But there has been a reluctance among other European consumers to take up the slack. Every time a French minister and a British minister meet, the ban should be the first item on the agenda. The strength of sterling was also cited as a problem. The Commission said it would have been easier to compete with countries like the Republic of Ireland if the value of the pound had been lower. The quality has never been a problem.
British beef is well appreciated in Belgium.
The Meat and Livestock Commission said the main customers since the ban have been independent retailers and restauranteurs in Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy. British beef is still banned in other countries around the world, such as New Zealand and America.