AHDB: Global appetite for beef helps value of UK red meat exports hit record level
Full-year figures from HMRC show that in 2024, red meat exports, including offal, surpassed the previous record set in 2022, underpinned by the performance of beef shipments to Europe and further afield.
The value of beef, lamb and pig meat exports in 2024 increased 3.3% on year-earlier levels.
Demand for beef (including offal) was particularly evident, with the value of shipments to the EU up 10.9% in value to £577.1m and 4.7% in volume to 114,000 t.
All main EU markets reported growth, particularly France and the Netherlands, with shipments worth £202.7m (up 10.6% on the year) and £115.8m (up 24.6% on the year), respectively.
Markets where we have been active, such as Ghana and South Africa, also featured in the top five non-EU destinations for beef exports.
Jonathan Eckley, AHDB Interim International Trade Development Director, said: "We are delighted with these latest figures showing that 2024 was a strong year for our red meat exports, with a new record being set for the value of our shipments.
"The performance of beef exports was particularly encouraging, with the importance of the European market – where we are currently rolling out our Quality Meat from Britain brand – highlighted by the appetite for our world-class product in both France and the Netherlands.
"Total beef offal exports were up 15.2% on the year, adding £70.3m to the sector, which is incredibly important, and an increase of £9.3m over the value recorded in 2023.
"The success of beef offal exports also illustrates the vital role carcase balance plays in adding value to the UK sector. Finding markets that prize cuts with low demand on the domestic market plays a pivotal role in adding value to the sector".
While sheep meat export volumes eased on the year, overall value increased by 6%, to nearly £600m. France remains the UK’s largest market for UK sheep meat exports, with the value increasing by 12.8% on the year to £330m.
Despite total pig meat exports also easing on the year, pig meat offal exports were positive to the UK’s two largest markets – China and the Philippines.
Pig meat offal shipments to China were up 19% in volume (78,600 t) and worth £101m (up 1.8%). Pig meat offal exports to the Philippines increased by 35.5% and were worth £24.5m (up 20.5%).
Jonathan added: "Despite sheep meat exports facing some challenges, shipments to France underlined the importance of this market.
"The EU continues to be an important market for our products, underlined by our recent launch of the Quality Meat from Britain website, which will provide insight and support tools for our exporters to draw on to help maximise opportunities presented there.
"While it’s also important to recognise the challenges that have faced the international pig meat sector, the figures for pig meat offal to China and the Philippines are encouraging. Similarly to beef offal, it illustrates the importance of carcase balance and the value add it can deliver for our levy payers.
"We will continue to work with the industry and Government to help ensure our world-class red meat continues to flourish in multiple markets around the world.
"Our support will continue this year with an extensive activity programme, including inward and outward trade missions, trade show attendance and market access work.
"After a successful 2024, we look forward to building on this throughout 2025 and helping our industry continue to thrive on the global stage".
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