Meat Industry Roundup: 19–26 January 2026

This week’s headlines cover processing plant closures in the UK and Ireland due to market pressures and tight cattle supplies, alongside continued growth in Irish food exports and significant international trade developments, including China lifting its ban on Canadian beef.

UK Headlines

UK Pork Production Sees Continued Growth in 2025

Official data has revealed that UK pig meat production increased by 2.3% during 2025, a trend driven primarily by heavier carcase weights. Despite a smaller national breeding herd, the pork sector demonstrated a resilient performance throughout the year. Full details are available at AHDB.

ABP to Close Northern Ireland Retail Packing Plant

More than 300 jobs are at risk following ABP’s announcement that it plans to close its Linden Foods retail packing facility in Dungannon, County Tyrone. The company attributed the difficult decision to a challenging marketplace and the strategic need to consolidate its UK operations. Read more at BBC News.

NFU Raises Alarm Over Ukrainian Poultry Imports

The National Farmers’ Union has voiced “extreme concern” over the government’s decision to extend tariff-free access for Ukrainian poultry and egg imports for an additional two years. The union pointed to a dramatic increase in imports since 2022 and urged the government to ensure a level playing field for British farmers. Details at NFU Online.

Poultry and Eggs Remain Competitive Against Food Inflation

Recent market analysis shows that the retail prices for both eggs and poultry meat continue to rise more slowly than the general rate of food inflation. This trend ensures that poultry products maintain their competitive price point for consumers. The full story is at Poultry Network.

Ireland & NI Headlines

Irish Beef Processors Reduce Capacity Amid Tight Cattle Supply

Leading processors in Ireland, including Kepak and ABP, are reducing their operational capacity in response to a tightening supply of cattle, a move that is resulting in job losses. This development reflects a long-term view that processing capacity has outstripped available livestock numbers in Ireland and Great Britain. The full story is at the Irish Farmers Journal.

Irish Food Exports Hit Record €19 Billion in 2025

Despite a volatile global trading environment, Ireland’s food, drink, and horticulture exports surged by 12% to a record €19 billion last year, according to a new Bord Bia report. The meat and livestock sector was a significant contributor, with exports increasing by 18% to just over €5 billion. Read more at Euromeatnews.

Cranswick Publishes Independent Animal Welfare Review

UK-based food producer Cranswick has publicly released a comprehensive, veterinarian-led review of its animal welfare practices. The report, which includes a list of recommendations for the company, is now available online. Details at Meat Management.

Global Headlines

China Lifts Ban on Canadian Beef Imports

In a significant development for the North American beef industry, China has lifted its ban on Canadian beef exports. This move is expected to boost the resilience of Canada’s beef sector by reopening a major market that imported 2.9 million tonnes of beef in 2024. The full story is at The Globe and Mail.

Brazilian Beef Exports Forecast to Remain Stable

Brazil’s beef industry lobby, ABIEC, has projected that the country’s beef exports will remain stable in 2026, with shipments expected to be between 3.3 and 3.5 million tonnes. This forecast comes despite recent trade measures implemented by China, a key market for Brazilian beef. Read more at Reuters.

Tyson Foods Closes US Beef Plant Amid Tight Cattle Supply

Tyson Foods has proceeded with the closure of a US beef plant, a decision driven by tight cattle supplies that have increased operational costs for American processors. The company is continuing limited operations at the facility during the transition. Details at Agriculture.com.