Irish Food and Drink Exports Surge to Record €19 Billion in 2025

The value of Ireland’s food, drink, and horticulture exports reached a record €19 billion in 2025, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. This achievement, detailed in Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects Report for 2025/26, occurred despite a challenging global trading environment characterized by geopolitical tensions, extreme weather, ongoing inflation, and evolving consumer habits.

Irish exporters showed remarkable resilience through these trials, with growth primarily fueled by rising prices in key sectors, particularly in beef and dairy. Meat and livestock exports soared by 18% to exceed €5 billion, driven by significant price hikes in beef and live exports. Although tight cattle supplies affected export volumes, the surge in beef prices compensated for the lower quantities. Dairy exports also performed strongly, rising by 14% to €7.3 billion, aided by better prices in the first half of the year and a robust grass-growing season that enhanced milk production.

Sector Performance Highlights

Export volumes, excluding milk and cream, grew by 12%, with butter and cheese playing a pivotal role in this increase. Prepared Consumer Foods (PCF) exports rose by 9% to €3.6 billion, buoyed by strong demand for chocolate confectionery, juices, and meal solutions. Additionally, the drinks sector saw a slight increase of 2% to €2 billion, despite shifting market dynamics, particularly in the United States.

Seafood exports climbed by 9% to €635 million, with increased volumes offsetting lower returns for many species. Nevertheless, the sector anticipates challenges ahead, as some quotas are expected to decrease. Horticulture and cereals exports saw a marginal rise to €330 million, although cereal values faced declines due to lower global prices.

Bord Bia’s Chief Executive, Jim O’Toole, highlighted the sector’s strong performance amid a turbulent global trading landscape. He remarked, “2025 can be described as one of the most volatile years our sector has experienced in recent memory. Yet, against this backdrop, the Irish food, drink, and horticulture industry reached a record €19 billion in exports, demonstrating its ability to continue building value even in turbulent conditions.”

Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, expressed satisfaction in the overall increase of Irish agri-food exports, which, when combined with estimated non-edible agri-food products, reached a total of €21.2 billion. This represents an 11% increase from 2024, underscoring the industry’s resilience amid significant challenges.

Export Performance by Region

Exports to the European Union surged by 16% in 2025, totaling €7.1 billion, which accounted for 37% of Ireland’s food, drink, and horticulture export value. Key markets in this region—such as the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, and Belgium—collectively generated €5.2 billion in exports, driven mainly by higher returns from beef and dairy.

The United Kingdom remained the largest single export destination for Irish goods, with export values climbing by 14% to €6.7 billion. Beef, dairy, and prepared consumer foods were the main contributors to this growth, despite inflation impacting consumer purchasing power.

International markets also showed positive trends, with exports increasing by 5% to approximately €5.2 billion, representing 28% of total exports. Notably, North America saw an 11% increase in dairy export value, reaching €1 billion, while exports to Asia remained stable at €1.1 billion.

Looking ahead, Bord Bia’s CEO Sentiment Survey indicates that Irish food and drink exporters are entering 2026 with a cautious outlook. Although sentiment remains moderately positive, growth expectations have softened due to ongoing cost pressures and geopolitical uncertainties. Just over half of the companies surveyed anticipate export growth in the coming year, while nearly two in five report delaying planned investments in light of economic conditions.

Bord Bia’s Jim O’Toole concluded that despite the challenges, the foundation for future success remains strong. “Together with industry, we broadened Ireland’s global reach in 2025, deepened relationships with customers, and continued to champion the distinctiveness of Irish food, drink, and horticulture at home and abroad,” he stated. The organization is focused on growing value and enhancing supports to ensure Ireland’s prominence in a changing global landscape.