Ireland’s exports of food, drink and horticulture reached a record value of €13.5 billion in 2021.
According to food promotion agency Bord Bia, exports to international markets of the US and Africa have seen the biggest growth compared with those to the UK slowing down.
Despite the pandemic and Brexit, the overall value of Irish food and drink exports were two per cent higher than 2020.
Bord Bia’s latest ‘Export Performance and Prospects’ report also revealed that dairy was Ireland’s biggest single export worth more than €5bn last year.
“The sector’s ability to beat its 2019 performance and deliver a record year for Irish exports is truly impressive, and Irish food and drink producers and manufacturers deserve huge credit,” said Bord Bia chief executive, Tara McCarthy.
Exports to the UK were valued at €4.4 billion last year, a small dip from 2020.
Sales of Irish whiskey and liquor boosted exports to the US, which were up 22 per cent to €1.3 billion.
While the EU remained the largest regional destination for Irish food, drink and horticulture, with exports up two per cent to €4.5 billion.
Significant export growth was seen in the African and south-east Asian market, up 12 per cent to €918 million and 20 per cent for more than €500 million respectively.