News

Irish Meat Exports to Europe: Temperature-Controlled Transport That Delivers

Ireland remains one of Europe’s leading exporters of premium beef, lamb, and pork. The majority of Irish meat production is destined for mainland European markets, where retailers, processors, and foodservice operators depend on consistent, high-quality supply.

For Irish meat exporters, logistics is not a secondary function — it is a critical control point in protecting product integrity, compliance, and commercial relationships.

HANNON Transport supports Irish meat processors and exporters with temperature-controlled groupage and full load services from Ireland into key European markets including France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

Fresh & Frozen Irish Meat

Fresh and frozen meat products require strict temperature management, short transit windows, and precise documentation handling. Even minor deviations can result in rejected loads, compliance issues, or reduced shelf life.

Typical export profile includes:

• Fresh beef and lamb at 0°C to +2°C

• Frozen product at –18°C

• Mixed consignments combining chilled and frozen SKUs

• Time-sensitive deliveries to processors, distributors, and retail RDCs

This operating environment demands a logistics partner with controlled equipment, defined schedules, and in-house customs capability.

Route & Schedule

HANNON operates high-frequency departures from Ireland into mainland Europe, using both direct ferry routes and the UK Landbridge where appropriate.

Typical schedule profile:

• Day 1 – Collection in Ireland

• Day 3 – Arrival in Northern France / Benelux

• Ongoing distribution into Germany and wider EU markets

This predictable transit model enables exporters to meet production schedules and delivery windows across multiple EU destinations.

Our Specialities

Temperature Control & Dual-Temp Capability

Our refrigerated trailers operate within strict chilled and frozen parameters, with dual-temperature capability available for mixed loads. Real-time monitoring ensures full traceability throughout transit.

Groupage & Full Load Flexibility

Not every exporter moves full trailer volumes daily. Our groupage (LTL) services allow processors to ship smaller consignments while maintaining cold chain integrity and defined transit times. Full load (FTL) options remain available for higher-volume movements.

In-House Customs Expertise

Exporting meat into the EU requires accurate documentation, health certification alignment, and smooth border processing. Our in-house customs team manages export declarations and supports seamless EU entry, reducing administrative friction for exporters.

Operational Control

With our own fleet, facilities, and experienced drivers, HANNON maintains direct oversight across the full journey — reducing reliance on subcontracted networks and improving service consistency.

Talk to HANNON About Your EU Meat Exports

If you are exporting fresh or frozen meat from Ireland to Europe, review your current transport model.

Talk to us about how we can help optimise your chilled and frozen export movements with defined schedules, secure temperature control, and full customs support.

📧 sales@hannontransport.com
📞 +44 28 9265 1441

Transport & Handling

HS Codes
• 0201 – Fresh beef
• 0202 – Frozen beef
• 0203 – Pork
• 0204 – Lamb & mutton
• 1602 – Prepared/preserved meat

Handling Conditions
• Fresh: 0°C to +2°C
• Frozen: –18°C
• Dual-temperature capability available

Service Capabilities
• Groupage [LTL]
• Full Load [FTL]
• Dual-Temperature Trailers
• Temperature-Controlled Logistics
• In-House Customs Clearance
• Own Fleet & Drivers
• Real-Time Track & Trace
• Just-in-Time Delivery