Exporters briefed by EBLEX team

Meat exporters from across the country have been getting top advice from the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX) ready for the re-starting of beef exports to Europe.

During the past week (Jan 30 to Feb 3) EBLEX's agents from across Europe have been joining exporters in seminars to pass on information about the state of individual European markets and their requirements.

Meetings for exporters were held at Wetherby, Bristol and Coventry where they were able to quiz representatives from Greece, Italy, France, the Netherlands and Belgium as well as getting information about markets in the new Member States.

Andrew Garvey, EBLEX Head of Marketing, said: "The export team has maintained a good list of contacts and has kept up to date with the image and consumers perceptions of our beef since the introduction of the export ban in 1996.

"There are clear signs of a good appetite for our beef in France and that appetite, we know, is reflected in other key EU Member States."