Ireland ‘best for beef exports’
Dawn Meats managing director Dan Browne told the Dublin event, which was organised by Bord Bia, that with the EU beef deficit set to widen further in the medium term, Irish beef is the natural choice for European consumers.
More than 50% of Irish cattle now come from dedicated beef herds. This compares to an EU average of 38%.
He said: “The proportion of Irish cattle coming from dedicated beef herds has been steadily rising in recent years. Of the 2.2 million calves born in Ireland every year, almost 75% are beef breeds.”
Mr Browne said Irish beef is processed by a modern and efficient sector with high output facilities. Processors have invested in enhanced customer service in several markets including Britain, France, Italy, Holland and Scandinavia.
Mr Browne said the Irish beef industry has the ability to deliver on specific requirements.
While production is primarily grass-based, it can meet specialised market requirements by tailoring production to supply 12-month beef, heavy continental steers or breed differentiation.
Padraig Collins, director of meat purchasing with Italian retailers Gruppo Pam, said Italian beef consumption is back up to pre-BSE levels.
This recovery has been achieved through promoting a quality product and providing consumers with reassurances through compulsory labelling and full traceability.
Mr Collins said Italy is only 60% self-sufficient in beef and is the largest beef importer in Europe.
