March 24, 2006

Opportunities in EU for US beef and pork producers

The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) said high prices for beef and pork in the EU have left the meat industry there looking possibly towards the US for high quality beef and pork as more US plants gain approval to export to the EU.

" There are many great opportunities in the EU for US beef and pork exporters," USMEF Director, Europe, Russia And Middle East Jackie Hruby said. "During the show we received requests for US pork from leading processors and for US beef from a leading retailer, who is considering marketing US beef in their finest beef category."

Hruby was speaking from Food and Drink Expo 2006, UK's largest food show held this week in Birmingham.

Due to restrictions on imports from Brazil caused by a foot-and-mouth disease there, beef prices in the EU continue to rise. Additionally, Argentina's self-imposed ban of beef exports also put upward pressure on prices.

"Since the ban on British beef has been lifted, the beef shortage in the UK could become more acute as British beef exports to EU member states will restart in the coming months," Hruby said. "Pork is in high demand as the UK continues to be one of the highest-cost producers in the EU."

US beef and beef variety meat exports to the EU in January were 2,399 tonnes, valued at US$3.1 million. This was a 11-percent increase in value from the same month last year. US pork and pork variety exports rose 23 percent in volume (635 tonnes) and 31 percent in value (US$1.7 million).