Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2017
14. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he has monitored the potential market growth for Irish food and food products globally; the markets or products that have shown the greatest potential; the extent to which he expects to maximise the impact on these markets in the future having particular regard to geopolitical developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12343/17]
View answerThe Irish food and drink sector has recorded seven consecutive years of export growth, passing the €11 billion mark in 2016. The strongest performers last year were dairy, pigmeat, sheepmeat, beverages and prepared foods. While export markets look set to remain challenging in this year, amid some market uncertainty, the pickup in dairy demand is expected to continue while further opportunities are likely in beverages.
International markets led the growth in exports in 2016, contributing over 80% of total growth in exports and rising by an estimated 13% to just under €3.5 billion or 31% of exports. International trade in 2016 was led by stronger exports of dairy, beverages, prepared foods, pigmeat and beef. Overall, international exports were driven notably by the US, where exports increased by 23% to €955 million and China which recorded an increase of 35% driven principally by dairy and pigmeat. Increases were also recorded in other Asian markets.
Exports to the UK were 8% lower at €4.1 billion, affected by a weaker sterling. The share of exports to the UK declined from 41% to 37% by contrast to the increases in international and other European markets.
Exports to the other European markets increased by 3% in 2016 to reach just over €3.5 billion or 32% of total food and drink exports. Increases were recorded in meat, seafood and prepared foods. Growth was driven by strong performance on the Netherlands, German and French markets. Exports to Spain, Poland and Scandinavian markets also increased.
The bulk of Irish food and drink production is destined for markets outside Ireland. Policy has been both to build on existing markets and to identify opportunities for further market diversification. FoodWise 2025 highlights the importance of retaining a presence in mature markets and the huge potential for growth in exports beyond EU markets, in particular China, South East Asia , Middle East and Africa.
The programme of trade missions which I have undertaken with my Department and agencies in the past reflects this trajectory. We will continue to review progress market by market in the FoodWise High Level Implementation Committee, which I chair, and in interdepartmental fora.
