According to Bord Bia, the Saudi market is being fueled by economic growth, an increasing population, modern grocery retail and developing “western tastes”.
In all, the market grew by 9.2% CARG between 2008-2013 to around 150,000 tonnes.
"The beef distribution chain is changing. Organised retail accounts for 53% of volume with Horeca making up 25%. 18% is sold through neighbourhood butchers with the rest coming from private farm sales," said Michael Hussey of Bord Bia.
Some 85,000 tonnes of frozen beef was imported last year. Indian beef dominates with almost 70% market share, followed by Australia at 23%. Australian beef is used for the premium end of the market.
In total, 21,500 tonnes of chilled beef was imported in 2013. Pakistan had almost 40% share of these imports, followed by Australia at 31%, and New Zealand, at almost 21%. The chilled market is growing at a stronger rate than frozen, offering opportunities for Irish producers of Halal beef.
Meanwhile, total sheep meat consumption was 138,000 tonnes last year and grew by 3.7% CARG in the previous five years.
Despite the potential for Irish beef exports to Saudi, it is likely that big international targets for Ireland will remain US and China.
According to Bord Bia, the Saudi market is being fueled by economic growth, an increasing population, modern grocery retail and developing “western tastes”.
In all, the market grew by 9.2% CARG between 2008-2013 to around 150,000 tonnes.
"The beef distribution chain is changing. Organised retail accounts for 53% of volume with Horeca making up 25%. 18% is sold through neighbourhood butchers with the rest coming from private farm sales," said Michael Hussey of Bord Bia.
Some 85,000 tonnes of frozen beef was imported last year. Indian beef dominates with almost 70% market share, followed by Australia at 23%. Australian beef is used for the premium end of the market.
In total, 21,500 tonnes of chilled beef was imported in 2013. Pakistan had almost 40% share of these imports, followed by Australia at 31%, and New Zealand, at almost 21%. The chilled market is growing at a stronger rate than frozen, offering opportunities for Irish producers of Halal beef.
Meanwhile, total sheep meat consumption was 138,000 tonnes last year and grew by 3.7% CARG in the previous five years.
Despite the potential for Irish beef exports to Saudi, it is likely that big international targets for Ireland will remain US and China.
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