Food and drink exports reach record high

Bord Bia’s latest Export Performance and Prospects report reveals the value of Ireland’s food, drink and horticulture exports increased by 22% last year to reach a new record high of €16.7 billion. The increase, up €3 billion since last year and almost 30% on pre-pandemic levels (€13 billion in 2019), can be attributed to increasing unit prices due to inflation and rising input and operational costs, along with an increase in the volume of goods exported. Irish drink exports reached almost €2 billion (+22% year-on-year) for the first time, a 25% value increase on pre-pandemic (2019) levels, which reflects the extraordinary recovery and now growth of the sector following difficult years in 2020 and 2021. North America continues to be the key export market, representing 52% of overall exports at just under €1 billion. Irish whiskey exports accounted for 60% of the overall value growth last year, with exports valued at almost €1 billion (up 25% on 2021) for the first time.

Bord Bia Chief Executive Jim O’Toole said the industry’s performance in the face of such challenging market conditions has been highly commendable. Looking ahead, he said the

Slattery’s brings the Buzz to Ireland!

The Slattery Group recently launched BuzzBallz Cocktails into the Irish market, a range that the company says brings fun, novelty and much needed excitement into the drinks trade. “This is something different from the other brands. The liquid tastes brilliant, the variety is amazing and I think consumers appreciate that they are getting a quality cocktail in a unique package at a great price,” said Karl Slattery, Managing Director. BuzzBallz Cocktails are available in six flavours including Strawberry Rita, Tequila Rita, Espresso Martini, Choc Tease, Chili Mango and Lotta Colada. All are produced with premium spirits, real fruit juices, natural flavours and ingredients. Unlike most pre-mixed readyto-drink brands, BuzzBallz are produced at bar-strength (13.5% ABV).

industry needs to be responsive to a range of oncoming challenges in 2023, as the challenging trading conditions of this year will endure and evolve. “As 2023 is predicted to be another disruptive year of economic difficulty and challenging supply chains, Bord Bia will continue to be agile and responsive to client and sector needs in what is likely to be a period of ongoing volatility. For Irish food and drink exporters, it will be increasingly important to be aware of how consumers respond to the current cost of living crisis and to position their products accordingly.”

The Imperial’s former restaurant at its South Mall entrance has undergone a makeover and is now home to a swanky new bar called No. 76. Open Thursday to Sunday, the bar serves the hotel’s signature cocktails which use 99% local ingredients, along with its own Imperial Pale Ale (IPA) which has an ‘8 miles to the tap’ ethos.