Red meat exports higher than last year

Red meat exports reached 193,000t in the first six months of this year; 21% higher than the same period in 2010.

Beef sales led the way, with a 39% increase, said a report from the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board. "The majority of beef shipments were cow beef into the Netherlands and Ireland, up 55% and 23%, respectively. Exports to France increased by almost a third and represented 9% of all exports."

Sheep meat exports rose by 6% over the same period; and despite a 5% drop in shipments to France, it remained the largest buyer. "Shipments to Germany and Ireland were substantially higher, as domestic production in both countries has been lower in the first half of 2011."

Pork sales increased by 12%, with shipments to Germany and Hong Kong up by 8% and 34%, respectively. "In addition, bacon exports were 50% higher."

As well as larger export volumes, the value of all sales rose by 22%, to £480m, said the report. Beef shipments increased by a third, to £203m, with sheep meat exports up by 13%, to £170m. Pork sales rose by 15%, to £80m, with bacon up by more than a third, to £27m.

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