Provacuno holds a meeting in Porto between Spanish exporting companies and importers from Portugal

 

The Interprofessional Beef Organization of Spain (PROVACCINE) has been carried out in Porto, a meeting with important Spanish export companies and importers from the world of meat in Portugal. The objective of the meeting has been to further strengthen commercial relations between the two countries, as well as to highlight all the points they have in common: a similar culture and gastronomy, passion for quality food and support for European Production Model, which defends the maximum guarantees of traceability and food safety for the benefit of consumers, animal welfare and absolute respect for the environment.

 

Javier López, director of PROVACUNO, has highlighted the interest of both parties in intensifying commercial ties, since Portugal, as is also the case in Spain, is characterized by having deep roots in livestock farming. "However, the neighboring country has a deficit in beef production and needs to import it to satisfy its internal demand," he stressed.

 

In this sense, it is worth noting that Spain is the first exporter of Beef to Portugal. Meanwhile, Portugal is the main destination for Beef from Spain, with a share that represents 32% of total exports. "Culture, history, gastronomy and a very close bond due to proximity are shared. Likewise, Portugal has always been characterized by demanding top quality food, a fact that makes it an ideal commercial partner," said López.

 

Spanish companies exported 74.000 tons of Beef to Portugal throughout 2021, mainly fresh meat (55.601 tons), although frozen meats, beef preparations and other items were also sent.

 

The B2B meeting is part of the campaign "Hazte Vaquero- Proud of EU Beef", which, together with the Belgian interprofessional organization APAQ-W, seeks to inform about the sustainable production model carried out in Europe. In addition, attendees have also enjoyed a showcooking with European beef as the protagonist by the Spanish Michelin chef. Rafa Centeno and the Portuguese Vitor Matos.

 

Javier López, director of PROVACUNO, has highlighted the interest of both parties in intensifying commercial ties, since Portugal, as is also the case in Spain, is characterized by having deep roots in livestock farming.

 

Sustainability and animal welfare

PROVACUNO points out that the sector is increasingly modern and professionalized and knows how to respond to new consumer demands, while at the same time it wants to contribute as a leading agent to the achievement of all the objectives set by the European Union in the "Green Deal" strategies. and "From farm to table.

 

The commitment to animal welfare (PROVACUNO already published in 2021 one of the most rigorous, ambitious and objective works in the world, the Animal Welfare Reference in PAWS beef and is finalizing the industry) and sustainability are important competitive factors for European beef. The lines of work opened by this sector are allowing, for example, the progressive reduction of emissions and moving towards the great objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 (Carbon Neutral Beef Strategy 2050).

 

En Spain, the Beef sector is made up of 115.000 farms - 40% are located in municipalities at risk of depopulation -, 5,8 million heads of cattle, 238 industries, 718.000 tons produced each year for a value that exceeds 3.000 million euros and more than 132.000 direct jobs, which are generated above all in 'Empty Spain'.

 

These data are derived from the report "Analysis of the Spanish beef sector", presented by PROVACUNO in June 2022, which is the largest and most exhaustive x-ray carried out to date, which allows us to know in detail where the sector is. sector, in addition to serving as a guide to undertake actions aimed at achieving better structure and competitiveness.