AHDB, the organisation which represents beef and lamb levy payers in England, said that the predicted increase in Irish cattle available for slaughter in 2016 will further crowd the UK market.

“A significant proportion of the increased Irish production could well be available to the UK market at competitive prices, given the sterling-euro relationship,” AHDB said.

Bord Bia estimates that throughputs will be up by between 50,000 and 80,000 head on last year’s levels.

Irish beef is popular within this UK market, with the AHDB adding that it is “likely to remain robust in some segments of the retail, foodservice and manufacturing sectors.”

~Improving economy

AHDB described awareness of the Irish market as “crucial” particularly as half of Irish beef exports are for the UK market.

The forecast for increased consumption of Irish beef in the UK adds another worry for English producers.

Given the expected increase in Irish beef produce being imported, as well as the prediction that UK beef produce will increase means that the year ahead could prove difficult on the British market.

However, it’s not all negative as AHDB suggested that the improving UK economy could lead to higher disposable income and potential for better beef sales.

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Irish beef exports a concern for UK producers

UK producers have been operating in an increasingly challenging market, which looks set to continue.