The value of Irish food and drink exports rose to almost 10 billion euro last year.

That's up 9 per cent on 2012 - and 40 per cent since 2009.

Export values for dairy products and ingredients exceeded 3 billion euro for the first time - with meat and livestock accounting for 3.3 billion and prepared foods 1.6 billion.

Exports to China grew by over 40 per cent - while other key markets including Germany, France and the Netherlands all recorded double digit growth.

CEO of Bord Bia is Aidan Cotter: