From Farm to Market: Irish Meat & Poultry
Welcome to the fourth edition of the SUBU Connect Market Insight Series.
In this edition, we share a selection of insights from the Meat and Poultry categories in Ireland, offering updates and observations that may help support informed decision-making. From recent pricing movements and supply chain dynamics to potential risks and emerging opportunities, our aim is to provide a helpful snapshot of current market conditions, together with a perspective on what may lie ahead in the coming months.
This edition of the market insight series is focused on the Irish Meat & Poultry markets.
1. MARKET SNAPSHOT
2. MARKET OVERVIEW
In 2025, Ireland’s meat and poultry sector remained one of the country’s most significant export industries, with overall meat exports valued at approximately €4.4 billion.The total sector, including domestic sales, was worth around €5 billion. Beef continues to be Ireland’s largest meat export category, followed by pigmeat, sheepmeat, and poultry. The European Union remains Ireland’s primary export region, with key markets including the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany. While international markets such as Asia, the Middle East, and North America continue to present opportunities, trade in 2025 remained heavily concentrated within the EU and UK due to competitive pricing pressures and global supply constraints.
On the import side, Ireland continued to import significant volumes of meat products in 2025, particularly poultry. Provisional trade data indicate that poultry imports substantially exceeded exports, reflecting Ireland’s structural net import position in this category. Poultry imports were valued at approximately €571 million, pigmeat imports at €300 million, and beef imports at €258 million. Beef and pigmeat imports were largely sourced from other EU Member States and the United Kingdom to meet domestic demand for specific cuts and processed products.
Domestic consumption of meat in Ireland remained relatively stable in 2025. Poultry continued to gain popularity among consumers due to its affordability and perceived health benefits, while beef and pork remained staple protein sources in the Irish diet.
3. MARKET SIZE
In 2025, Ireland’s meat and poultry sector was valued at approximately €5 billion, reflecting steady and sustained growth across its main product categories.
The Irish meat processing sector employs around 16,000 people, with many more in indirect roles, supporting the livelihoods of roughly 120,000 farmers. Processing facilities contributes about €100 million to the local economy and 320 direct jobs.
4. RECOMMENDATIONS AND FUTURE TENDENCIES
Key opportunities and predictions for the Ireland’s meat and poultry sector include:
- Emerging Market Expansion– Beyond traditional EU and UK markets, it is anticipated that there will be a growth in demand in Asia and the Middle East, particularly for premium grass-fed beef and lamb. Exports to these regions could increase by 8–12%
- Sustainability-Facilities that adopt carbon-neutral processing and waste-to-energy solutions could achieve a competitive advantage in the coming years.
- Digital Transformation-Platforms such as SUBU Connect help leverage buyer-supplier connections and facilitate the supply chain process. This improves transparency, enhances consumer engagement, and opens new B2B market opportunities. Digital adoption improves resource efficiency and can reduce overall operational costs.
- Product Innovation-ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook, and plant-based blended products are expected to gain traction. with approximately 5-7% annually.
5. RISKS AND CHALLENGES
- Rising input costs (feed, energy, labour)
- Environmental regulations and sustainability targets
- Market volatility and global trade disruptions
- Competition from lower-cost exporting countries
- Changing consumer preferences and dietary trends
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References:
Bord Bia (2025-2026) – Export Performance and Prospects Report Bord Bia
Meat Industry Ireland (IBEC) – Irish Meat Processing Employment & Economic Impact IBEC
Origin Green – Verified Members Directory Origin Green
Agriland – Irish Meat 2025 Agriland
This article is provided for information purposes and is intended for general guidance only. It should not be regarded as comprehensive or a substitute for personalized business or investment advice. The
accuracy and reliability of the findings and opinions expressed in the article are conditional upon the completeness, accuracy and fair presentation of the information underlying them. As a result, we
caution readers not to rely upon any findings or opinions expressed for business or investment purposes and disclaim any liability to any party who relies upon them as such. Additionally, the findings and
opinions expressed in the study constitute judgments as of the date of the publication, and are subject to change without notice. SUBU Connect is under no obligation to advise of any change brought to
its attention which would alter those findings or opinions.
