Beef exports are off to a good start

The first consignments of British beef started arriving in France this week.

While tonnages are modest and customs data has yet to confirm exact volumes, Meat and Livestock Commission France director, Rmi Fourrier, is pleased with the way British product is being received.

“Things are going better than just well,” he told Farmers Weekly.

As well as previous customers, Mr Fourrier has had quite a few enquiries from fresh sources.

There will be a French buyers’ meeting with British suppliers on 7 June in Paris, which he is confident will generate further orders.

“The tone of French press reports has been very positive,” he added.

A relatively firm British market has reined in supplies in recent weeks, but Mr Fourrier remains confident in the long-term prospects for the market.