The value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports increased 12% in 2025 to reach a record €19 billion, according to the Export Performance and Prospects Report 2025/26 of Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board.
“This milestone performance was delivered amid one of the most volatile trading environments in recent years, shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, extreme weather events, persistent inflation, and shifting consumer behaviour,” said Bord Bia.
“Despite these pressures, Irish exporters demonstrated strong resilience, with growth largely underpinned by higher prices across key categories, most notably beef and dairy.”
Meat and livestock exports increased 18% to just over €5 billion, driven by significant price increases in beef and live exports.
Tight supplies of cattle across Ireland and key markets led to a surge in beef prices but reduced export volumes. Dairy exports rose 14% to €7.3 billion, supported by improved dairy prices in the first half of the year, and a strong grass-growing season throughout which boosted milk production.
Export volumes (excluding milk and cream) increased 12%, with butter and cheese accounting for the majority of value growth. Commodity prices across several key export categories declined sharply during the autumn months.
Prepared Consumer Foods (PCF) exports grew 9% to €3.6 billion, aided by strong performance in chocolate confectionery, juices, carbonated beverages and meal solutions, and a 10% increase in exports to the UK. Drinks exports recorded a marginal increase of 2% to €2 billion, despite shifting trade dynamics, particularly in the US market.
Seafood exports rose 9% to €635 million, as a significant increase in volumes offset weaker returns for many species, however the sector faces increased challenges ahead as quotas look set to be significantly reduced for some species. Horticulture and cereals exports increased marginally to €330 million, with mushroom exports edging higher, while cereals values declined due to lower global prices.
Exports to the European Union increased strongly by 16% in 2025 to €7.1 billion, accounting for 37% of total Irish food, drink and horticulture export value. Growth was concentrated in the region’s largest markets — the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain and Belgium — which together accounted for €5.2 billion in exports, an increase of 17%, driven primarily by higher beef and dairy returns.
The UK remained Ireland’s largest single export destination, with export values rising by 14% to €6.7 billion, representing 35% of total exports. Beef, dairy and prepared consumer foods were the main contributors to growth, although inflation continued to affect consumer affordability.
Exports to “international” markets increased by 5% to an estimated €5.2 billion, representing 28% of total exports. North America strengthened its position within international markets, driven by an 11% increase in dairy export value to €1 billion. Exports to Asia were broadly stable at €1.1 billion, with stronger dairy shipments to Southeast Asia offsetting declines in beef and pigmeat exports, particularly to China and Japan.
Africa recorded one of the strongest growth performances, with exports increasing by 9% to €975 million, led by significant growth in drink and seafood exports, both of which recorded increases of almost 60%, highlighting the continued diversification of Ireland’s export base across international markets.
Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole said: “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, demonstrating its ability to continue building value even in turbulent conditions.
“By investing in strategic insight, sustainability and trusted customer relationships, the sector is moving beyond volume-led growth and positioning itself to deliver greater value in global markets. This progress has been achieved despite ongoing volatility across trade, consumer sentiment and climate conditions, which shows little sign of easing.”
Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon said: “I am pleased to see that when the estimated €2.2 billion in non-edible agri-food products is added to Bord Bia’s estimated €19 billion export value of Irish food and drink, resulting in total agrifood exports of €21.2 billion, that there was an overall estimated increase of 11% in the total Irish agri-food exports in 2025 when compared to 2024.
“Given all the challenges facing the industry, this is a significant achievement. I am confident that with support from both my Department and the marketing and promotion support provided by Bord Bia, our farmers, fishers, food companies, and food and drink producers will continue to face into and work through these ongoing challenges in 2026.”
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Noel Grealish TD, said: “Geopolitical events have led to supply chain pressures and increased volatility in recent years. Despite these challenges the Agri-Food sector has shown great resilience.
“As well as these positive export figures, there has been an overall improvement in output prices and in family farm incomes in the past year. While there is market uncertainty associated with the outlook for 2026, global demand for high-quality food and animal protein is increasing with population, urbanisation and affluence.
“There are many people who are involved in making the sector as successful as it is, but it all begins from the actual production of food. So, I want to thank all who work hard in contributing to this – farmers, fishers, food and drink producers. In 2026, we need to continue to work together in facing and adapting to challenges, as we strive to maintain success for all actors across the sector.”