Irish butter exports to countries outside the European Union soared by more than 50%, to more than 32,500t in 2016. This makes Ireland the largest butter exporter from the EU bloc – pipping France to the top spot for the first time.

Just five countries account for 75% of the total volume of butter exported outside the EU. Unsurprisingly, the US is our most important market for butter, with just under 10,400t exported across the Atlantic in 2016.

This reflects the strong growth in the Kerrygold brand in recent years, as well as the increasing consumption of butter by US consumers.

Egypt was Ireland’s next largest international market in 2016, with 5,660t exported. Turkey, Morocco and Canada were the next largest markets and accounted for a further 8,425t between them.

In terms of cheese, Ireland exported 9,500t, or 24%, more cheese to international markets in 2016. Ireland is the sixth-largest cheese exporter to international countries from the EU behind Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and Denmark.

Total shipments amounted to just over 49,250t, with Saudi Arabia (10,344t), Algeria (7,421t) and the US (7,111t) our three largest international exports markets.

In terms of milk powders, shipments of whole milk powder from Ireland to international markets increased by almost 40%, or over 7,120t, in 2016. Irish exports of skimmed powder (SMP) declined by 7% last year, reflecting the amount of SMP product sold into intervention.

The North African market remains the major destination for Irish milk powder shipments, with about 30% of exports of both SMP and whole milk powder (WMP) accounted for by Nigeria and Algeria.

In terms of whey powder exports, over 90% of exports are shipped to just three countries: China, Indonesia and Malaysia. China is by far the most important market for Irish whey, accounting for over 16,250t, or 55%, of exports.