Poultry Industry

Thursday, 9 February 2012

Questions (196)

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

198 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which Irish poultry exports have developed in each of the past five years and to date in 2012; the prospects for the future at EU and worldwide levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7460/12]

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Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The following table sets out the value and volume of Irish poultry meat exports since 2007. Great Britain and Northern Ireland account for the majority of trade although the proportion destined for these markets has declined. France is the largest Continental EU market while internationally China has become increasingly important in recent years.

	2007	2008	2009	2010
	’000t	€m	’000t	€m	’000t	€m	’000t	€m
United Kingdom	72.5	212	80	176	85	160	77	162
Other	18.5	27	19	25	20	23	31	38
Total	91	239	99	201	105	183	108	200

An ongoing competitive marketplace limited any potential for poultry price increases during 2011 although strong export volumes helped result in the value of Irish poultry exports rising by 3% to reach an estimated €210 million. The Irish poultry meat sector is very small and as the industry is one which has a high degree of vertical integration it is difficult for Irish companies to break into new markets. EU production is forecast to decline marginally during 2012.