Exports of British lamb to France are soaring thanks to falling domestic French production and the weak pound.
Year-on-year British lamb exports were up 10% by volume in the first seven months of this year, according to AHDB figures, with the majority of the 45,000 tonnes exported going to France. Value was almost 25% higher than last year, at £138m.
French lamb production, meanwhile, fell 7% by volume in the first eight months of 2008.
British lamb was well priced against its competitors, due in part to the weaker value of sterling, said Peter Hardwick, international manager of AHDB Meat Services. "One in five lambs born in England end up on a French plate," he added.
Although outbreaks of foot and mouth had disrupted trade, Eblex has been working to rebuild export volumes.
The decline in French lamb production and butchers' skills offered an opportunity for British exporters to add value by supplying innovative meat cuts, said AHDB export manager Remi Fourrier.
"Our quality and choice is unrivalled in Europe, and we are the best at product development and innovative packaging," he added.
Although lamb consumption in France had dropped by 8% this year, Eblex has undertaken a joint Agneau Presto campaign with Irish food agency Bord Bia and French organisation Interbev (France) to boost lamb consumption in France through innovative cuts and promotions targeted at younger consumers.
Eblex said sales of branded English St George and Jean Roze lamb were booming in France, with major retailers stocking the brands across the country.
British producers were looking to capitalise on their export success by securing millions of pounds worth of trade at last week's Sial exhibition in Paris, where Eblex hosted a stand for 18 English red meat processors. A website, www.ilovemeat.fr, has also been launched by Eblex.
Year-on-year British lamb exports were up 10% by volume in the first seven months of this year, according to AHDB figures, with the majority of the 45,000 tonnes exported going to France. Value was almost 25% higher than last year, at £138m.
French lamb production, meanwhile, fell 7% by volume in the first eight months of 2008.
British lamb was well priced against its competitors, due in part to the weaker value of sterling, said Peter Hardwick, international manager of AHDB Meat Services. "One in five lambs born in England end up on a French plate," he added.
Although outbreaks of foot and mouth had disrupted trade, Eblex has been working to rebuild export volumes.
The decline in French lamb production and butchers' skills offered an opportunity for British exporters to add value by supplying innovative meat cuts, said AHDB export manager Remi Fourrier.
"Our quality and choice is unrivalled in Europe, and we are the best at product development and innovative packaging," he added.
Although lamb consumption in France had dropped by 8% this year, Eblex has undertaken a joint Agneau Presto campaign with Irish food agency Bord Bia and French organisation Interbev (France) to boost lamb consumption in France through innovative cuts and promotions targeted at younger consumers.
Eblex said sales of branded English St George and Jean Roze lamb were booming in France, with major retailers stocking the brands across the country.
British producers were looking to capitalise on their export success by securing millions of pounds worth of trade at last week's Sial exhibition in Paris, where Eblex hosted a stand for 18 English red meat processors. A website, www.ilovemeat.fr, has also been launched by Eblex.
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