Irish food and drink exports reached record levels last year, it was revealed today.
New figures from Bord Bia show the value of such exports rose by 12% to €8.85bn in 2011.
The €1bn rise on figures compared to the previous year means the sector accounted for a quarter of the increase in total export revenue last year.
The industry's move into new markets was a factor in the surge - but other long-standing markets also saw increases. The value of exports sent to the UK was up 6%, and other European markets were up 16%.