Meat Exports to Europe: Why Reliable Logistics Matter

In 2024, Ireland’s meat export industry continues to thrive, with Irish beef, lamb, and pork in high demand across Europe. With over 90% of Irish beef production destined for export markets, logistics plays a critical role in ensuring that meat products reach European customers in perfect condition.

From farm to fork, maintaining cold chain integrity, efficient transport routes, and seamless customs procedures is essential for preserving product quality and meeting stringent EU food safety regulations. At HANNON Transport, we specialise in temperature-controlled logistics, providing Irish meat exporters with fast, reliable, and compliant transport solutions across Europe.

The Strength of Ireland’s Meat Export Industry

Ireland is known for its high-quality, grass-fed beef and sustainably farmed meat products, which are prized by European consumers for their taste, traceability, and premium quality.

Key Facts About Irish Meat Exports in 2024:

• Over 560,000 tonnes of beef exported annually, with France, Germany, and the Netherlands among the top markets.
• The European Union accounts for 90% of Irish beef exports, with growing demand in Italy and Spain.
• Ireland is one of the EU’s largest sheep meat exporters, with 40,000+ tonnes shipped annually.
• The Irish pork sector exports over 250,000 tonnes per year, mainly to Denmark, Germany, and Belgium.

These export volumes highlight the importance of a robust logistics network to meet demand while ensuring meat products arrive fresh, safe, and market ready.

Why Reliable Logistics Matter for Meat Exports

Sustainability & Climate Resilience in Cold Chain Logistics

Meat is a highly perishable product, requiring strict temperature control and compliance with EU food safety regulations throughout the supply chain. Any delays, temperature fluctuations, or logistical inefficiencies can lead to spoilage, financial losses, and supply chain disruptions.

Temperature-Controlled Transport: Preserving Freshness & Quality

Meat must be transported under strict temperature conditions to prevent spoilage and maintain food safety. For fresh beef, lamb, and pork, the optimal temperature range is 0°C to 2°C, while frozen meat is typically transported at -18°C or lower.

Our Approach to Cold Chain Logistics:
✅ State-of-the-Art Refrigerated Trailers – Equipped with real-time temperature monitoring to ensure consistent conditions.
✅ 24/7 Cold Chain Monitoring – Immediate alerts if temperature variations occur, preventing spoilage.
✅ Fast & Direct Transport Routes – Minimising transit times to maintain freshness and shelf life.

Customs & Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring Smooth Cross-Border Transport

Since Brexit, exporting meat from Ireland to the EU via the UK requires careful customs clearance and sanitary checks. Delays at borders can cause serious disruptions, making expert customs handling essential.

How We Ensure Seamless EU Exports:
✅ Integrated Customs Services – Managing documentation, health certificates, and compliance requirements.
✅ Pre-Cleared Shipments – Reducing hold-ups at ports and border inspection posts.
✅ Efficient Ferry & Road Transport Links – Using direct ferry routes to bypass UK land bridges where necessary.

Fast & Reliable Transport Routes: Meeting Demand Across Europe

Speed is crucial for meat exports. The longer the journey, the higher the risk of product deterioration, missed deadlines, and financial losses. Our daily departures to key EU destinations ensure that Irish meat reaches European markets as quickly as possible.

Key Export Routes for Irish Meat in 2024:
🚛 Ireland → France – A primary hub for distribution to French supermarkets & food service providers.
🚛 Ireland → Germany – A key market for high-end grass-fed Irish beef.
🚛 Ireland → Netherlands & Belgium – Major processing and trading hubs for European meat imports.
🚛 Ireland → Italy & Spain – Growing demand for premium Irish beef & lamb in Mediterranean markets.

Sustainability in Meat Transport: Reducing the Carbon Footprint

As European consumers and businesses demand more sustainable food supply chains, HANNON Transport is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of meat exports.

Our Sustainability Initiatives:
🌱 Fuel-Efficient Transport – Investing in low-emission, Euro 6-compliant trucks.
🌱 Optimised Routing – Reducing road miles through direct ferry crossings to the EU.
🌱 Eco-Friendly Refrigeration – Using advanced technology to minimise energy consumption.

Supporting Ireland’s Meat Exporters with End-to-End Logistics

In a competitive export market, reliable logistics make the difference between a smooth, profitable supply chain and costly disruptions. At HANNON Transport, we provide tailored logistics solutions for Irish meat exporters, ensuring freshness, safety, and efficiency every step of the way.

With our temperature-controlled fleet, expert customs handling, and extensive European transport network, we help Ireland’s meat industry continue to grow, thrive, and meet the evolving demands of European consumers.

For exporters looking for a trusted logistics partner, HANNON Transport delivers expertise, efficiency, and reliability—keeping Irish meat exports fresh, on time, and market-ready.