Meat industry seeks to boost exports to Russia

BORD Bia yesterday launched a major new programme to develop outlets for Irish beef and pork in Russia’s rapidly growing supermarket sector.

Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan headed an Irish delegation to St Petersburg, the home town of Russian President Vladimir Putin, for the launch of the promotional drive. It included the launch of the first ever retail promotion for Irish chilled beef in Russia.

Given the development of both the Russian economy and the retail sector, the prospects for expanding trade in Irish food and drinks products are considered to be good over the next couple of years.