April 13, 2012

UK's meat exports at massive growth

Exports of meat products rose to GBP2.325 billion (US$3.7 billion) in 2011, an increase of 22% from 2010, according to data released by EBLEX and BPEX.

Carcase meat exports make up the vast majority of these exports, with beef representing 18.8%, lamb and mutton, 16.3%, poultry, 13.1% and pork, 7.4%, of the total value. The fastest growing category is beef offal, sales of which have more than doubled over the last two years. The fastest growing export region is the Far East.

Jean-Pierre Garnier, export manager for EBLEX and BPEX, said: "These impressive figures vindicate our efforts and those of individual exporters to boost exports of livestock products over the last few years.

"Global forces such as tight supply and a favourable exchange rate have certainly played a part in increasing our export opportunities, however without strategic planning and hard work we would not be in a position to take advantage of the situation.

"With a strong export plan in place for 2012-13, we can foresee further expansion not only in our core Western European markets but also in the Far East, Sub-Saharan Africa and many other markets."

"There is certainly a high level of enthusiasm and confidence among meat exporters which augurs well for the future."

* HMRC export statistics show carcase meat exports in 2011 totalled GBP1.713 (US$2.73).