UK in 2018 and to focus on trade relations with EU countries, the Gulf States and East Asia.
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