UK beef exports on the rise

UK's beef exports rose significantly in 2008, driven by favourable exchange rates and ongoing investments in market opportunities, according to the English Beef & Lamb Executive (EBLEX Ltd).

UK exported 81,000 tonnes of beef last year, up 35 percent on-year from nearly 60,000 tonnes. The increase was partly attributed to a rise in demand from the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium and Italy.

EBLEX Chief Executive Richard Lowe said the weakness of sterling against the euro is one of the major driving forces behind the rise in 2008 export volumes, as sterling lost 12 percent of its value during the period.

Lowe said the exchange rate has provided British exporters with a positive platform for boosting UK shipments, but work must continue to develop long-term export market opportunities for quality beef.