UK sheep meat breaks 100,000t export barrier
Levy body Eblex said the export figures, revealed by Her Majesty Revenue and Customs (HMRC), revealed total shipments of fresh and frozen meat totalled 103,176t, 9% up on the previous year, with good growth in all markets.
Non-EU markets showed the most marked growth, with volumes up 44% to 17,637t, while the value of the same exports climbed 36%. Within those markets Hong Kong led the field, up 78% on last year at 13,062t, and value up a massive 105%. Ghana was also a strong performer, albeit off a lower base. Volumes into the market were up 134% at just over 1,000t, while value increased by 95%.
Jonathan Eckley, Eblex export marketing executive, said: “Exports of sheep meat from the UK last year were very encouraging, with significant increases in both volume and value to EU and non-EU markets. 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 Norway being the notable success story in 2013. Shipments to Norway were up 25%, with the value of those rising 31%. Volumes to Denmark also increased 50%, with a 44% rise in value.
“However, it’s important not to overlook the continuing significance of EU export markets. France remains, by far, our major export destination for sheep meat. Shipments to France, representing 53,814t, were up 3% on the year, while shipments to Germany and Belgium also recorded higher volumes.
“The overall export story for sheep meat in 2013 was very positive and we will continue to look to develop existing markets and help cultivate new ones as we move forwards this year.”
