Bernard J. Durkan
Question:189 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if Irish bacon producers and processors can compete to supply all of the major chain-stores; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7243/05]
View answerWednesday, 2 March 2005
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Last year, some 204,000 tonnes of pigmeat was produced in Ireland. Over 40% of this was consumed on the domestic market and sold primarily through the multiple retailers. Some 114,000 tonnes of pigmeat was exported in 2004 and over half serviced the UK market where a substantial proportion was sold through the multiple retailers.
Irish pigmeat commercial sales are competitive both at home and on the export market in branded product and in the own-brand segment. In the branded segment these attract a valuable premium at the retail stage and help secure the presence of Irish product in major retail outlets. The own-brand segment of the market is more competitive but nonetheless Irish pigmeat is performing satisfactorily in that market also.