Irish Food and Drink Exports Hit Record €19 Billion in 2025

The value of Ireland’s food, drink, and horticulture exports surged to a record €19 billion in 2025, marking a 12% increase compared to the previous year. This growth, reported in Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects Report 2025/26, was achieved despite a challenging trading environment characterized by geopolitical uncertainty, extreme weather, inflationary pressures, and changing consumer habits.

Export performance was particularly robust in key sectors, with significant contributions from beef and dairy products. Exports of meat and livestock rose by 18% to exceed €5 billion, primarily driven by higher prices for beef and live exports. The increased demand and tight cattle supplies in both Ireland and international markets led to a marked rise in beef prices, although the volume of exports saw a decline. In the dairy sector, exports increased by 14% to €7.3 billion, buoyed by improved prices and a strong grass-growing season that enhanced milk production.

Sector Performance and International Markets

Prepared Consumer Foods (PCF) exports also experienced growth, rising by 9% to €3.6 billion, aided by strong sales in chocolate confectionery, juices, and meal solutions. Notably, exports to the UK increased by 10%, demonstrating the continued importance of this market despite inflationary pressures affecting consumer spending.

The drinks sector recorded a modest increase of 2% to €2 billion, with Irish cream liqueur exports rising by 10%. Seafood exports benefited from a 22% increase in volumes, resulting in a 9% rise in value to €635 million, despite lower prices for various species. Horticulture and cereals exports saw a small increase to €330 million, although cereal values fell due to declining global prices.

Bord Bia Chief Executive Jim O’Toole commended the industry’s resilience in navigating such a volatile landscape. He stated, “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.” O’Toole emphasized the sector’s focus on sustainability, customer relationships, and strategic insights as key drivers of this success.

Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, echoed these sentiments, highlighting an overall increase in Irish agri-food exports to €21.2 billion when including non-edible products. He noted this achievement as significant given the numerous challenges faced by the industry.

Regional Insights and Future Outlook

In terms of export destinations, shipments to the European Union grew by 16% to €7.1 billion, accounting for 37% of total exports. Key markets such as the Netherlands, France, and Germany saw substantial increases, largely due to higher returns from beef and dairy. The UK remained Ireland’s largest single export market, with a 14% increase to €6.7 billion.

Looking ahead, Bord Bia’s sentiment survey indicates a more cautious outlook for 2026. While companies maintain a moderately positive perspective, many are delaying planned investments due to ongoing economic and market pressures. Labour costs emerged as a significant concern for maintaining competitiveness.

Despite these uncertainties, Noel Grealish, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, emphasized the increasing global demand for high-quality food and animal protein. He acknowledged the hard work of farmers, fishers, and food producers in contributing to the sector’s success.

In conclusion, while 2025 was a record year for Irish food, drink, and horticulture exports, the industry must remain adaptable as it faces evolving challenges in the year ahead. Bord Bia’s commitment to enhancing Ireland’s global presence and championing the uniqueness of its food and drink products will be crucial in navigating this complex landscape.