March 3, 2014

Volumes of UK beef exported to France has been increasing to reach 11,350 tonnes or 8% rise on-year, with the value of those exports up 11%, according to English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX).

EBLEX, which is currently showcasing Quality Standard beef and lamb at the SIA International Agricultural Show in Paris, said the change was being driven by an increasing number of shipments of boneless product to France – a target market for the levy body – as well as its active marketing of the product.

Debbie Butcher, senior market analyst – sheep and beef, EBLEX, said a refocus on higher value products, and "the premiumisation of UK beef abroad", was a strategy the sector was focusing on going forwards. Providing higher-value cuts, which are shipped already removed from the carcase is helping to push up the value of UK exports, she said.

Rémi Fourrier, EBLEX export manager in France, added that they have put a lot of effort into positioning Quality Standard beef as a premium product in the French market and will continue to do so.