This is the highest ever level of growth for such companies in export value. Increases in exports were recorded across all sectors with food and sustainability increasing by 23 per cent; technology and services increasing by 18 per cent; and industrial and life sciences increasing by 14 per cent. Across the food and sustainability sector, specifically, the highlights were:
- Primary meats and food technology exports increased by 17 per cent to €4.59bn;
- Dairy, beverage and food FDI exports increased by 28 per cent to €9.312bn;
- Prepared consumer foods, seafood and horticulture exports increased by 11 per cent to €1.91bn; and
- Climate, sustainability and agri-tech exports increased by 12 per cent to €364m.
The results were announced at Enterprise Ireland’s summit, which took place this week in Dublin where business leaders and key stakeholders met to discuss future opportunities for Irish enterprise.
Commenting, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney said: “Irish business faced another challenging year in 2022, with energy costs, inflation and supply chain disruption impacting the trading environment. However, with a record €32bn in export sales, Irish business has demonstrated its ability to absorb global economic disruption and continue to compete and win in international markets.
“Enterprise Ireland-backed companies now employ more than 218,000 people in every region and county in Ireland. The record export sales which show a 19 per cent year-on-year increase in export value and increased employment is proof that our enterprise policy is working well.”