Irish F&B exports to the Middle East hits $380mln in 2022

Irish F&B exports to the Middle East hits $380mln in 2022

Despite the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Middle East has continued to strengthen its trade with Ireland with exports of Irish food and drink to the region totalling AED1.4 billion ($380 million), an increase of 10%.

The UAE imported Irish food and drink goods worth AED367 million, a 49% increase from last year.

Price inflations across supply chain following the Russia-Ukraine conflict have affected various aspect of food and drink exports globally, however, Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board) has reported an increase in the volume of goods exported with a record-breaking global increase of 25% in 2022, totalling AED66 billion.

The Middle East figures were revealed by Jim O’Toole, the newly appointed Chief Executive of Bord Bia during Gulfood, the largest annual food and beverage sourcing event, currently under way at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Trade strategies

Following his appointment in November last year, this is O’Toole’s first visit to the region as CEO of Bord Bia. With Irish exports increasing throughout the Middle East, O’Toole will continue to drive the trade strategies to facilitate success and encourage new relationships with partners, chefs, and vendors in the region.

O’Toole said: “The last few years may have posed many challenges for the world yet