April 7, 2009

Demand for UK beef has remained relatively strong despite the recession, according to the latest Beef Briefing from EBLEX, the industry body for beef and lamb levy payers.

Minced beef sales continued to grow over the past year, with stewing beef demand also strengthening, said EBLEX economics manager Mark Topliff.

Current retail figures show British beef sales of just under 300,000 tonnes in the 52 weeks to the end of February, which while down from the record of nearly 307,000 tonnes in 2008, is still well up on previous years, underlining the continuing stability of consumer demand.

Sales of beef mince increased about 5 percent in the year to nearly half of annual consumption. Stewing beef sales also grew slightly over the past year to 14 percent of the retail total.

But roasting beef sales have dropped to 21 percent, compared with 28 percent in 2003. Any reduction in hindquarter demand is likely to be offset by the continued decline in national prime beef supplies, the report said.

Meanwhile, the report said forequarter imports from Ireland represent good value for money at a time when retail beef price growth is expected to be higher than other competitive meats.

The price growth may pressurise overall sales but the market trends bode very well for cull cow and dairy-bred beef bull demand, Topliff said.