Irish food exports grow despite uncertainty over Brexit
Exports of Irish food and drink continued to grow last year, despite unprecedented global volatility, political uncertainty over Brexit and extreme weather, according to Bord Bia figures.
Dairy was the strongest performer in terms of export and volume growth, Bord Bia said, with volumes up 5% compared with 2017 and total export values topping €4bn for the second year in a row.
Overall, the Irish agrifood sector’s performance demonstrated the “resilience of exporters”, said minister for agriculture, food and the marine Michael Creed.
Bord Bia CEO Tara McCarthy shared his sentiments, despite uncertainty over Brexit, adding: “Market and trade insight suggest that the global demand for Irish food and drink will remain positive in 2019.
“In both dairy and in animal protein the supply-demand dynamic is positive for exporting nations like Ireland. Demand will continue to outstrip supply and new consumers tend to be in countries with low dairy or animal protein self-sufficiency.
“In line with Bord Bia’s market prioritisation work, growth in dairy, meats and seafood in particular will come to a great extent from emerging economies in Asia and elsewhere.”



