Greater opportunities for pigmeat exporters in Eastern Europe

A COMBINATION of severe falls in domestic production and increasing consumer purchasing power is leading to greater opportunities for Irish pigmeat exporters in Eastern Europe.

David Owens, Meat Division, Bord Bia, said the pig industry in Eastern Europe has been much harder hit by the pig price crisis of 2007 and the present economic difficulties.

Production across the new member states has fallen by as much as 600,000 tonnes, or 15% since 2007. While these countries represent 46% of the total EU population they only account for 17% of EU pig production.