Despite traditionally low export figures, it appears that Europeans are finally catching onto the delights of Australian organic and grass-fed beef.
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) states that beef volumes Down Under reached a 15-year high in 2012-13, with a total of 17,533 tonnes representing a 31 per cent year-on-year increase.
The European Union showed encouraging signs of an increased intake in high-quality Australian beef, with exports of grass-fed beef to the EU up by 2 per cent year-on-year, according to a September 20 media release from MLA.
A total of 8,800 tonnes of grass-fed beef was shipped to Europe over the past year, compared to 8,700 tonnes of grain-fed beef.
MLA outlined the significance of the growing EU export market – with those in Europe buying Australian beef at $9.65/kg last year, this market represent Australia’s most valuable export destination.
One of the key factors driving Australia’s increased reach to the European market was its access to the High Quality Beef (HQB) quota, which it was granted in 2010.
The HQB quota more than doubled in August last year, with the previous allocation of 20,000 increasing to 48,000.
This has paved the way for strategic alliances of mutual benefit for business in both Australia and the EU.
With over 500 million people in Europe consuming about eight million tonnes of beef every year, according to MLA, the future certainly looks bright for Australian beef exports to the EU.
The trend once again shows the global appeal of grass-fed and organic beef from Australia. You know your product is good when everyone around the world wants a piece of it!
