Strong meat exports and record producer prices, highlighted in Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects report 2021/2022, have been welcomed by Meat Industry Ireland (MII), the Ibec association representing the meat-processing sector.

The annual report, published this morning (January 12), revealed that the total value of meat and livestock exports increased by 4% to €3.5 billion in 2021 - a strong performance given the challenges of the year.

Below the top-line growth, individual sectors experienced differing market trends, with strong demand and higher prices in beef and sheepmeat, and a weaker market for poultry and pigmeat.

Meat and livestock exports were up 7% when compared to 2019.

In a statement from MII, it said that exports of high-quality Irish meat saw a very strong performance during 2021 despite the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic, post-Brexit trade complexities, and labour shortages.

MII was commenting following the publication of the Bord Bia report, which showed that while the overall volume of exports reduced slightly due to lower production, the value of Irish meat exports grew by 4%.

Throughout 2021, market performance saw record beef and lamb prices for Irish producers, it added.

"Overall, beef prices were 12% up on 2020 and reached a high of €4.57/kg for R-grade steers. For the year as a whole, the Irish cattle price matched the Bord Bia Export Benchmark Price Index and outperformed price levels in our key EU markets."

MII said it had also been a positive and encouraging period for the Irish sheepmeat sector, which has seen record producer prices delivered throughout the year, reaching a record €8/kg high, with the overall price performance showing a 27% increase on 2020.

Better market conditions facilitated the delivery of stronger prices for beef and lamb producers.

These market conditions were determined by a number of key factors, according to MII, such as:

Commenting on the export performance of the meat sector, MII senior director, Cormac Healy said:

“The meat and livestock sector remains a cornerstone of Ireland’s export economy and is particularly important to the economic well-being of rural Ireland.

Looking ahead to 2022, MII has highlighted a number of key issues that require focus: