Smaller EU markets boost UK beef exports

By Ed Bedington

- Last updated on GMT

Growth has been driven by smaller markets, including Italy, Belgium, Greece and the Czech Republic
Growth has been driven by smaller markets, including Italy, Belgium, Greece and the Czech Republic
Increased demand from smaller European markets has boosted trade for UK meat producers with a shift from carcase meat to higher value cuts.

According to UK beef and lamb levy body Eblex, exports for beef and veal were up around 25% in August, or around 1,800 tonnes to 9,000t. In total, for the year to date, beef and veal exports have risen 5% to 72,300t.

The bulk of that growth has been driven by smaller markets, including Italy, Belgium, Greece and the Czech Republic, Eblex said, although the UK’s main markets of Ireland and Netherland also saw increases. Hong Kong also saw a fourfold increase in demand during the same period.

Jonathan Eckley, Eblex export executive, said: “Developing existing markets and cultivating new ones for quality standard beef and lamb is a key part of Eblex’s export strategy. Latest HMRC figures are very encouraging and illustrate the important role that all markets play in helping the industry realise its full export potential.

“A key point is that we have also seen a further shift away from carcase shipments to higher-priced cuts, which represented 74% of total shipments, compared with around 60% four years ago. We will continue to work to create a profitable and sustainable demand for beef and lamb and maximise returns for the industry supply chain through our focus on exporting cuts and making full use of the carcase.”

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