UK beef price gains under threat from Irish growth

摘要

Rising beef cattle numbers at Irish processors cast uncertainty over continuing price rises in the UK, the AHDB has warned.As elsewhere, Ireland's cattle sector was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, with a heavier impact there due to a reliance on exports to the UK and European food service markets, said analyst Hannah Clarke.In April, Irish fresh and frozen beef exports were down 35% to the EU and 18% to the UK year-on-year.The lower demand and furloughing of abattoir staff meant Irish cattle throughput fell by almost 25% in some weeks during lockdown, creating a substantial backlog that is likely to mean plentiful supplies for some time to come.