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Agrifood Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 November 2016

Wednesday, 30 November 2016

Ceisteanna (173)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of new markets established for food over the past five years; the potential for this area in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37975/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In the past five years a total of seventeen new markets have been opened for Irish meat and meat-related products, while certification for Irish dairy products has also been secured in 12 new destinations during the same time frame. This however does not fully reflect the increased growth in exports to the following markets:

The value of exports to emerging markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central/South America stood at almost €2.2 billion in 2015.  The value of trade to these markets increased by 82% in the period 2010 to 2015. Exports to these markets now account for 21% of total food and drink exports compared to 16% in 2010. This growth in share of exports occurred during a period when total food and drink exports jumped by more than 45%.

Growth to emerging markets has been led by Asia, with trade growing by more than 250% to €955 million, and led by China, which recorded a fourfold increase.  Exports to other Asian markets more than doubled over the period to €300 million.

Trade to Africa grew by more than 50% over the period to €535 million.

Exports to the Middle East jumped by one third, to €380 million.

Trade to Central/South America was 60% higher at €91 million in 2015.

In term of product categories, the following trends were evident in emerging markets over the 2010 to 2105 period:

- Dairy - up by 76% to €1.16 billion.  This equates to one third of total dairy exports.

- Seafood exports jumped by more than €170 million to reach €182 million in 2015.

- Pigmeat exports grew by 160% to €125 million.

- Beverage exports were 17% higher at €132 million in 2015

- Prepared Food exports, led by enriched dairy based powders, grew by 42% to reach €444 million

The pursuit and development of new markets for Irish agri-food exports is of course an ongoing and central component of the strategic development of the agri-food sector, as evidenced by its placement right at the centre of Food Wise 2025, the industry’s strategy for development over the coming decade. Food Wise 2025 outlines the huge potential for growth in agri-food exports to new and emerging markets, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Gulf region. This is where our efforts will be focused for the foreseeable future, particularly given the need to diversify our markets and to reduce our reliance on traditional destinations such as the UK.

In keeping with the priorities outlined in Food Wise 2025, Minister Doyle and I led Trade Missions to China, Vietnam, South Korea and Singapore in early September. I also led a trade mission to Morocco in early November.  During the year senior officials also led missions to Iran, Turkey and Algeria.  All of these were undertaken in co-operation with Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland, and featured a wide range of participating businesses from the agri-food sector. 

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