Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — The Spanish beef industry is working to boost exports to Saudi Arabia, one of the largest markets for beef in the world, with exporters disclosing immediate and ambitious long-term plans to grow international trade.

Revealing expansions plan for Saudi Arabian market, Jose Ramon Godoy, International Director of PROVACUNO, the agro-food inter-professional organization of the Spanish beef industry, on Thursday said here that production of beef in Spain is distinctive because of its sustainable production model, the variety of breeds, the protected designations of origin and geographical indications.

He added that the variety of cuts depends on the age at the time of slaughter and, above all, the production and commercialization of meat from young animals that is tasty, moist and digestible.

Godoy said Spain exported 250 tons of quality beef to Saudi Arabia last year and since then, there is increase in demand for Spanish beef in Kingdom.

He said the Kingdom consumes 220,000 tons of beef yearly, whereas it produces 60,000 tons only locally. The remaining quantity is met by imports — 42 percent from Brazil, 32 percent from India and 14 from Australia.

PROVACUNO official said Spain is having 110,000 farms and 300 abattoirs that produce 650,000 tons of beef per annum.

He added the main destination for the Spanish beef is European Union, with nearly 90 percent of total exports reaching the European bloc, mainly to France, Germany, Portugal, and Italy.

Goody underlined that the sustainability of the Spanish beef industry is based on the European Production Model (MEP, in Spanish), which is the highest quality and food safety standard in the world, certified with a traceability system from the farm to the table.

He noted that this guarantees healthy and safe food, of the highest quality and produced with a low environmental impact.

The official further said healthy animal breeding and meat production are performed in compliance with EU legislation on preventing and combating animal diseases, as well as bio-safety measures in farms and processing industries.

He emphasized that Spanish beef industry is a world leader in animal welfare, adding that comfort contributes to the improved life quality of animals and the quality of the products at the farm during transportation and at the time of slaughter.