Press release
Minister Hackett concludes first phase of US Trade Mission at Austin, Texas
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, today concludes the first phase of her agri-food trade mission to the United States in Austin, Texas. The Minister who arrived in Austin on Sunday has been engaging with key importers of Irish agri-food products particularly at wholesale, distribution and retail levels in collaboration with Bord Bia and in support of Irish food and drink exporters who have joined the trade mission.
The US market is Ireland’s 2nd biggest export market globally for agri-food exports. In 2023, over €1.6 billion of Irish agri-food produce is exported to the US. This trade mission is part of the aim of diversifying the markets for Irish agri-food products beyond the traditional markets and to grow markets beyond our traditional spheres of commercial activity, hence the selection of Austin, Houston and Seattle for this visit.
One of the main events will see the Minister deliver a keynote speech at a “Spirit of Ireland” event, hosted by Bord Bia in Austin. This is a promotional event for the Irish spirit sector where the Minister will say:
“I am delighted to be in Austin to share the story of our traditional Irish spirit drinks at this Bord Bia hosted “Spirit of Ireland” event. Ireland has a rich heritage of whiskey production. Records show that there were at least 28 distilleries on the island in the 1890’s, and while this number fell to just two in the 1960’s, it is wonderful to see the renewal of the production of this traditional product in Irish rural communities with now over 40 distilleries operating in Ireland”.
Minister Hackett added:
“The Irish beverage sector generated an export value of €1.9 billion in 2023 with a global reputation for quality and sales in 119 markets worldwide. Irish drink exports to the US alone were valued at €684 million in 2023, €422 million of which are Irish Whiskey exports. These exports play an important role in supporting jobs and producers of the raw materials. The beverage sector is a key contributor to the continued success of our agri-food sector.”
“Purchasers of our geographical indications Irish Whiskey, Irish Cream and Irish Poitín can be assured that the product that they buy has direct links to the Island of Ireland and has the unique characteristics that makes them quality product recognized globally. Through engagement here in Austin, I see great opportunities for continuing the successful export of these and other quality Irish products.”
Speaking from Austin, Bord Bia Chief Executive, Jim O’Toole said:
“The Spirit of Ireland programme is a wonderfully immersive and educational initiative, targeting staff working in off-licences and bars, to build advocacy for Irish spirits and ultimately increase sales. Eighteen premium Irish spirit brands will be showcased at today’s event, which will also be attended by approximately 85 professionals from the US spirits trade. The US is a key market for Irish drink, representing almost 40% of the total export value, and therefore an important focus of this US trade mission.”
The trade mission now moves on for meetings in Houston, Texas tomorrow before the Minister travels to Seattle on Tuesday for further promotional events.
Notes to Editor
Bord Bia’s Spirit of Ireland initiative is a promotional event aimed at customer-facing staff selling Irish spirits. The programme tells the story of Irish spirits: from the rich history to the renaissance of Irish spirits and the exciting future. The Spirit of Ireland programme features interviews with master distillers and barrel coopers along with a unique sensory experience to smell and experience Irish barley fields and barrel houses, all aimed at creating an in-depth understanding of Irish spirits.
Irish food and drink exports to the United States:
- Total agri-food exports to the US in 2023 were €1.6 billion (CSO). The main categories were Beverages €690 million and dairy €684 million.
- Exports declined by 8% last year, largely accounted for by a fall in drink exports due to a significant build up on stock in the market over the course of 2022 and 2023. The US remains the key export market for Irish drink representing 42% of the total export value.
- Irish dairy exports continue to drive significant value and volume increases in the US. In 2023, the value of dairy exports to the US exceeded €684 million i.e. 42% of total agri-food exports from Ireland to the US. This is up 1% on the previous year. Butter exports were valued at €310 million last year, while cheese exports grew by 25% to €85 million.
- The US is also an important market for casein, with exports of just under €105 million in 2023, representing 15.5% of the dairy category.
- Ireland was the first EU member state to be granted access to the US beef market in 2015 and exports were worth €15m in 2023. We have also secured access for lamb in 2022 and the Minister’s Department is working with interested exporters if they wish to become eligible for US approval.
- Bord Bia’s engagement with customer accounts for Irish beef and prospective accounts for Irish lamb has also been amplified by its investment under the EU co-funded campaign for beef and lamb, launched in 2023.
- A number of key events showcasing and raising awareness of Irish beef have been undertaken with key trade and media audiences over the course of the campaign, including a presence at the MICA Annual Meat Conference in Nashville TN in March 2024.
- Prepared Consumer Foods (PCF) exports to the United States reached €121 million in 2023, representing an increase of 21% for the sector. The US, particularly for chocolate confectionary producers, has become an important focus as Irish producers continue to seek to diversify their export footprint post Brexit