Meat exports lead Ireland’s food trade growth in 2025
Higher prices lifted export values despite uneven volume performance
IRELAND – Ireland’s food export growth in 2025 was led by meat and livestock shipments, as higher prices pushed overall overseas sales higher in a year marked by shifting demand and supply pressures.
Figures from Bord Bia show meat and livestock exports rose 18% in value last year to more than US$5.84bn, making the category the single largest contributor to growth in Irish food, drink and horticulture exports.
According to the trade body, the increase was driven mainly by rising beef prices and stronger live animal values, as tight cattle supplies in Ireland and other producing regions limited availability and reduced shipment volumes.
This meat-led expansion fed into a broader increase across the sector, with total food, drink and horticulture exports climbing 12% year on year to US$22.21bn.
Bord Bia described the trading backdrop as volatile, citing cost pressures, inflation and fluctuating global demand as key factors shaping export performance during the year.
Dairy volumes rise alongside meat
Following meat, dairy emerged as the second largest contributor to export growth, with the value of dairy shipments rising 14% to US$8.53bn over the year.
The increase reflected firmer dairy prices during the first half of 2025 and higher milk output linked to favourable grass-growing conditions, which supported a 12% rise in export volumes.
Butter and cheese accounted for most of the additional dairy volumes, reinforcing their position as the main growth drivers within Ireland’s dairy export portfolio.
Beyond meat and dairy, seafood exports also recorded gains, with sales value increasing 9% to US$742m despite uneven pricing across species.
Bord Bia said seafood export volumes jumped 22% over the year, a rise that compensated for weaker prices but came amid warnings of quota reductions for certain stocks in the years ahead.
Prepared consumer foods posted more modest growth, with export sales rising 9% to US$ 4.21 bn despite persistent inflation and changing purchasing patterns in key markets.
The category benefited from higher shipments of chocolate, confectionery, soft drinks and ready meals, alongside a 10% increase in exports to the UK.
Chocolate exports rose 28% in value to US$105m, while sugar confectionery sales grew 7% to US$204m.
Value-added meat products within prepared foods increased 5% to US$1.03bn, while bakery exports were unchanged at US$386m, showing continued price sensitivity among UK buyers.
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