- Income growth and the impact of western food service chains (McDonalds, Burger King) have led to the growth in popularity of beef in China. It is not a traditional meat item in China and consumption of beef has been historically low (3% of overall meat consumption). Official Import volumes reached 279,000 tons in 2013, 3.79 times that of 2012.
- By 2018 per capita kg consumption of beef will still be in its infancy, just 5kg per annum versus 40kg for pork.
- Chinese frozen beef imports reached 282,890 MT in 2013; an increase of 367% on 2012 volume of 60,524.
- Australia dominates imports at 47% followed by Uruguay 30%, New Zealand 15%, Canada 4% and Argentina 4%; the US does not have market access (BSE). According to CSO figures Irish beef exports to Hong Kong reached a value of €3.5m in 2013; a 527% increase on 2012.
Bord Bia has welcomed the announcement by the Chinese government to re-open its market to Irish beef following an absence of 15 years. This positive decision marks an important next step in securing new market opportunities for Irish exporters in this high potential market. Increasing prosperity in China is leading to increased demand for imported beef which is expected to rise to over 750,000 tonnes by 2023 but only accounting for approximately 3% of China’s meat consumption.
Commenting on the announcement Aidan Cotter Chief Executive said:"The decision by the Chinese authorities represents a major boost for the reputation of Irish beef in the region. International markets, outside the European Union, were the star performers in Irish food and drink exports achieving their fifth year of continuous growth in 2014. Almost one-third (€850 million) went to Asia, of which almost two-thirds were accounted for by China (61%) where exports increased by almost 40% to reach €520 million.
In addition the Chinese consumer preference for cuts less in demand on European markets will provide a complementary export outlet that maximises overall returns to Irish producers and processors. Ireland has built a solid trading relationship with China which has seen the value of Irish food and drink exports increase tenfold over the past ten years. It is our sixth largest export market overall, our second most important for dairy and pig meat and is a growing market for our seafood. This welcome development points to a bright future for meat exports to the region and Bord Bia, through our Shanghai office will work closely with exporters to fully exploit the region's potential".
In anticipation of this positive move by the Chinese authorities Bord Bia agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with the China Meat Association which has already enabled Irish exporters to engage with potential buyers. A delegation representing China’s top beef buying companies will visit Ireland in the coming weeks and visit beef and sheep meat export plants to see for themselves the high standards of production, processing and regulatory control that exists in Ireland. They will also participate in this year's Bord Bia business development initiative "Marketplace International" on March 26th in the Convention Centre Dublin where they will meet with the leading beef exporters who have themselves been active in the Chinese market in recent years including the Bord Bia organised trade missions to China in April 2012 and November 2014.