July 28, 2004

British Beef Sales On The Increase
 

Sales for fresh and frozen beef went up by 5% during the first half of the year, but the biggest rise was recorded for processed beef, with sales up 8%.

Minced beef now accounts for 42% of retail sales of fresh and frozen beef in Britain.

Roasting beef accounts for almost 26% of purchases, with beef for frying and grilling taking up 16% of retail sales.

The increase in processed beef sales is reflected in British beef imports during the early part of the year. Total beef imports - excluding corned beef - during the first four months of the year showed an increase of 7% on 2003 levels. Within this increase, imports of processed beef declined by 3%, while the imports of processed beef increased by 47%.

Irish exports of beef to the British market showed a slight fall for fresh and frozen beef, while exports of processed beef following the sales trend in Britain showed a significant increase.

Beef production in Britain is now forecast to increase by 4% for the year. Following a stable first half, production is forecast to increase by 6% during the second half of the year.