Horticulture and cereals sector

Several factors affected mushroom exports, including weather, input costs and prices. 2025 saw the hottest spring and summer on record in the UK, which dampened sales of mushrooms (often used in comfort-based stews and risottos). 

The minimum wage increased to €13.50 per hour in January 2025, alongside higher employer Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions and the cost of implementing other mandatory benefits. These resulted in
increased production costs, as wages make up a significant component. 

A decline in sales of closed cup mushroomsreduced overall volumes, while button, flat and portobello mushrooms also declined. Brown mushrooms showed good growth relative to 2024, while exotics, sliced, and closed cup mushrooms also increased.

Amenity exports were steady for foliage and plants, while daffodils showed a slight increase.

The UK accounted for the majority of foliage and plant sales, with the exception of daffodils.

Demand in the UK was steady, with sales to Northern Ireland increasing. Christmas tree sales continue to show growth potential.

The value of Irish cereal exports declined by 10% to €80 million in 2025. With volumes flat, the driver of this decline was lower global commodity prices.

Availability was the key factor in global price declines, with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) forecasting that global cereal production will reach a record level in 2025, up 4.4% from
2024 (FAO, 2025).

Teagasc estimates that the 2025 harvest in Ireland was in line with this trend due to increases in both the area and yield for winter crops. Total cereal production is estimated at 2.23 million tonnes, approximately 6%
above the five-year average from 2020-2024 (Teagasc, 2025).