French resistance weakens

By Chloe Smith

- Published: 25 October, 2006

UK meat bosses said French consumers continue to resist English beef, but an image change is on the horizon - if the supply is right.

Rémi Fourrier, head of the Meat & Livestock commission (MLC) in France, has said there is a resistance to English beef among French consumers.

But the "chauvinism and nationalism" that drives French consumers is gradually decreasing, he said, and the introduction of more prime beef into the market will improve its image.

Speaking this week at Sial, the international food show in Paris, Fourrier said the strategy for exporting is now focussed on supplying prime English beef to top French restaurants. "There is definitely a market for English beef," he said, but revealed there are problems trying to secure a reliable supply and the search is ongoing.

He said it was important to ensure a consistent reliable source before any marketing messages are pushed.