THE Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has helped secure an expanded agreement to ship a wider range of beef cuts to Hong Kong.
It will enable the UK to export more boneless and bone-in-beef cuts from cattle of all ages, including manufacturing beef, and help the UK build on its existing trade relationship with the Far East.
The import of boneless beef, excluding offal from cattle less than 30-months-old, resumed in June 2009, while bone-in-beef exports for specific cuts resumed in 2012.
Dr Phil Hadley, AHDB head of global supply chain development, said: "We've enjoyed a good beef trade to Hong Kong since 2009 when the original agreement was reached. This was, however, limited to a certain number of cuts and ages of cattle.
"The new agreement is a significant step forward for our beef trade, broadening the opportunities for our exporters.
"Hong Kong is an established market for premium products and we've made great strides in the region. This agreement will enable us to expand our offering and help exporters cultivate the potential in this market."
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 225 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 366.4p per kg and an average of 221.5p (+12.8p on the week), while 357 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 265.1p and levelled at 226.6p (+6.8p). Forty-two store, B&W bullocks sold to 180.2p and averaged 142.5p (-4.1p).
In the rough ring 86 beef cows sold to 183.6p and averaged 131.7p (+3.6p), while 22 dairy cows peaked at 141.9p and levelled at 92.8p (-4.2p).
C&D Auction Marts ltd sold 4 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 213.5p and an average of 183.7p.
There were 34 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 117p (-2.8p) and dairy cows levelled at 81p (-10.1p).
The firm also sold 734 prime lambs to a top of £110 per head and 262p per kg to average 197.5p (-4.2p).
The 258 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £118.50 for a Texel and average £72.56 (-£11.94), while light ewes peaked at £63.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £45.22 (-£13.72).
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 516 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £93.50 and 212.5p to average 194.2p (-0.9p).
There was also a small show of 70 cast sheep when over-fat sheep continued to be harder to sell with ewes peaking at £93 for Texels.
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