Irish food, beverage and horticultural exports to the UK will grow by 20% to €5.4bn in 2022. This is according to new figures released today by the Minister of Agriculture in his 2022/2023 annual board his beer export performance and outlook report. , Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, TD.
The nearly €1 billion year-on-year increase in the value of Irish food and beverage exports is due to ongoing positive and collaborative partnerships between UK and Irish businesses. Ireland continues to be an important strategic partner for the UK, meeting our customers’ need to provide high quality, sustainably produced goods that are highly trusted by UK consumers. Other factors include higher unit prices and higher input costs due to inflation, and an increase in the volume of exports. Irish food and beverage exports continue to flow at a consistent and reliable rate, with data showing total exports to the UK increased by 19% year-on-year from January to October 2022.
In terms of value, the UK remains the largest single market with a 32% share, with 34% of Ireland’s food and beverage exports going to the EU and a further 34% going to international markets. A key factor in the Irish food and beverage industry’s success in the UK has been maintaining a diverse range of markets and channels. Celebrating his 10th anniversary of the Origin Green program in 2022, Bord Bia has stepped up its support and standards to reflect this, with sustainability still a central theme.
Irish exporters navigate considerable uncertainty in 2022 in terms of the new trading environment with the UK, price inflation across supply chains, rising energy costs at the farm level and, most recently, the slowdown in the UK economy. I came. Bord Bia continues to invest heavily in consumer insight research and market intelligence to support Irish food and beverage businesses exporting to the UK. This is combined with direct customer engagement opportunities to help support the Irish food and beverage industry in planning and activating their business strategy in the UK market.
Overview of UK exports for 2022
- The value of Irish consumer food (PCF) to the UK increased by 14% to €2 billion, with the UK still the largest market, accounting for 65% of all Irish PCF exports. Growth was driven by value-added beef and poultry, bakery, confectionery and meal solutions. PCF’s strong trading year can be attributed to the exporter’s long-standing commitment to providing UK customers with quality products and high levels of service.
- Irish dairy exports to the UK increased by 39% to €1.2 billion. The UK remains an important market for cheese and butter and she is the top performer with 50% of exports. The strong performance could be attributed to a return to pre-pandemic trading patterns in 2022, with the UK still accounting for her 19% of total Irish dairy exports.
- As consumer demand continues to be strong, exports of Irish beef to the UK increased by 15% to reach €1.1 billion, maintaining 43% of total Irish beef exports. The UK remains the largest single market for Irish beef, increasing Ireland’s importance as a key strategic partner and supplier of the highest quality grass-fed beef.
- Irish horticultural exports to the UK increased by 3% to €276m in 2022. Mushrooms account for half of this value, with the UK remaining the most important market for mushrooms, with exports worth her €152 million.
- Irish drinks increased 4% to €276 million. Irish beer exports contributed significantly to this growth, up 31% year-on-year. Premiumization was a strong driver of whiskey during the same period, with a 10% year-on-year increase in value. Despite the challenges Brexit has posed for exporters, the UK remains a strong market, accounting for her 14% of total Irish beverage exports.
- Irish sheep meat was €78 million, up 15% year-on-year. This is partly because some of Ireland’s major rum processors also have facilities in the area and are looking to optimize their operations.
- The UK also continues to play a strong role in the Irish seafood sector, with the market set to grow 20% to €50m in 2022 despite many deal uncertainties as a result of Brexit. I grew up.
Donal Denver, UK General Manager of Bode Beer, said:
The trading challenges seen in the last few years are likely to continue in 2023. However, Bord Bia can assure partners that they will continue to invest in Irish businesses. With market-leading insights, we continue to provide resources to help you navigate the current landscape and capitalize on future opportunities. We are committed to building trust among UK consumers and businesses in the quality and sustainability of Irish food and beverages. ”
At the launch of the report, Agriculture, Food and Oceans Minister Charlie McConnalog hailed the impressive results for the sector in the face of significant global challenges. It has been a very difficult year for the sector, most notably the impact of the war in Ukraine, inflationary pressures on producers and ongoing Covid-19 disruptions to global supply chains. Against the backdrop of this difficult global trading environment, Ireland continues to maintain its reputation as a world-class sustainable food producer and supplier, while successfully securing new business in new markets around the world. . I would like to congratulate the companies, farmers, fishermen and producers who have contributed to this achievement. This would not have been possible without the strategic support Bord Bia provides to the sector. ”
Bord Bia Chief Executive Officer Jim O’Toole echoed the Minister’s opinion and said the industry’s performance in the face of such challenging market conditions is highly commendable.
“In my first export performance and outlook report as CEO of Bord Bia, I am delighted to welcome record exports from the Irish food, beverage and horticulture sector. A new range of costs and sourcing challenges have made export performance even more impressive this year.Today’s results are testament to the resilience of one of Ireland’s most important export industries. am.”
O’Toole said the industry will have to meet a range of pressing challenges in 2023 as tough trading conditions persist and evolve this year.
“With 2023 projected to be a disruptive year of economic hardship and challenging supply chains, Bord Bia will remain agile and responsive to the needs of our clients and the sector at a time when volatility is likely to continue. It will become increasingly important for Irish food and beverage exporters to be aware of how consumers are coping with the current cost of living crisis and position their products accordingly. ”