British beef farmers should be in 'bullish mood' after the famous French butcher Yves-Marie le Bourdonnec, declared that British breeds were a cut about the rest.
His comments prompted uproar in his native country France – so much so he was expelled from the French butchers’ federation.
Commenting today, James Carver MEP said: “The message is clear – make no mis-steak buy British beef as it is the best for meat in the world.
“Yves-Marie le Bourdonnec has called on French farmers to cross-breed their cattle with British breeds to improve the quality of beef in France. I am proud of our farmers and for putting British beef at the top of the beef gastronomic map,” he added.
UK beef prices should firm up next year amid tighter supplies, according to the latest forecasts from EBLEX.
The latest outlook for the UK beef market confirmed that production and cattle availability will be lower in 2015. With lower production, robust exports and lower imports expected, forecasts point to the prospect of stronger prices.
Debbie Butcher, senior analyst for EBLEX/AHDB MI, said: “The market has been under pressure for most of this year, largely due to higher supplies, and that has been well documented.
“However, with supplies available next year falling, the UK beef market should be under less pressure than it has been for much of 2014. As such, the possibility of firmer prices should improve, although, as ever, it will depend on consumer demand.
“Also, while production levels are expected to be lower, firm demand for manufacturing beef could potentially support exports into 2015. The fifth quarter trade is also likely to present the industry with an opportunity to maximise returns through full utilisation of the carcase.”
