The annual figures for food and drink exports had a bit of a shadow cast over it this year. The record figures - €12.6 billion - were tempered by the observation that the food and drink sector was too reliant on Britain.
The UK accounted for 35 percent of the food exports coming out of Ireland. And once again the mushroom industry came into focus as the most exposed sector.
The €230 million mushroom industry took a hit with the sterling slump which highlighted that it is nearly totally reliant on the UK export market, which accounted for most of the sectoral trade.
Bord BIa Ceo Tara McCarthy highlighted the risks ahead:
“Sterling volatility , combined with slower economic growth, food inflation and lower wage forecasts, will put further pressure on the UK market as an export destination. While the UK remains our most important market, these prospects provide an additional incentive for Irish exporters to explore new markets within the EU 26 and beyond.”
