Exports of food and drink from the Republic to Britain went up by 13 per cent in the first six months of this year, the Minister for Agriculture Mr Walsh reported tonight.
He told a London reception of Bord Bia that the United Kingdom market now accounted for 40 per cent of Irish food and drink sales overseas.
Welcoming what he called "the growing awareness among British consumers of the quality of Irish produce," Mr Walsh added: "Our reputation is built on the adherence to the most stringent standards of food safety and hygiene.
"The safety of the food we produce is a constant priority for our industry.
"To guarantee this safety, we have in place an extensive monitoring, surveillance and inspection service along every link of the food chain.
"This policy has continued to pay dividends as more than 130 countries worldwide import Irish food and drink products."
The Minister said the meat trade provided the backbone of trade with the UK, and 2002 had been another exceptional year.
But more progress could and should be made, with other sectors also recording levels of growth this year."
He added: "Irish food companies have proved they can succeed in the most demanding retail market in the world."
PA