June 15, 2006

UK beef exports expected to triple the next three years

UK beef exports are expected to exceed 30,000 tonnes this year, according to British Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) export manager Jean Pierre Garnier.

The figure is expected to rise to 60,000 tonnes next year and reach 100,000 tonnes by 2008.

Even so, it would be way below the 270,000 tonnes shipped in 1995-- before the ban on exports was imposed due to mad cow disease.

The French, Dutch and Italian markets are now open to British beef, and the MLC is busy opening up markets in other European countries such as Greece, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, and Germany.

The main markets the British processors are pursuing are for cow beef, young bull beef, and offal, which are less popular in the UK.

Most of the marketing activity will be carried out by the four main meat agencies in the United Kingdom; The English Beef and Lamb Executive, Quality Meat Scotland, Hybu Cyg Cymru (Meat Promotions Wales), and the Livestock and Meat Commission of Northern Ireland, all supported by the MLC.

Special launch receptions for British beef are taking place across Europe, and British beef would be making an appearance at various food shows this year.