A nine-strong party of English exporters is heading for Germany to give meat a boost. The nine are all attending Europe's biggest food event, Anuga, in Cologne in an inward mission organised by the English Beef and Lamb Executive. The party is focused mainly on lamb, of which the UK exported more than 60,000 tonnes last year - more than half from England - though members do have an interest in beef as well. The aim is to increase the amount of exports and also to see at first hand how business is done on the continent.
EBLEX Chief Executive David Croston said: "Sheep meat exports from England make a significant contribution to the profitability of the sector. "Over 30 month cattle from England may shortly be available on the European market and further enhance the long-term sustainability for English farmers. "EBLEX has co-ordinated the mission to consolidate and grow opportunities for English lamb to Europe and open discussions with prospective customers for beef."
The party comprises Joanne Hill, of Rose County Foods Limited, Sawley, Nr Clitheroe, Lancashire; Isla Rosebuck, of Dawn Meats (UK) Limited, Lancaster Road, Carnaby, East Yorkshire; Bart Stacey, of St Merryn Meat Limited, Bodmin, Cornwall; Andrew Thornber, Kepak Group, Preston, Lancs; S M Khalid, Chairman & Chief Executive, Euro Quality Lambs Limited, Euro House, Craven Arms, Shropshire; Alan Stevenson, Northern Counties Meat Group, Shields Road, Sunderland; Robert Heffer, Southern Counties Fresh Food Ltd, Huish Episcopi, Langport, Somerset; Jon Kearns, Lloyd Maunder Ltd, Willand, Cullompton, Devon and Dick Cawthorne, Chief Executive, Invicta Lamb, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon. In addition, EBLEX Acting Chairman David Raine, Chief Executive David Croston, Strategy Manager Simon Mead and board members Frank Momber and Chris Wood will be attending.