Looking at the performance of the New Zealand (NZ) beef industry demonstrates just how close yet far away Ireland is from achieving its true market potential on the world stage.

Over the past six months, NZ beef and veal export returns have reached a record high of NZ$1.6 billion (€1.1bn), a jump of NZ$480m (€341m) over the same period in 2013-14. While domestic prices have been pushed upwards with steaks now retailing at NZ$27.28 (€19.37) a kilogram for sirloin steak, compared to NZ$23.83 (€16.92) a year ago. Currently Irish steaks are costing consumers in the €18-21.00 region depending on maturity and trim.

Like their neighbours in Australia, the big driver for NZ is the USA and China. Exports to the US climbed by a third to 122,200 tonnes, while exports to China increased by a fifth (20%) to 21,000 tonnes in the first half of 2014-15 compared with a year earlier.

While China is the developing market we can see from these figures that right now, it is the USA that is the priority market. Looking at the first quarter of 2015 compared with the same period in 2014, sales to the USA are up 8,000 tonnes to 55,000 tonnes while Australia’s exports to the USA are at almost 82,000, up from under 45,000 tonnes a year ago for the first quarter according to Meat & Livestock Australia.

Irish factories and officials are working to secure approval for manufacturing beef sales but it is proving hard work. Meanwhile the 64,800 tonne quota that Ireland would supply under is filing faster than a year ago with 16,000 tonnes already used. Chinese officials are expected in September though we aren’t sure yet how far this will move the entry to China process forward, it is still welcome news. For the Irish beef industry to achieve its potential we need our manufacturing meat, the current problem part of the carcase to sell, in these markets. Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, work remains to be done.