Irish food and drink exports to hit €13.5bn in 2021

Ireland's food , beverage and horticulture exports will grow by 4% in 2021 to a record €13.
5 billion , despite the impact of the pandemic andBrexit, according to a report by National Radio Ireland (RTE) on January 12 .

 

　　In terms of export markets, the EU is Ireland's largest single regional destination for food, beverages and horticulture, with exports increasing by 2% to €4.
5 billion, according to industry figures
.
The US market rebounded strongly in 2021, with the value of exports increasing by 22% to €1.
3 billion, driven by strong sales of whisky and liqueurs
.
Irish exports to the UK stood at €4.
4bn, down slightly from 2020
.
Exports to Africa rose by 12 percent to 918 million euros
.
Exports to Southeast Asia increased by 20% to more than 500 million euros
.
Irish food and drink exports are 2% higher than pre-pandemic levels
.
Irish food exports are gradually shifting away from the UK to markets elsewhere in the world
.
In terms of export products, dairy products (over €5 billion in 2021) remain the largest component of Irish food and drink exports
.
This is followed by meat and livestock, with export sales exceeding 3.
5 billion euros
.
The value of prepared consumer foods is also over 2.
5 billion euros
.

 

　　Professionals believe that despite record results last year, the Irish food and beverage industry still faces many challenges
.
These include increased supply chains and input costs affecting producers and processors, as well as the ongoing impact of Brexit
.