Brazil, as a country, imports in the region of 80-100,000t of "premium beef" annually, according to agribusiness co-ordinator and specialist at ApexBrasil, Alberto Carlos Bicca.

Agriland travelled to Brazil on a special research trip this month, and met with key representatives from across the wider Brazilian agricultural sector.

ApexBrazil is the Brazilian trade and investment promotion agency; Bicca's remit at the agency focuses primarily on beef.

He explained the scale of both beef production and consumption in what is one of the largest beef-producing countries globally, as well as one of the highest beef-consuming countries per capita.

Brazil produces approximately 12 million tonnes of beef annually and consumes approximately 8 million tonnes of this beef annually, exporting the remaining approximately 3.5-4 million tonnes.

Interestingly, the country consumes predominantly the hind-quarter beef and exports mainly the lower-value forequarter cuts.

One of the most popular dishes in the country is 'Picanha', which is a specific cut of beef from the rump of the animal.

This is the premium dish of choice for most Brazilian people on special occasions and family outings.

Imports

Such is the level of demand for premium beef in Brazil that the country in fact has to import anywhere from 80,000-100,000t annually.

Bicca said that the majority of the beef imported to Brazil is premium cuts such as sirloin, top loin, tenderloin, and rump.

The beef is predominantly imported from 'British breeds' such as Angus and Hereford.

This premium Angus and Hereford beef market is mostly supplied by other south American countries, but the US, the UK and a number of European countries are also eligible to export beef to Brazil.

Bicca explained that Ireland is not currently approved to export beef to Brazil, but said that his understanding is that market access has never been sought by Ireland for exporting beef to Brazil.

He said: "Normally we export the front side or the forequarter but today, with these British breeds like Angus, Hereford and other ones, with the Brazilian food service especially and in restaurants, they want more and more and more.

Irish beef is often perceived as 'the best-quality beef in the world'.

In a country where the population places such an emphasis on enjoying premium beef-eating experiences, the Apex Brazil representative said that he sees no reason why Ireland could not supply some of the market for 'premium' Angus and Hereford beef to Brazil - if the country ever sought access to the market.