Irish food and drink exports reach a record €17 billion
This performance marks a milestone year for Irish food and drink exporters, despite enduring global trade challenges caused by geo-political instability, fluctuating inflation and on-going high trading costs.
Higher pricing was the primary driver of growth in 2024, as cost pressures and inflation continued to affect businesses and consumers. However, several categories recorded volume, as well as value growth, most notably within seafood, prepared consumer foods (PCF), and meat and livestock.
The value of Irish dairy exports, which is the largest category of food exports, remained stable at €6.3 billion, despite weather conditions throughout the year affecting grass-growth. Total meat and livestock exports increased by 6% to €4.3 billion driven by higher volumes and values across beef, pigmeat and livestock.
The value of drink exports grew by 19% to just over €2.1 billion, with ‘ready-to-drink’ (RTD) beverages achieving a threefold increase year-on-year to €235 million. Whiskey exports increased by 13% to a value of more than €1 billion. Exports in the prepared consumer foods (PCF) sector were worth €3.4 billion, which was an increase of 7%, while seafood exports recorded a 9% increase to approximately €595 million. Exports of cereals and horticulture increased by 4% in value to a total of €325 million in 2024.
Speaking at the launch of the report, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue said; “It is very encouraging that this annual analysis report from Bord Bia shows a hugely positive performance for the 2024 export value of Irish food and drink at €17 billion. Add to this the value of non-edible products and Irish agri-food exports are in the region of €19 billion, a figure approaching a 5% increase on 2023. This is a significant achievement, given the prevailing impact of cost inflation and market volatility. Despite these ongoing challenges, the sector time and again proves its resilience. Our food companies, our farmers, fishers, and food and drink producers have, at each stage of the production cycle, contributed to the Agri-Food sector’s performance in 2024. I know they will continue to do so in the future, underpinned by the strategic insight, marketing and promotion support provided by Bord Bia.”
According to Bord Bia’s CEO Sentiment Survey, the most Irish food and drink exporters remain optimistic about achieving growth in 2025. Confidence is particularly strong in the European and UK markets, with over two-thirds of respondents anticipating opportunities for expansion in these regions. Looking at routes to market, eight in 10 respondents (82%) expect growth in the retail sector; half the companies surveyed forecast growth in the foodservice channel and 44% in the manufacturing sector. Despite these ambitions for growth, global trade concerns remain as more than one-third of businesses also expressed concerns that their competitiveness could decline in the next 12 months. Key risks to competitiveness cited include rising labour costs, sustained cost inflation, difficulties in accessing raw materials, and geopolitical tensions, such as the looming threat of tariffs.
Bord Bia Chief Executive Jim O’Toole said; "The robust performance and sustained success of the Irish agri-food sector is a testament to the industry’s focus on strategic market diversification, investment in sustainable practices, and commitment to world-class quality and traceability standards, evident throughout the supply chain. The confidence and continued ambition of the industry is clear in the results of Bord Bia’s CEO Sentiment Survey, showing that most Irish food and drink exporters remain optimistic about achieving growth in 2025, despite the business environment and operating challenges.
Climate change remains the most pressing challenge for our sector and, working with our national sustainability programme Origin Green, we must maintain our focus on maximising market value, while also safeguarding our environment. The programme’s emphasis on verified and measurable sustainability outcomes has been instrumental in shaping Ireland’s reputation on the global stage over the past decade and will continue to underpin the resilience and success of Ireland’s agri-food sector in the years to come".
Exports to the EU increased by 4% and were worth almost €5.9 billion. The EU now accounts for 35% of all Irish food, drink and horticulture exports, back from a 36% share in 2023. France, Germany and Belgium accounted for nearly 40% of total exports, with value increases recorded of 5%,12% and 12% respectively.
The UK continues to be the largest single market for Irish food, drink and horticulture exports, with value up 7% to €5.9 billion. The total share of exports for the UK in 2024 is estimated to be almost 35%, however, this remains lower than pre-Brexit trading, highlighting how Irish exporters have sought to diversify their exports to other markets. Despite the UK market seeing inflation ease, cost of living challenges remain, and the announcement of a landmark tax raising budget could pose challenges for consumers and businesses.
The value of trade to international markets increased by almost 5% in 2024 to €5.2 billion. This increase was primarily driven by a rise in trade with North America of 14% to approximately €2 billion. Performance in Asia was mixed, with dairy exports declining by 12% in value terms, and exports of pigmeat to China continuing to face challenges, falling below €100 million. Exports to Africa increased to €950 million, up 10% on 2023 levels.
Export Performance 2024 – Sector Highlights
Irish dairy exports were in line with 2023 values, as almost 1.6 million tonnes of product, worth €6.3 billion, was shipped to approximately 140 markets worldwide. Declines in the value of skim milk powder (SMP), whole milk powder (WMP), milk protein concentrate, and milk and cream were offset by an increase in the value of butter exports.
The value of meat and livestock exports increased by 6% to €4.3 billion. Increases in the value of beef (€2.8 billion), pigmeat (€490 million) and live trade (€340 million) were driven by higher volumes and higher unit prices. Sheepmeat and poultry achieved higher unit prices, however overall volumes declined by 23% and 4% respectively.
The PCF sector continued its growth trajectory, with exports up 7% in value to reach €3.4 billion. Unlike previous years, when value was driven primarily by inflation, volume increases were seen, with growth across categories including meal solutions, bakery, and carbonated and non-alcoholic beverages.
The value of drink exports grew by 19% to just over €2.1 billion despite challenges in the global market. Exports of vodka-based RTDs were worth €235 million in 2024, an increase from €55 million in 2022. Whiskey exports increased by 13% ahead of 2023 to a value of more than €1 billion. Cream liqueur exports grew by 5%, but remained slightly down on 2022 levels, while beer exports are now 9% ahead of 2022 levels at €325 million.
Seafood exports recorded a 9% increase to €595 million, driven by a recovery in salmon and pelagic volumes. Growth was driven by an increase in volume, and to a lesser extent, pricing. Freshwater exports were worth €100 million, with pelagic fish, such as mackerel, herring and tuna, valued at €145 million. Shellfish exports increased by 4%, reaching €185 million. Value-added seafood exports and whitefish exports fell by 6% in value to €105 million, and €45 million respectively.
Exports for Irish cereals and horticulture increased by 4% in value and volume terms year-on-year to €325 million. Mushroom exports, which account for half of horticulture exports, increased by 7%, while cereal exports were valued at €90 million, a decline of 7% compared to 2023.
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