Export values to the UK rose by 14 per cent to €6.7bn, representing 35 per cent of total exports. Beef, dairy and prepared consumer foods were the main contributors to growth, although inflation continued to affect consumer affordability, according to the report.
Exports to the European Union also increased strongly by 16 per cent in 2025 to €7.1bn, accounting for 37 per cent of total Irish food, drink and horticulture export value. Growth was concentrated in the region’s largest markets, which are the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain and Belgium. Together, these account for €5.2bn in exports, an increase of 17 per cent, driven primarily by higher beef and dairy returns. Exports to international
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 €1.1bn, 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 per cent to €975m, led by significant growth in drink and seafood exports, both of which recorded increases of almost 60 per cent, highlighting the continued diversification of Ireland’s export base across international markets.