Growing Muslim populations in Europe are boosting the trade for Irish sheep. The upcoming Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, on 1-5 September, has become an increasingly important market for Ireland. Over 40,000 sheep were exported live for the festival last year and Irish factories exporting sheep also benefited from a spike in demand.
Growing Muslim populations in Europe are boosting the trade for Irish sheep.
The upcoming Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, on 1-5 September, has become an increasingly important market for Ireland. Over 40,000 sheep were exported live for the festival last year and Irish factories exporting sheep also benefited from a spike in demand.
Live exporters have been equally active this year. France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany are the main continental EU destinations for Irish sheep and sheepmeat.
Muslims account for 7% to 8% of the 67m French population and 5% to 6% of the populations in the other three countries.
It is estimated that there are more than 12m Muslim consumers in continental Europe, while the British Muslim population is over 3m people.
The religious festival of Eid al-Adha combines prayer and a sacrificial feast.
Tradition dictates that meat is divided into three portions, one to be eaten at home, the second given to neighbours, friends and relatives, and the third given to less well-off people.
Breeding and finishing lambs in Roscommon
Sheep trends: factories try to soften prices
In pictures: strong demand for Mule hoggets and ewe lambs at Maam Cross
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: