Some UK processors have started importing live Irish cattle to secure beef following a tight supply period.
There have been several reports of cattle shipments into the UK from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
UK processors have taken advantage of the usual price differential across the Irish sea, which is currently 18 – 20 per cent lower. Irish base prices were around 335p/kg at the start of the month compared to 400p/kg in the UK.
Now many predict that southern Irish beef will flow into the catering trade as restaurants and pubs reopen despite the lengthy paperwork and tight Irish numbers. However, due to higher supermarket buying during lockdown and lower calf supply numbers.
Edward Stephenson of Stephensons said there are quite a lot of big bulls going into the catering business that have been sourcing meat in anticipation of pubs and restaurants reopening.
“By Monday people had secured their orders – it’s now wait and see how demand goes,” he added.
LSL News.