9 March 2011

2 minute read

Europe

Crucially, the focus on market access within the EBLEX export strategy saw the number of non-EU markets open to UK beef increase significantly during the second half of last year. Almost 30 markets are now available to exporters, and as a result exports of fifth quarter products to non-EU markets rose sharply by 53 per cent on 2009.

Sheep meat exports were constrained in 2010 due to tight domestic supplies, and therefore fell by seven per cent in volume terms to 89,000 tonnes. However, the value of these exports rose by one per cent to £320 million, driven by a wider, global tightening of supplies.

The EBLEX ‘cuts not carcases’ strategy, aimed at adding value at home, saw the export of bone-in and boneless lamb cuts rise by 25 per cent on 2009. Non-EU fifth quarter exports also rose significantly by 65 per cent year on year.

Defra’s decision this week to endorse EBLEX’s £2 million investment plan will see EBLEX working to maintain sheep meat exports at a minimum 30 per cent of production while increasing beef exports 20 per cent of production by 2012.

“Developing export markets is essential if we are to realise a sustainable price for English beef and sheep producers,” said Peter Hardwick, EBLEX Head of Trade Development.

“Creating greater demand for our product overseas will help improve returns in the beef and sheep meat sectors, in addition to adding value to the carcase by providing an outlet for less-utilised cuts and offal.”