Beef market opportunities

THE change to the OTM rule will present challenges but the dairy industry can take advantage of the opportunities it offers. Speaking at the Dairy Event, EBLEX Economic Manager for Beef Duncan Sinclair said producers should think very carefully about the potential for finishing cows for the market place.

And Manager MLC France, Remi Fourrier said there were opportunities in the French market but there were some hurdles to overcome. Speaking at the Dairy Circle briefing, Duncan said: "Domestic beef production is expected to be boosted by about 185,000 tonnes or 27 per cent next year. "That production is expected to displace about 140,000 tonnes currently imported for manufacturing and the majority of the extra production is likely to go to minced beef, beefburgers and beef ready meals. "However, it is also important that all export restrictions are lifted as soon as possible.

The growing deficit in beef across the EU-25 will provide export opportunities in the short to medium term." Looking across the channel, Remi said: "French traders want British cow beef and the French discount butcher chains along with some commercial restaurants will also be interested in an attractive quality/price ratio. "A survey undertaken for EBLEX, showed 42 per cent would now trust a shop selling British beef and buy it, 22 per cent would hesitate and 36 per cent would not trust the shop and not buy.

"Quality assurance is a pre-requisite and the quality/price ratio will be the main selling point. We must re-establish a position for English cow beef by communicating with key opinion formers, buyers and consumers."