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Ireland’s Food & Drink: Facts & Figures

Record-breaking performance. Proven resilience. Trusted quality.

Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture sector achieved €19 billion in export value in 2025, marking the industry’s strongest performance to date. Despite global volatility, Irish producers delivered consistent growth built on sustainability, supply chain integrity and premium product quality. Export Performance and Prospects 2025 – 2026

Headline Export Figures (2025)

Total Exports: €19 Billion

Exports grew by 12% year-on-year, supported by strong pricing across key categories, particularly dairy and beef. Irish exporters demonstrated exceptional resilience in the face of inflation, shifting consumer behaviour and global market disruption.

Category Performance

Dairy – €7.3 Billion (+14%)

  • Record year driven by improved market pricing and grass-fed production advantages.
  • Butter exceeded €2 billion for the first time.
  • Cheese exports grew 19% to reach €1.7 billion.

Meat & Livestock – Over €5 Billion (+18%)

  • Significant price-led growth across beef and live exports.
  • Strong demand underpinned by Ireland’s recognised quality and sustainability standards.

Prepared Consumer Foods – €3.6 Billion (+9%)

  • Growth across beverages, chocolate, juices and meal solutions.
  • Exports to the UK alone increased by 10%.

Drinks – €2 Billion (+2%)

  • Irish Whiskey continues to lead the category, accounting for 45% of export value (~€930m).
  • Growth supported by expanding presence in Africa, Asia and premium EU markets.

Seafood – €635 Million (+9%)

  • Higher export volumes offset lower species returns.

Horticulture & Cereals – €330 Million

  • Stable performance with growth driven by mushroom exports.

Why Source Food & Drink from Ireland?

  • Grass-based production delivering natural quality and taste.
  • Proven sustainability credentials backed by trusted assurance schemes.
  • Reliable global supply chains with rigorous traceability.
  • Diversified market reach spanning 140+ countries.

Ireland’s performance reflects a world‑class agri-food sector built on integrity, innovation and long-term partnerships with global buyers.