Triple boost for Irish powder exports amidst US infant formula shortage

Production challenges in the US have been a key driver behind an increase in specialized nutritional powder exports from Ireland to North America, with values more than trebling in 2022. The share of Irish dairy exports to the region also grew by 12%, reaching around €800m (US$860m). About 10% of this (€80m/US$86m) came from specialized nutritional powder exports, with the US driving demand for the commodity due to the ongoing infant formula shortage, now expected to last until spring 2023. “There was a significant increase seen in specialized nutritional powders, particularly in the US as reduced availability of domestic supplies saw product being airfreighted into the market during the early summer to satisfy demand,”​ reflected David Kennedy, senior sector manager, dairy, at Bord Bia. “Production challenges in the US served to drive import demand there and across the globe. Ireland benefited from this directly with the value of trade to the market more than three times 2021 ...