Oats market in Ireland

Earlier Report Observations

The Irish oat market more than doubled in volume from 105 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 227 thousand tonnes in 2021, with value rising from $42.2 million to $98.7 million. This growth was propelled by the national Food Vision 2030 strategy, which encouraged sustainable production and export expansion, alongside increased consumer preference for organic oats and oat-based beverages during the pandemic.

After peaking in 2021, both market volume and value fell over the next two years, reaching 167 thousand tonnes and $51.4 million in 2023. This decline took place despite the ongoing development of the organic segment and oat milk demand, while market volatility intensified due to higher transport and input costs.

The period also saw international investment flow into oat beverage manufacturing, such as Oatly's $200 million capital raise, indicating sustained industry interest that aligns with Ireland's long-term agricultural innovation objectives.

Production oats in Ireland

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Ireland ranked as the 26th largest producer of oats globally.

Top producers of oats, 2017-2020

World map of production of oats, 2017-2020

In 2020, Ireland produced 180.3 K t of oats, which represents a 6.6% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 12.1%, averaging an annualized rate of 4.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 117.9 K t. That year also saw the largest decline of 42.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 63.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Ireland in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Ireland's oats production value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 59 527 K $ US, reflecting an 11.9% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 6.2%, with an annualized rate of 2.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 43 419 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 31.5%. The largest increase was in 2019 at 22.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Ireland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports oats from Ireland

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Ireland exported 12 948 t of oats, marking a 42.2% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 53.8%, averaging an annualized decline of 22.7%. The largest drop was recorded in 2018 at 47.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 52.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Ireland in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the main buyers of Irish oats in kind were the United Kingdom, accounting for 39.7% of exports, the Netherlands with 24.1%, and Norway at 12.0%. Together, these three countries constituted 75.8% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Ireland in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Ireland exported oats worth 4 276 K $ US, indicating a sharp decrease of 30.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 50.6%, with an annualized rate of 21.0%. The largest decline was in 2018 at 37.4%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 14.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Ireland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom led as the top buyer in value terms, accounting for 44.3% of exports, followed by the Netherlands at 21.3% and Norway at 11.1%. Collectively, these three countries represented 76.8% of total export flows in value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Ireland in value, 2017-2020

Imports oats to Ireland

Imports in kind, t

Oats imports into Ireland increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 3 484 t, corresponding to a substantial advance of 12.2% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 36.7%, averaging an annualized rate of 11.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 206 t, which also saw the largest decline of 13.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 40.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Ireland in kind, 2017-2020, t

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom dominated imports in kind to Ireland, holding a share of 96.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Ireland in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Oats imports into Ireland increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 4 579 K $ US, marking a rise of 5.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 19.1%, with an annualized rate of 6.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Ireland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, oats were supplied to Ireland almost exclusively from the United Kingdom, which absorbed 96.2% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Ireland in value, 2017-2020