Calf exports to Spain leap 33% despite fall in beef consumption

Calf exports to Spain rose by 33% during the first six months of 2014, despite a 5% fall in beef consumption among Spaniards.

Beef prices, following a very strong start to the year, suffered a decline from the end of April until the end of June, and have remained more or less stable since then, at €3.85/kg. On the live front, the current price for Spanish crossed bred R+ bulls stands at €650, while the equivalent heifers are selling for €530.

“The good forecast for Irish calf exports to Spain in 2014 has materialised, with an increase of 33% in exports in the first six months of the year, to a total of 39,530 head,” stated Cecilia Ruiz of Bord Bia’s Madrid office. “That’s 9,635 more than the same period the previous year.