February 13, 2007

British meat exports soar

Exports of British meat and livestock products have crashed through the GBP 1 billion (US$1.94 billion) barrier for the first time in more than 10 years.

Sales of beef reached GBP 90 million while pork exports were at GBP 100 million, according to Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) figures.

In its first year of full export trading, British beef exports reached more than 40,000 tonnes, way above the original estimate of 30,000 tonnes.

The figures are the highest since 1995 when beef exports were banned over BSE concerns.

A great deal of work has been put into ensuring British beef, pork and lamb have been displayed in as many foreign markets as possible, said MLC export manager Jean-Pierre Garnier. He added they were planning a concentrated programme of activity for the coming year.