Microsoft’s Irish operation has become the largest exporting company in the country, taking over from Google.

Microsoft, with over 1,200 employees in Ireland, showed an increase in export turnover of 21% - from €15bn in 2014 to €18.2bn this year.

The data is included in the 2015 edition of Top 250 Exporters in Ireland and Northern Ireland report.

The report is published by the Irish Exporters Association (IEA), in association with specialist bank Investec.

Microsoft was followed by Google with export turnover of €17bn, Medtronic Ireland (€16.7bn), and Johnson & Johnson (€10.5bn).

Data from the report also shows stellar growth in the manufacturing and services sectors, with the value of exports from the top five exporters increasing by 23.5% on the previous year.

Of the Top 20 companies listed, nine of them are focused within the ICT arena, with seven in the medical and pharma sectors.



Commenting on the figures Head of Treasury at Investec Aisling Dodgson said: “The latest data produced by Investec via its monthly Manufacturing and Services PMI reports show clearly that 2015 has been a vintage year to date with sentiment showing it looks set to continue.

“The success enjoyed by exporters has not happened in a vacuum and organisations like Irish Exporters Association have been instrumental in supporting and facilitating the growth achieved,” she added.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton – who launched the 2015 report – said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to formally recognise the incredible achievements of our exporting companies, wish them every success for the future, and pledge that we will continue to provide the supports you require to deliver the increased sales and ultimately the jobs we all need.”

Meanwhile, with €5.2bn Kerry Group is the top exporter in the food & drink sector.



Food and drink-related exports total around €10.5bn, with strong growth in the dairy and beef categories driving a 10% annual increase over the past five years.

Meat and livestock exports continue to account for roughly a third of all exports, while dairy products and ingredients, including infant formula, make up a further 30%.