March 12, 2014

For the first time since 1999, the UK exported more than 100,000 tonnes of sheep meat last year, according to English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX).

Total shipments of fresh and frozen sheep meat reached 103,176 tonnes - up 9% on 2012 - with growth in both EU and non-EU markets.

Exports to non-EU markets experienced the most significant increases on the year, up 44% to 17,637 tonnes and a 36% increase in value.

Hong Kong was the leading non-EU export market, up 78% to 13,062 tonnes and a 105% increase in value. Volumes to Ghana, where EBLEX conducted a trade mission last autumn, rose by 134% to just over 1,000 tonnes and a 95% increase in value.

Jonathan Eckley, EBLEX export marketing executive, said the results were "very encouraging". He said: "With shipments to non-EU markets part of EBLEX's ongoing export strategy, the figures for trade with Hong Kong and Ghana were particularly pleasing."

Scandinavia is another high-value market, with shipments to Norway up 25%, the value of those rising 31%. Volumes to Denmark also increased 50%, with a 44% rise in value.

But Eckley said it was important not to overlook the continuing importance and significance of EU export markets. "France remains, by far, our major export destination for sheep meat," he said.

Shipments to France, representing 53,814 tonnes, were up 3% on the year, while shipments to Germany and Belgium also recorded higher volumes.