More opportunities to export UK lamb to France have been highlighted during a visit organised by beef and lamb levypayers’ body EBLEX.

A group of 10 delegates from supermarket chain Intermarché – the largest supermarket chain in Europe with 1,800 stores – and processor SVA Jean Rozé spent three days visiting processors, producers and butchers.

France remains the largest export market for UK lamb with around 60% of lamb exports heading across the Channel. The visit looked at new lamb cuts and the opportunities for them in the French market. Delegates visited an Angus breeder and another beef producer who supplies a major retailer.

Dr Phil Hadley, southern senior regional manager and organiser of the visit, said: “France is a key export market for lamb. As such, the focus of the visit was very much on lamb production and new cutting techniques. It provided the perfect platform to discuss production and future opportunities for our products in what is already a strong market for us.”