Europe facing "serious beef deficit"
15/01/2009
US beef producers have been urged to keep up their efforts to boost exports to the European Union.
Speaking at the 2009 International Livestock Congress in Denver on January 13, Monty Brown, retail consultant for the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), said that, just like the domestic beef market, the sluggish economy is prompting European customers to “trade down” their beef cut selections.
He emphasized, however, that Europe's own beef production is declining, so the market there is becoming more dependent on imports. In fact, he said the EU was facing "a serious beef deficit" in the coming year, which could create significant opportunities for US producers.
Despite the economic downturn, Mr Brown said knowledgeable European customers who are focused on quality will still respond well to US beef.
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