Food Minister Simon Coveney today welcomed the record food and beverage export results announced by Bord Bia for 2012.

Minister Coveney said:

"Passing the €9 billion export mark in 2012 is a great achievement by the industry and has been secured despite very challenging conditions. These exports consolidate the growth of the previous two years and demonstrate the importance of a sustainable and dynamic agri-food sector to Ireland's economic recovery. Our agri-food sector is of necessity outward looking and the ambitious growth plans in Food Harvest 2020 recognise this. Meat and meat products, dairy products and ingredients, prepared foods, beverages, seafood and horticulture generate foreign earnings, create employment both directly and indirectly and have a unique impact on the economy of every county.

On the international front, I am particularly pleased with our growing trade with China and other Asian markets , the commitment of companies to growing exports to the United States, particularly in the case of Irish Whiskey and other beverages, the important markets for Irish food and drink products trade in Middle Eastern markets and emerging trade with African countries.

In relation to sectors, performance in 2012 has been impressive across the range of products given cost pressures and easing of some commodity prices. The 17% increase in seafood exports which reached €75 million in 2012 is particularly impressive. Within the European Union the UK market remains our closest market geographically and it is good to see solid export growth there."

Source: MerrionStreet - Coveney Welcomes Record €9 Billion Food and Beverage Exports in 2012