Exports of Irish food and drink to Russia in 2013 were worth €232 million and were dominated by prepared foods, meat, dairy, seafood and drinks. Trade in prepared foods accounted for almost half this amount at €112 million, while pigmeat exports, the second most important category, amounted to €59 million. Trade in pigmeat to Russia ceased following the Russian suspension of EU-wide pigmeat imports at the end of January. Seafood, dairy and beef exports in 2013 were valued at a total of €48 million.
The industry trades globally, exporting €10 billion worth of food and drink to 175 markets around the world last year. In the context of recent uncertainty and now the suspension of trade of certain food categories to Russia exporters will have been reviewing alternative market opportunities.
Bord Bia has established a dedicated support unit to assist companies with regard to the trading situation with Russia and to help in progressing such opportunities. This unit may be contacted on 01 6142 292.