February 28, 2007

Ireland posts strong beef performance in 2006

The Irish beef industry posts strong performance in 2006 with beef prices rising to 8 percent--its highest level in years--while production at export plants rose by 5 percent to 550,000 tonnes, also at its highest since 2003.

According to Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan, last year's good statistics shows a continuous upward trend in the beef sector across all classes and grades.

Beef exports rose by some 6 percent and exceeded 0.5m tonnes for the first time since 1999. Exports to Continental Europe reached an all-time high of almost 230,00t. Put in context, the Minister said this was four times the amount exported five years ago.

Irish beef is now listed with more multiple retail chains in EU markets than beef of any other national origin. The UK remains our largest single market, with exports amounting to approximately 250,000 tonnes, with almost 40 percent of fresh beef exports to the UK sold directly to the leading supermarkets.