More Canadian beef heads to China

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

by SUSAN MANN

More Canadian beef is headed for China including product from two Ontario plants.

The two Toronto-area plants, Ryding Regency Meat Packers Ltd. and St. Helen’s Meat Packers Limited, are among four facilities that have been approved by the Chinese to export product to its country. The other two are: Canadian Premium Meats Inc. of Lacombe, Alberta, and Les Viandes Laroche Inc. of Asbestos, Quebec.

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said in a Jan. 11 press release “this important step sets the stage to further trade opportunities in China for our beef producers.”

Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast announced the approval of the Canadian facilities that can now export to China.

They also said according to Canada Beef Inc. the Chinese market for Canadian deboned beef from animals under 30 months of age is worth about $20 million annually. Once Canada has full market access, the Chinese market for Canadian deboned beef from animals under 30 months is age is expected to be worth $110 million a year.

The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association said in a press release it welcomes the news additional Canadian plants can export beef to China. The government’s announcement brings the total number of approved facilities to seven and “should lead to expanded access opportunities for Canadian beef,” the cattlemen’s release says. BF