Ireland’s agri-food sector continues to play a vital role in the nation’s economy, with the industry’s exports rising significantly in 2025. The sector, which encompasses dairy, beef, seafood, and beverages such as whiskey and stout, reported a 12% increase in export value, reaching $22 billion last year. The United States remains the third-largest market for Irish food and drink products.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon highlighted the foundational role of family-run farms and small-scale producers, noting the contributions of 133,000 family farms, 2,000 fishing vessels, and more than 2,400 food and drink companies. Given that Ireland exports approximately 90% of its food and beverage output, maintaining product quality and sustainability remains a government priority. To this end, the state has committed over $11 billion toward supporting farmers with technology and sustainable practices, alongside $34 million dedicated to research initiatives in 2024.
Central to Ireland’s efforts to secure sustainability is the Origin Green program, which now covers 90% of the country’s agri-food exports. The initiative offers independently verified assurances of sustainability throughout the supply chain, distinguishing Ireland’s approach on a global scale.
Within the sector, dairy leads export growth, with revenues increasing 14% to $8.4 billion in 2025. Seán Molloy, CEO of Tirlán—the country’s largest dairy processor—attributes the sector’s success to a combination of generational knowledge, favorable natural conditions, and continuous innovation. Ireland’s temperate climate supports grass-based farming, contributing to some of the world’s lowest carbon emission intensities in dairy production. Additionally, as an island nation, Ireland benefits from strong animal health and environmental standards.
Tirlán, a century-old, farmer-owned cooperative, processes about one-third of the country’s milk supply annually and offers a diverse portfolio including consumer foods, ingredients, and agricultural inputs. Its flagship consumer brand, Avonmore, leads the Irish dairy market, while its presence in the U.S. is growing through the Truly Grass Fed brand and premium dairy products sold in retail channels. Tirlán also serves global food companies with specialized dairy and plant-based ingredients.
The company’s 2025 turnover neared $3.5 billion, a 10% increase over the previous year, with operating profits close to $74 million. This performance reflects ongoing investment in innovation, such as a $146 million project to enhance whey processing capabilities, supporting rising demand for protein-enriched products.
Sustainability remains a core focus for Tirlán and the broader sector. As a founding member of Origin Green, the company ensures full traceability of its products and adheres to strict environmental standards in water, air quality, and biodiversity management. Addressing workforce challenges, Tirlán has introduced a generational renewal program aimed at attracting young farmers, providing financial incentives, education, and training.
Molloy also emphasized the potential for deeper collaboration between Ireland and the United States in dairy trade, technology, and innovation. He noted the complementary strengths of both countries, with the U.S. excelling in technology and export orientation, and Ireland bringing extensive expertise in global dairy markets. The cooperative’s strong financial position includes an investment fund exceeding $1 billion, intended to support growth initiatives, particularly in the U.S.
Together, these developments reflect a dynamic and sustainable Irish agri-food industry, harnessing tradition, innovation, and international partnerships to drive future growth.