Irish Agri-Food Triumphs in the USA: A Golden Era of Opportunities
Source: The DairyNews
In an era where the United States remains the epitome of opportunity, Irish agri-food companies have struck gold by providing a taste of the Emerald Isle across the Atlantic. Rachel Martin, Farming Editor, delves into the significant dividends yielded from the enduring US-Irish relationship.
The United States stands as Ireland's largest agri-food export market outside of Europe, holding the position of the country's second-largest global market. In 2022, a staggering €1.7bn worth of exports reached American shores, constituting a substantial portion of Ireland's €19bn total agri-food exports and underscoring the vital role played by the special relationship with the United States.
The impact goes beyond agri-food, as the sector represents Ireland's largest indigenous exporting industry, contributing to 40% of all export sales by Irish-owned companies in 2021. This, in turn, directly supports the employment of 164,900 individuals, constituting 6.5% of the country's total workforce.
The dynamic growth in the American food market, fueled by strong ties between US and Irish companies spanning decades, is evident. The United States transitioned from being the third largest importer of Irish agri-food in 2018 to claiming the second spot in 2019, surpassing the Netherlands. Over the last five years, both the volume and value of food exports to both nations have increased, with the US experiencing a remarkable 33% growth in just one year.
Analysts attribute this surge to a notable increase in dairy and beverage exports in 2022, with these categories accounting for a significant portion of Ireland's agri-food exports to the US. Dairy Industry Ireland director, Conor Mulvihill, emphasized the role of brand power, citing the phenomenal growth in Irish dairy exports, particularly driven by the success of the Kerrygold brand.
Kerrygold, marketed by Ornua, an Irish dairy cooperative, has become an iconic success story in Irish-American agri-food trade. With over 23,000 tons shipped annually to the US and a devoted following including celebrities like Oprah, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Khloe Kardashian, Kerrygold reached an unprecedented milestone of €1bn in annual global retail sales in 2019. Ornua Foods Global Managing Director, Róisín Hennerty, envisions the brand reaching €2bn, highlighting the brand's 30-year journey in the US market.
The beverage sector, another major driver of transatlantic agri-food trade, experienced record-high exports in 2022, exceeding €2bn for the first time. Despite challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, Irish beverages, particularly whiskey and cream liqueur, showcased resilience and growth. The United States emerged as the single largest destination for Irish beverage exports, with whiskey alone valued at over €1bn in 2022.
In essence, the story of Irish agri-food triumphs in the USA is not just one of economic significance; it is a tale of resilience, brand power, and a lasting relationship that continues to deliver unprecedented opportunities for Ireland on American soil.
The impact goes beyond agri-food, as the sector represents Ireland's largest indigenous exporting industry, contributing to 40% of all export sales by Irish-owned companies in 2021. This, in turn, directly supports the employment of 164,900 individuals, constituting 6.5% of the country's total workforce.
The dynamic growth in the American food market, fueled by strong ties between US and Irish companies spanning decades, is evident. The United States transitioned from being the third largest importer of Irish agri-food in 2018 to claiming the second spot in 2019, surpassing the Netherlands. Over the last five years, both the volume and value of food exports to both nations have increased, with the US experiencing a remarkable 33% growth in just one year.
Analysts attribute this surge to a notable increase in dairy and beverage exports in 2022, with these categories accounting for a significant portion of Ireland's agri-food exports to the US. Dairy Industry Ireland director, Conor Mulvihill, emphasized the role of brand power, citing the phenomenal growth in Irish dairy exports, particularly driven by the success of the Kerrygold brand.
Kerrygold, marketed by Ornua, an Irish dairy cooperative, has become an iconic success story in Irish-American agri-food trade. With over 23,000 tons shipped annually to the US and a devoted following including celebrities like Oprah, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Khloe Kardashian, Kerrygold reached an unprecedented milestone of €1bn in annual global retail sales in 2019. Ornua Foods Global Managing Director, Róisín Hennerty, envisions the brand reaching €2bn, highlighting the brand's 30-year journey in the US market.
The beverage sector, another major driver of transatlantic agri-food trade, experienced record-high exports in 2022, exceeding €2bn for the first time. Despite challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, Irish beverages, particularly whiskey and cream liqueur, showcased resilience and growth. The United States emerged as the single largest destination for Irish beverage exports, with whiskey alone valued at over €1bn in 2022.
In essence, the story of Irish agri-food triumphs in the USA is not just one of economic significance; it is a tale of resilience, brand power, and a lasting relationship that continues to deliver unprecedented opportunities for Ireland on American soil.
