About us

  • €29.5 billion turnover per annum
  • Almost 165,00 jobs in the agri-food sector
  • €16.3 billion worth of exports in 2023 to over 180 countries
  • Ireland exports 90% of the food it produces
  • Destinations – EU: 36%, International Markets: 30%, UK: 34%
  • The sector plays a key role in the wider rural and local economy, with estimated output multipliers ranging from around 2.5 for beef, 2.0 for dairy and food processing and 1.75 for seafood, compared to an average output multiplier of 1.4 for the rest of the economy and 1.2 for foreign owned firms.
  • 90% of Irish dairy product is exported, with €6.3 billion worth of exports annually to over 140 international markets, making it Ireland’s largest and most successful native industry.
  • Meat and livestock exports in 2023 are valued at just over €4 billion with exports to 90 markets. Beef is the single largest export with €2.7 billion worth of Irish beef and offal exported in 2023.
  • Irish whiskey is the world’s fastest growing premium spirits category.

 

Food Drink Ireland Skillnet works with companies in the food and drink industry to support the workforce development needs of businesses.

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