DUBLIN: Beef exports, valued at €2.4bn ($2.59bn) rose by an impressive 6% and helped Ireland’s overall food and drink exports offset the weakening global price of dairy products to record its sixth straight year of growth.
Bord Bia said that the best performing category in terms of exports growth was the beverage sector, where values were up by over 10%.
Aidan Cotter, chief executive of Bord Bia, said the Irish dairy sector had been targeting the “upper end” of the Chinese consumer market.
This was largely driven by sustained growth in exports of Irish whiskey, which recorded export growth of 18%. The state agency cited improved returns for beef, seafood and beverages, alongside increased output and favourable exchange rates, as the main factors behind the industry’s sixth consecutive year of export growth.
The 2015 figure is up by 51% or €3.6bn when compared to 2009. “Irish producers and companies have yet again demonstrated in 2015 their ambition, innovativeness and ability to meet buyer and consumer needs in highly competitive and complex trading environments”.
There have also been some significant developments in the market distribution of Ireland’s food exports previous year. The UK remains Ireland’s largest export market, followed by the US.
Dairy exports managed to rise by 4% past year, this has fuelled by a 25% surge in sales of infant formula, with strong growth in China – the country is now our fifth largest export market and exports there were 16% higher. Exports to the Middle East grew 12 percent however were feeble in Russian Federation and the African area.
The new centre will provide consumer insights which, Bord Bia says, will support brand owners develop and grow their brands on the domestic and global markets.
Bord Bía also told reporters at the news conference that it was planning to open two new offices overseas – one in Singapore and the other in Warsaw, Poland.
15 Jan 2016 — In addition to providing wholesome nutrition and supporting good health, California’s community of more than 6,500 almond growers are committed to using sustainable farming practices that respect the environment and protect their local communities.
