New Zealand has got another hoof in the European trade door with a European Union decision to allow access of a quota for grain-fed high quality beef.
Trade Minister Tim Groser said the additional access agreed by the European Union was good news.
"New Zealand has been approved to join a list of countries able to access an annual quota of 20,000 tonnes tariff-free (going up to 45,000 tonnes in 2012), which is administered by the EU," he said.
"New Zealand has acquired in more recent years a well-deserved reputation for high quality pasture-fed and grain-finished beef. It is important that industry is able to pursue all avenues to access high-value markets and to promote growth in this sector."
The move would allow New Zealand to offer a wider product range to European consumers.
"From my discussions with New Zealand companies it is clear that we can be competitive in the higher-priced high quality area, not just manufacturing beef which traditionally has gone to the North American market.
"In the long-term, I see a bright future for New Zealand high quality beef production. This agreement, which has taken some time to negotiate, is absolutely a step in the right direction."