Access to exports markets such as the EU is crucial, warns AHDB.
It is clear 2020, has not been a normal year by any means and lamb markets have felt the effect of this. Retail demand has remained relatively resilient and Kantar data actually suggests there have been some areas of growth for the sector especially for household lamb purchases. In contrast to this, the closure of foodservice sector for prolonged periods of the year has restricted demand for the out of home market, although the importance of takeaways for lamb has meant even here the effect of lockdown has been muted to a degree.Export volumes of UK lamb have been increasing in recent years, and the vast majority of this trade is with Europe. Exchange rates between the Euro and Sterling have also been favourable in helping UK exports remain price competitive. “With the UK’s exportable surplus of lamb likely to increase in the future, the need for free trade with the EU is becoming even more important.The UK’s main market for lamb exports continues to be the EU, with over 90% of total UK sheepmeat exports going there during 2019. Without access through a free trade agreement, tariffs could undermine the competitiveness of UK product,” added the analyst.
https://www.euromeatnews.com/Article-UK-has-increased-lamb-production-/4225
