Bord Bia is confident live cattle exports are set to rise in 2016, boosted by a series of promotional campaigns it is hosting in neighbouring EU states.

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

Irish beef sales in Spain are expected to grow by 20% this year to 11,000 tonnes, according to Bord Bia, which is currently concluding a promotion aimed at the increasing number of Irish and British visitors in Malaga.