EU lamb imports to recover

INCREASED 2012 imports from New Zealand will prevent a repeat of this year’s sharp EU lamb price increase, say experts at the Gira international food and drink consultancy.

Prices in Ireland are expected to stay broadly similar to last year, with a decline in prices across the EU of 0.5%. Profitability is expected to improve due to lower feed costs.

Gira’s assessment of consumption is upbeat, highlighting that lamb occupies a niche but stable position in the overall EU meat market, and demand is well supported by ethnic and traditional markets.