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Positivity would best describe the recent Bord Bia seminar on meat markets and prospects for 2018.
Some 150 of the Irish beef industries major players, including CEOs of the major beef processors, convened in Kildare to hear presentations from Bord Bia with regard to each meat sector about how 2017 performed and what 2018 prospects are like.
Below we highlight some of the important quotes from the conference and who said what.
Tara McCarthy, CEO, Bord Bia
“Last year was the strongest year on record in terms of meat exports, with total revenue of €3.8bn.
“Beef exports grew by 5% to €2.5bn; poultry exports rose by 3% to €295m; pigmeat exports rose by 14% to €712m and lamb exports increased by 12% to €274m.”
Sinead McPhilips, assistant secretary general, Department of Agriculture
“Brexit is a huge threat to the Irish agrifood sector. We have a very unique exposure.”
It’s going to take a multi-pronged approach to deal with the issues.
“Both political and non-political issues are equally as important, and both avenues are currently being pursued.”
Mark Zieg, Bord Bia
“The output value of the cattle sector rose to €2.42bn in 2017, an increase of 6.8% in value and 3.8% in terms of volume.
“Ireland exported beef to 64 countries in 2017 with 100% growth in non-EU markets.”
Joe Burke, Bord Bia
“There is an extra 18,000 heifers in the 24-36 month age bracket on 1 November 2016.
“Steers are up 6,500 on the date. This points to an increase, but not hugely significant and not near the 100,000 increase in 2017.”
Irish R3 steer prices are up 1.6% from €3.78 in 2016 to €3.84 in 2017.
“Irish R3 steers performed well in early 2017 when compared with EU prices, but have fallen behind in the past few months. UK R3 steers are currently making the equivalent of €4.20/kg.
“Live exports are the success story of 2017, up by 35% on 2016 levels. Calf exports in particular performed very strongly up by 35% to 101,000.
“Weanling exports are up by 34% to 65,000 and adult cattle are up by 20% to 24,500.”
Padraig Brennan, director of markets, Bord Bia
“What markets do we need to focus on? Currently 70 countries on the books.
“We currently have an ongoing study to look at market attractiveness and our ability to supply that market.
“We now have prioritised 15 markets within each sector and will do a detailed study on five of these in 2018. Indonesia, UAE, South Africa and Egypt top of the list for beef.”
Conor O Sullivan, Bord Bia, China
“China can’t produce the food it needs, 9% of the land is arable and 20% is polluted. There are huge water corrections across the country.
“If consumption rises by 1kg, this means a 1.38m tonne increase in import demand.
“There is huge potential, but the complicated structure of dealers and sellers mean its hard to penetrate and develop our brand.”
Rupert Claxton, GIRA
Ireland has lead the way in offal exports in 2017. There is huge potential to add to the value of a carcase in emerging markets.
“In terms of beef production, the underlying trend is long-term decline in beef production, with imports from Brazil and Uruguay into the EU forecast to recover somewhat.
“China is a big distraction for these countries.”
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