beef cow

UK beef and lamb exports took a hit last year, according to AHDB Beef & Lamb. Total UK beef exports were down 11% at 100,400 tonnes, while total sheepmeat exports were down at 79,460 tonnes.

There was some growth from beef cuts, up to 86,000 tonnes in 2015 from 84,448 tonnes - reflecting a strategy to move away from exporting whole carcase exports to higher value cuts, AHDB said.

Sheepmeat offal exports surged 36% in volume year on year in 2015, while beef offal shipments were up 8.1%.

“It’s encouraging to see the strong performance of cuts and offal in what was undoubtedly a challenging year for exports of beef and lamb,” said Jean-Pierre Garnier, export manager for AHDB Beef & Lamb.

“Our long-term strategy of moving towards adding value to the sector with a focus on the export of cuts rather than carcases is bearing fruit, as is our commitment to cultivating markets for offals which have limited value and appeal domestically.”