Irish beef exports shrug off horsemeat to rise by 16%

Irish beef exports have climbed by 16% and risen in value, since the beginning of this year – despite the horsemeat scandal, according to Aidan Cotter, chief executive of Bord Bia, the Irish food board.

In this exclusive podcast, Cotter tells FoodManufacture.co.uk the fact that Ireland’s Food Safety Authority was the one to first identify the Europe-wide problem has helped the industry to thrive.

Quality assurance scheme

As evidence, he highlighted the rise in the number of customers sourcing beef from farms in Ireland’s Origin Green quality assurance scheme from 75% in 2012 to 85% this year.

The whole of Europe must put measures in place to ensure the integrity of its sourcing and ensure manufacturers’ prioritise food safety and traceability over price, said Cotter.

Look out for the November issue of our sister title Food Manufacture, which will include a full feature on sustainable ingredients plus a feature on the Irish food and drink industry.

Meanwhile, traceability and food safety will take centre stage at Food Manufacture’s Food Safety Conference to be staged at the National Motorcycle Museum, near Birmingham on Thursday October 17. Book your place here.

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