Irish beef exports to Britain could rise by more than 55% this year, according to Michael Duffy, chief executive of Bord Bía. Last year the total was 115,000 tonnes, he said, but current export figures were ahead of this time last year and could reach 180,000 tonnes. Duffy, guest speaker at a Waterford Chamber of Commerce business breakfast, said that traditionally, Ireland accounted for 55% of British beef imports. "Assuming we maintain our market share, exports for the year as a whole would reach 160,000 tonnes," he said. However, there were other factors, which, he suggested, could improve the prospects of Irish beef in the UK further. "The absence from the market of South American suppliers and now Zimbabwe means Ireland could exceed normal market share, with exports potentially reaching 170,000 to 180,000 tonnes, depending on competition from other European suppliers." According to Duffy, "identified Irish beef" is now stocked in the top six British multiples and trade estimates suggested that 22% of Irish beef exports were going directly to the retail trade. On Irish beef sales elsewhere, he said the Dutch market was performing well, but that BSE had affected sales in Italy and France. {{NEWS }}

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