While much of the last year has been frustrating in getting volume into the US without manufacturing beef approval, signs are more optimistic for 2016. So far this year, about 700t of mainly high-value steak cuts, worth an estimated €6m, have been despatched to the US.
While much of the last year has been frustrating in getting volume into the US without manufacturing beef approval, signs are more optimistic for 2016.
So far this year, about 700t of mainly high-value steak cuts, worth an estimated €6m, have been despatched to the US.
The Department of Agriculture is currently awaiting a notification from the USDA on the final approval of manufacturing beef as it
dealt with any queries that came back from the US
side in the final approval process.
It is thought that a decision is imminent.
If and when this comes, it will be decision time for companies if they feel they have a way of meeting the strict US E Coli test requirements without using the tools available in the states to destroy E Coli in the slaughter and cutting process.
Meanwhile, the Canadian trade is up and running, with over 20 major Irish meat factories on the approved list to supply Canada.
The first shipments are on their way, and this market, while not as lucrative or as high profile as the US, is lucrative in its own right and can make a useful contribution to the marketing of Irish beef.
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