Irish agri-food exports achieved a record value of €20.8 billion in 2025 - Kilkenny Live

Irish agri-food exports achieved a record value of €20.8 billion in 2025, an increase of almost €1.8 billion or 9% year on year, and a 70% increase since 2015, according to the report.

Irish agri-food exports reached over 180 countries worldwide, accounting for 8% of Irish goods exports by value.

Dairy remained the largest Irish agri-food export category by value at €7.2 billion, exceeding €7 billion for the first time, and accounting for 34% of all agri-food exports.

Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, said: “The agri-food sector – including primary production in farming, fishing and forestry, and the processing and manufacture of food, beverages and wood products – is Ireland’s oldest and largest indigenous exporting sector.

“Irish agri-food exports enjoy a deserved global reputation for excellence, which is reflected in these record figures, and I am pleased that the trend for 2026 to date is also positive.

“This significant domestic economic footprint, including its export profile, reflects the natural comparative advantages of Irish agri-food production, including our long agricultural tradition, and our global reputation for high-quality, safe and nutritious produce.”

So far in 2026, Irish agri-food exports have also performed well. While preliminary figures to August show a marginal decline in overall value (-1.3%), several categories experienced an upturn, most notably beverages, poultry and cereal and cereal preparation.

It should also be noted that despite declining slightly relative to 2025, agri-food exports in the year-to-date remain 11% higher by value when compared with the same period in 2024.

The Food, Drink and Primary Production sector accounts for nearly one-third of all export sales by Irish-owned companies. The sector is globally oriented, with approximately 90% of Irish beef, sheep meat and dairy produce exported annually.

In 2025, the sector once again demonstrated its resilience, innovation and adaptability. Irish agri-food produce was exported to over 180 countries. The three largest export categories were, Dairy, valued at €7.2 billion; Beef, valued at €3.6 billion; and Beverages, valued at €2.2 billion. The UK is consistently the top destination for Irish agri-food exports (39% by value), followed by the Netherlands (10% by value) and the United States (9% by value).

The EU Single Market is the world’s largest trading area, and it ensures that Ireland has access to markets all over the EU. After the Netherlands, France (6%), Germany (6%), and Italy (3%) are the top EU destinations for Irish agri-food exports.

The growth of agri-food exports has largely been driven by value rather than volume in recent years, keeping with the approach to delivering sustainable agriculture and food as set out in Food Vision 2030, Ireland’s stakeholder-led strategy for the sector, which sets out a vision for Ireland to be a world leader in sustainable food systems, encompassing environmental, economic and social sustainability.

In 2025, the overall growth in agri-food exports value, at 9%, was greater than the increase in volume, at 5%. Food Vision 2030 reflects the importance of diversifying and developing new markets for Ireland’s agri-food products in the UK, EU and wider international markets.

Food security is amongst the issues considered in the Annual Review and Outlook and will also be considered in the forthcoming mid-term review of Food Vision 2030. Minister Heydon concluded: “The Irish agri-food sector drives economic growth across the country and supports thousands of jobs throughout our rural and coastal communities, as well as our villages, towns and cities.

“The sector is responsible for 4.6 million hectares of agricultural land and over 808,000 hectares of forestry, representing some 76% of the total land in the State. Our coastline, seas and waterways support a thriving fisheries and aquaculture industry. Our farmers, fishers, growers and food and beverage processers and manufacturers are critical to our ambition for Ireland to be a “A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems”, as outlined in Food Vision 2030, prioritising not only economic, but also environmental and social sustainability.

“Having a strong and trustworthy evidence base to inform the effective and sustainable development of the agri-food sector is essential to its future resilience and development. The data, analysis and commentary provided in the Annual Review and Outlook will provide valuable and interesting insights to underpin reflection, debate and decision-making in the months ahead.”