Irish food, drink and horticulture exports reach a record €19 billion

Horticulture and cereals exports increased marginally to €330 million in 2025

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

Horticulture

Read More: Bord Bia export Horticulture Report

14 January 2026

The value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 12% in 2025 to reach a record €19 billion, according to Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects Report 2025/26.

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.

Despite these pressures, Irish exporters demonstrated strong resilience, with growth largely underpinned by higher prices across key categories, most notably beef and dairy.

“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,” Jim O’Toole, Bord Bia chief executive, said.

He added: “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.”

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.

Exports to international markets increased by 5% to an estimated €5.2 billion, representing 28% of total exports.

“As we enter 2026, Bord Bia’s ambition remains clear: to grow value, deliver impactful supports, and ensure that Ireland continues to stand out in a changing world,”  O’Toole said.