Germany seeks more Irish beef

Germany is back in the market for Irish beef on falling domestic beef output, which lifted imports last year to 40%, according to Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board.

Argentina has been a major supplier of the German market over the past decade but the South American state could switch into a beef importer this year.

This would open the door for increased imports from Ireland, Bord Bia's Michael Murphy said.

The BSE scare that hit Irish beef imports into Germany in the past has dissipated, he added.

To replace Argentine supplies Germany would need beef from British breeds such as Hereford and Angus. The Brockhouse Group, a major user of Hereford beef, has also used Irish Hereford in the past.