Despite the continued growth of Irish butter exports to the United States and increasing demand in the Middle East, the Irish Food Board has recorded a decline in dairy exports across all major regions in 2023.

Irish dairy exports slightly decreased from a record performance in 2022, when high farm gate milk prices and robust milk production drove export values up to €6.8 billion (+33%). However, with the global trade downturn in 2023, Irish dairy exports also declined—Board Bia's annual export performance report shows a decrease of about 8%, bringing export values down to €6.3 billion. The Irish Food Board noted that the total value of cheese, specialized nutrition powders, and yogurt increased by 6%, partially offsetting the overall decline, but highlighted that 2023's export performance still exceeded that of 2021 by 22%.

Butter (€1.3 billion), cheese (€1.2 billion), and whey (€250 million) accounted for 45% of total dairy exports, with prices for all three commodities falling in 2023. The year 2022 was remarkable for butter, with EU prices averaging around €7,000 per ton throughout the second half of the year. By 2023, these prices have fallen back to €4,000-5,000 per ton, marking a significant drop.

Continued Growth of Irish Butter Exports to the U.S.

In contrast, Irish butter exports to the United States continued to rise in 2023, with a growth of over 10% in the first nine months. From 2019 to 2023, the U.S. accounted for nearly 26% of the total increase in Irish dairy exports. In 2023, 24% of Ireland’s butter exports went to U.S. households, while 6.5% of cheese exports were also sent to American consumers. The U.S. has undoubtedly become a vital hub for the Irish dairy industry, with export values reaching €681 million in 2023, doubling since 2019. This growth has significantly contributed to the overall expansion of Irish dairy exports.

According to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission, the increase in Irish butter imports over the years has been driven by Ireland's reputation for high-quality dairy products and natural grass-fed production. By the end of 2023, Ornua's Kerrygold is expected to become one of the largest butter brands in the U.S. market, second only to Land O'Lakes.

The Middle East also performed well, with Irish dairy export values increasing by 24% to €390 million. Retail sales in Saudi Arabia are considered a key driver in the region.

According to Tendata's Irish butter export data, Ireland exported 1,555 batches of butter to the U.S. in 2023. These exports were carried out by 26 Irish exporters to American buyers.

Curious about the main destinations for Irish butter exports in 2024? Or which Irish companies are leading in butter exports in 2024?

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