Stores in UK only want pure Irish beef

BRITISH supermarket chains do not want beef from animals born in Ireland and slaughtered or processed in the UK, says Bord Bia.

Aidan Cotter, CEO of the food board, told the recent Oireachtas Agriculture Committee discussion on the beef and livestock sector that this beef is excluded by the major multiples — Tesco, ASDA and Sainsbury’s — which are the largest purchasers.

Mr Cotter says they require either British beef — born, reared and slaughtered in the UK — or Irish beef — born, reared and slaughtered in the Republic of Ireland. He linked this stricture to a decline in live exports to Northern Ireland (by 13% in 2013), and to Britain. This occurred despite falling prices in Ireland, with the average price paid for R3 steers in Northern Ireland going 6.5% higher last year (from 4% higher in 2012), and the differential between prices paid in Ireland and Britain increasing from 10% to 12%.