Bonus as British lamb imports double
British imports of lamb meat from Ireland doubled during the first four months of the year. It was part of a 12% increase in British imports of lamb during the first half to the end of June, but the increase in demand is not expected to be maintained for the second half of the year. New Zealand and Australia were the other principal suppliers.
Household purchases of lamb increased by 9% in Britain during the second quarter of the year, according to Taylor Nelson Sofres figures.
This has been attributed to an increase in the purchase of lamb steaks and chops and, to a less extent, leg roasting joints during the second quarter. Consumption during the second half of the year is predicted to decline by 2%.
According to Bord Bia analysis, the outlook for the second half of the year is for imports by Britain to fall by 9% on the 2003 levels, with the overall increase in imports for the year dropping to 2% more than 2003.
British Meat and Livestock Commission says sheep meat production within Britain is predicted to remain largely unchanged from 2003 for the year.
Exports of lamb by Britain were similar to last year up to the end of April, during which 78% of the exports were to the French market, and the remainder to Belgium and Germany. The outcome for the year is expected to show little change from last year.
Although prices being paid for lamb in Britain is currently 6% higher than for the same weeks in 2003 at the equivalent of 344 cents/kg (123p/lb) excluding Vat, while the average year-to-date price has been almost similar to the same period last year at the equivalent of 407 cents/kg (145p/lb) excluding Vat.
