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Spotlight on the Irish Food Sector - Export growth

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food reported that in the January to May period this year, food exports had grown by 13%, with estimated growth of €600 million for the second consecutive year. According to the

Food Harvest 2020 progress report

, agri-food exports reached €7.88 billion in 2010, an increase of 11% from 2009. One example of the strong growth in the sector was the drinks industry - 2010 showed a continuation of the strong export performance of the industry with overall drinks exports increasing by 8%, including whiskey at 23%, cream liquers 10% and beer 16%. Ambitious targets for further growth in the food sector have been set out in the report. The 2013 export target is €9 billion, with an aim to increase exports further to €10 billion by 2015.

MerrionStreet.ie spoke to Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney and Bord Bia CEO Aidan Cotter about the growth of Irish food exports, and took a look at two Irish success stories - Butlers Chocolates and the Jellybean Factory. You can view the video feature below...