Ireland’s vegetable imports soared past €400 million in 2023, reflecting the country’s vibrant trade activity and increasing consumer demand for diverse, high-quality produce. According to preliminary data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ireland imported 342,760 tonnes of vegetables, valued at €412 million—representing a 17% rise in value and a 6% increase in volume compared to 2022.
Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, emphasized that this growth aligns with Ireland’s broader trade dynamics, supported by a substantial agri-food trade surplus of over €5 billion in 2023. While these figures focus on raw vegetable imports and exclude processed vegetable products, they underscore the strength and adaptability of Ireland’s trade networks.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable trade practices through Food Vision 2030. This initiative seeks to strengthen Ireland’s role as a leader in sustainable agriculture, ensuring food safety, quality, and innovation. He also highlighted the importance of monitoring trade trends to maintain a balance between imports and exports while meeting the evolving needs of Irish consumers.
Ireland’s thriving agri-food sector continues to enhance its international footprint, demonstrating how trade contributes to economic growth and the nation’s global reputation as a trusted partner in high-quality food production.
#ITCNewsUpdates #BreakingNews #TradeGrowth #IrelandExports #AgriFoodTrade #GlobalTrade #SustainableAgriculture