Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Analysis from Bord Bia and my Department, both based on Central Statistics Office, CSO, data, demonstrates the resilience of the Irish food and drink export sector and the dairy export sector in particular. Whereas full-year CSO data becomes available towards the middle of this month, estimates made by Bord Bia for their annual performance and prospects publication provides a positive assessment of Ireland’s performance in 2017, as well as our prospects for 2018 in both the food and drink sector and the dairy sector in particular.

The year 2017 was the eighth consecutive year of export growth for the food and drink sector as a whole, with the dairy sector, which comprises more than a third of the total, having the strongest performers in terms of export growth for the year. Bord Bia analysis indicated that for the year as a whole the value of food and drink exports is estimated to have increased by 13%, or €1.5 billion, to €12.6 billion, representing growth of almost 60% or €4.7 billion since 2010. When one adds exports of other primary products, such as hides and skins, animal foodstuffs and forestry products, the final aggregate total for the entire agrifood sector can be expected to be in the region of approximately €13.5 billion in 2017.

Furthermore, driven by increased production and higher dairy market returns, the analysis indicates that Irish dairy exports increased by 19% in 2017 to €4.02 billion, an increase of €655 million.

5 o’clock

It should be noted that this figure as used by Bord Bia excludes dairy-based prepared consumer foods, as well as enriched dairy-based powders which, if included, increase the export figure for dairy related products by a further €900 million approximately.

On the prospects for 2018, as a small, open economy, Ireland’s relationship with trading partners around the world is a key driver of our success in this global food business. Based on this, we can say the prospects for dairy exports in 2018 look positive. The rates of growth recorded in 2017 for key product areas and the ongoing demand levels in Europe and international markets for powder-based products, butter and cheese bode well, as does the fact that wholesale prices remain very high, reflecting international demand. Ireland exports more than 85% of its milk and dairy produce to markets all around the world. In the context of the Food Wise strategy and as a key part of the Brexit response Bord Bia, my Department and I will continue efforts to widen our access to third country markets, as well as deepen existing trading relationships, including through inward and outward trade missions.

See this speech in context