Bord Bia has published the results of its annual Export Performance and Prospects Report, finding that Irish beef exports were the primary driver of growth for the UK market.
Overall export values grew by 14% to €6.7 billion (£5.8 billion) in 2025, in the face of inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, extreme weather events and evolving consumer behaviours. Bord Bia reported that beef, dairy and prepared consumer foods (PCF), such as bread and ham, were the primary sources of growth for the UK market, demonstrating the strength of Ireland and the UK’s trade relationship, delivering reliable, high-quality produce.
Bord Bia found that exports of Irish beef were up 25% on the year to €1.6 billion (£1.4 billion), while Irish dairy exports and prepared consumer foods were up 18% and 10% on the year, respectively.
The body said that this underscores the “continued trust in produce” from Ireland and the demand for Irish beef in particular. Ireland currently accounts for 77% of imports versus southern hemisphere competitors New Zealand and Australia, which had a combined share of 10% for beef value up to August 2025.
Bord Bia went on to say that the report indicated that Ireland is the “standout partner” for retailers and foodservice operators who are facing supply chain challenges and unstable market conditions, and said that with resilient supply processes and reliable availability, Irish producers can “offer support by providing quality assured, sustainably sourced food” that is backed by the Irish Government’s national sustainability plan, Origin Green.
The board said that as consumer demand continues to shift toward health, premium quality, value, and convenience as well, Irish beef is in prime position to meet these needs.
UK market manager Conor O’Sullivan said: “In a highly volatile market, we’ve once again demonstrated that through partnerships built on trust, Irish suppliers are able to work with UK retailers, chefs and hospitality businesses to develop and deliver premium products that taste great and help meet sustainability targets, backed by Origin Green.
“We know it’s tough for businesses throughout the UK who are facing increasing pressure on supply chains, with margins being squeezed more than ever over the last 12 months. Ireland is poised to help meet these challenges head on with robust availability of sustainably sourced, quality ingredients and goods that both shoppers and diners love.”
What does 2026 hold?
According to Bord Bia’s CEO Sentiment Survey, Irish food and drink exporters are entering 2026 with a “more cautious outlook”, despite a good 2025 performance. Inflation continues to affect the market with growing affordability concerns, especially in relation to beef. Bord Bia-commissioned research with Numerator highlighted how British consumers were trading down to lower-priced beef products and switching to other proteins over the summer period.
The survey also found that overall sentiment remains “moderately positive”, with just over half of companies expecting export growth in 2026. But Bord Bia said that growth expectations have softened compared with the previous year, reflecting ongoing cost pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and subdued consumer demand in some markets.
