The European Parliament has voted to stop plant-based foods from using meat-style names such as “veggie burger” or “vegan sausage.” This decision is part of the ongoing discussion surrounding the EU ban on veggie burger labels.

The measure is part of a wider plan to give farmers a stronger role in the EU food supply chain. It now moves to talks with member states and the European Commission before final approval.

If adopted, the law would restrict words like “burger,” “steak,” “escalope,” and “egg” to products made from animals. The proposal mirrors existing EU rules that limit dairy terms such as “milk” and “cheese” to animal-derived foods.

Lawmakers unsuccessfully tried to introduce a similar ban in 2020. The renewed push shows growing tension between traditional livestock producers and the expanding plant-protein market.

Analysts say the move could force plant-based brands to rework packaging and marketing across the EU. It may also raise fresh questions about how consumers understand food names and product identity.

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Source: Reuters, October 8, 2025
(Rewritten and summarised for Meatex.co.uk – original reporting by Reuters)

Brazil’s beef exports to China climbed by 38% in September compared with the same month last year, reaching record levels as Chinese importers increased purchases in response to new US trade tariffs.

Industry group Abrafrigo reported that shipments to China reached 187,340 tonnes, helping drive total Brazilian beef exports to a record 373,867 tonnes for the month. Export revenue rose to US$1.92 billion, up 49% year on year.

The rise coincides with Washington’s decision to impose additional tariffs of up to 50% on Brazilian products, including beef, on top of existing duties of 26.4%. As a result, exports to the United States dropped sharply in September, falling 41% to US$102.9 million.

Meanwhile, demand from the European Union surged, led by Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Exports to the EU grew by 106% to US$131.7 million, making it Brazil’s second-largest beef market for the month.

Abrafrigo added that 130 countries have increased purchases of Brazilian beef so far this year, though 48 have reduced imports.

The shift highlights how tariff pressures and geopolitical tensions are reshaping global beef trade patterns. China’s stronger reliance on Brazil, coupled with renewed European demand, reinforces the country’s position as a key supplier in the global protein market.

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Source: Reuters, October 8 2025
(Rewritten and summarised for Meatex.co.uk – original reporting by Reuters)

Week Ending 5 October 2025 – Ireland: An analysis of the Irish pig prices in October 2025 reveals key trends for the industry.

Irish pig prices remained largely unchanged in early October as processors balanced firm domestic demand with weaker returns from continental markets.
The average Irish pig price held at €2.19/kg (deadweight), steady for a third consecutive week. Factory quotes continue to range between €2.16 and €2.22/kg, depending on grade and region.

According to industry sources, supplies remain moderate, with most producers achieving steady weights and throughput. Domestic consumption is described as stable, though export competitiveness has tightened due to recent easing across the EU pigmeat sector.

In comparison, German pig prices slipped to the equivalent of €2.05/kg, while Dutch and Danish prices averaged €2.00–€2.03/kg. Analysts suggest European processors are adjusting to softer Chinese import demand and higher feed costs earlier in the year.

Irish producers continue to face tight margins, with energy, transport, and feed costs still above long-term averages. Market observers expect prices to hold near current levels until the winter retail season begins to influence buying patterns.

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Source: Bord Bia – Irish Food Board (Pig Trade & Prices, October 2025)
(Rewritten and summarised for Meatex.co.uk)

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Irish Cattle Prices Slide as Export Demand Softens

Irish Sheep Prices Edge Higher as Kill Numbers Stay Low

Week Ending 5 October 2025 – Ireland

Irish sheep prices firmed slightly in early October as tight supplies continued to support the trade.
Average deadweight lamb prices rose to around €7.82/kg, up from €7.69/kg in late August. Most factories are quoting €7.75–7.85/kg, with higher returns for Quality Assured lots.

Processors report limited throughput, with weekly kill numbers remaining well below last year’s levels. Year-to-date slaughter is still down by almost 20%, reflecting smaller flock sizes and cautious on-farm selling.

Export demand remains steady, though buyers note increased competition from UK and French suppliers as continental production recovers.
Industry analysts expect the tight supply to keep Irish prices near current levels through October, barring any sharp fall in consumer demand.

Internationally, UK lamb prices averaged €7.70/kg, while Australian and New Zealand lamb traded lower at €6.50/kg and €5.10/kg respectively — keeping Ireland among the highest-priced markets worldwide.

See also: Irish Cattle Prices Slide as Export Demand Softens

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Source: Bord Bia – Irish Food Board (Sheep Trade & Prices, October 2025)
(Rewritten and summarised for Meatex.co.uk)

Irish Cattle Prices Slide as Export Demand Softens

Week Ending 20 September 2025 – Ireland / Dublin

Irish beef processors paid €7.22/kg (deadweight, excluding VAT) for R3 steers in the week ending 20 September — a decline from recent highs.
That puts Irish prices slightly below the UK equivalent, which stood around €7.45/kg in the same period.

Factory quotes are under pressure. Starting bids this week range €7.10–7.20/kg for steers, while heifers are quoted at €7.20–7.30/kg.
Good quality cows in R grading are fetching €7.00–7.10/kg, and well-fleshed O grading cows are quoted at €6.80–6.90/kg.

Prices have eased due to softer beef demand across key export destinations, prompting factories to realign bids with broader European deadweight levels.

Meanwhile, cattle throughput in Irish DAFM-approved factories has dipped. Over the first 38 weeks of 2025, throughput is 8% lower compared to 2024.
The prime cattle kill is behind by 28,786 head (a 3% drop) year-on-year.
Cow slaughter is also down, falling 16% year-to-date, partly due to high prior culling and competition from dairy-related demand.

Live export trade slowed through summer but is picking up again as autumn progresses, with exporters showing renewed activity in livestock markets.

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Source: Bord Bia – Irish Food Board (Cattle Trade & Prices, September 2025)
(Rewritten and summarised for Meatex.co.uk)

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Irish Sheep Prices Edge Higher as Kill Numbers Stay Low

UK Meat Slaughter Figures Slide; August 2025 Sees Drop in Beef, Pig & Lamb Output

UK slaughter numbers across cattle, sheep and pigs dropped in August 2025 compared to the same month a year earlier, pulling down production of beef, pork and lamb.

These reductions matter for wholesalers, processors and exporters because they indicate tightening supplies, potential price pressures and shifts in trade flows. Lower output can raise costs, affect contract fulfilments, and force adjustments in import dependencies.

Market / Context

• In August 2025, prime cattle (steers, heifers, young bulls) in the UK saw slaughterings fall by about 7.3% year-on-year (153,000 head). Beef and veal output fell by 6.5% to roughly 68,000 tonnes.

• Clean sheep slaughterings also dropped 7.3%, at about 868,000 head, resulting in a 6.6% year-on-year decline in lamb and mutton production (~20,000 tonnes).

• Pig slaughter numbers were down as well, by 5.4%, with pigmeat production decreasing by 5.6%, to near 76,000 tonnes.

• For several livestock classes, average dressed carcase weights have stayed steady or shown minor variation, but declines in slaughter volume are the main driver of reduced meat production.

These trends come amid broader pressures: rising input costs, labour shortages, and supply chain constraints. Exporters may face tighter margins while domestic wholesalers might see reduced availability of certain cuts, especially beef and pigmeat.

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What to Watch

• Import vs export balance: As domestic production falls, dependence on imports may rise. Monitoring trade data will be key.

• Price movements: Reduced supply often leads to upward pressure on wholesale and retail prices—beef especially might see steeper increases.

• Feed, fuel, labour cost trends: Any escalation will further squeeze margins.

• Seasonal demand: The period ahead (autumn through winter) typically sees increased demand for lamb and beef. If supply remains tight, gaps could widen.

• Policy & regulation shifts: Support or subsidy changes (e.g. for livestock farming) could play a role in stabilising supply or offsetting cost pressures.

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Source: UK Government (Defra)

AIMS urges urgent talks with new ministers following Defra report on illegal meat imports

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has urged early talks with ministers after a new Defra report on Britain’s biosecurity.

Defra has released Biosecurity at the border: Britain’s illegal meat crisis. The report warns of rising risks from illegal meat imports. It highlights the danger of animal disease outbreaks and the knock-on effect for food security and trade.

Tony Goodger, Head of Communications at AIMS, called for swift action:

“AIMS looks forward to working with both the new Secretary of State at Defra, Emma Reynolds, and at the Department for Business & Trade, Peter Kyle. With today’s publication from Defra Biosecurity at the border: Britain’s illegal meat crisis it is essential that both meet with us at the earliest opportunity. They must prioritise animal disease and the impact on domestic production and overseas trade within their new roles.”

Why it matters:
Industry groups have long raised concerns over illegal meat entering the UK through ports and airports. Enforcement remains patchy. Without stronger checks, the risk of outbreaks such as African swine fever or foot-and-mouth disease grows. This could cost billions and damage export markets.

What to watch:

• Whether Defra and the Department for Business & Trade agree to meet AIMS and other trade groups.

• How ministers respond to calls for tighter border controls.

• If tougher penalties and better surveillance on illegal food shipments are introduced.

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📌 Source: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), “Biosecurity at the border: Britain’s illegal meat crisis,” 2025. Industry response from the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS).

Weekly Market Update: Cattle and Sheep Trends – August 2025

The latest figures from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) offer a mixed picture for the UK cattle and sheep markets, with subtle shifts in pricing and throughput reflecting broader seasonal and environmental pressures.

Cattle Market Overview

In the week ending 23 August, the GB all prime average deadweight price remained largely stable, dipping marginally by 0.1p to 641.2p/kg. Steer and heifer prices saw minimal movement, each adjusting by just 0.5p. However, young bulls experienced a more notable decline, falling by 1.6p to 635p/kg.

Prime cattle throughput increased slightly to 32,500 head, marking a 3% rise compared to the same week last year. Despite this, year-to-date figures show a 4% decline in prime slaughter numbers, down by 49,000 head.

Cull cow slaughter surged by 11% week-on-week, reaching 8,500 head. Interestingly, this rise in volume was accompanied by a price increase, with the average deadweight price climbing by 3.4p to 511.8p/kg. Cows graded -O4L achieved a higher average of 544.7p/kg.

Store cattle prices showed varied movement. Native steers aged 12–18 months rose by £43 to £1,494/head, while continental steers in the same category fell by £9 to £1,734/head. Older store cattle generally saw price reductions, possibly reflecting producers’ focus on securing longer-term supply contracts.

Sheep Market Snapshot

Lamb prices faced downward pressure, with the GB NSL deadweight SQQ falling by 19p to 735p/kg. Estimated lamb slaughter rose by 11,000 head, totalling 197,000 for the week.

Liveweight markets reported challenges in lamb finish and quality, particularly in drought-affected regions across the North and West. These conditions are expected to persist, potentially influencing market dynamics in the coming weeks.

Liveweight finished lamb prices also declined, with the NSL SQQ dropping by 23p/kg to 317.1p/kg. This comes despite a reduction in store lamb throughput by approximately 1,600 head.

Source: AHDB

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see also:

• Australian Cattle and Sheep Market Update – Late August 2025
• Irish Lamb Prices Hold Steady as UK Market Softens

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Irish prime cattle prices are now outpacing GB, signalling a significant shift in the UK–Irish beef pricing landscape.

Price Trends & Timeline

After narrowing steadily through summer, Irish prime cattle prices have held above UK equivalents for four consecutive weeks. Earlier this year, in February, the disparity between the two markets reached its widest point, with GB prices significantly higher. A similar crossover last occurred in 2022 — but only briefly for about five weeks.

Supply Shortfalls & Demand Drivers

The main driver behind this price shift is a 19% year-on-year decline in prime cattle slaughter in Ireland over the four weeks ending 25 August, firmly tightening supply. Concurrently, demand has remained robust, both at home and through exports to key markets such as the UK, France, the Netherlands, and other EU countries.

Market Implications & Outlook

Stronger Irish prices may be offering support to GB market stability, helping offset demand softness due to inflationary pressures. Looking ahead, ongoing herd contractions and export demand are likely to maintain upward price momentum.

As the autumn season progresses, pricing will also reflect seasonal demand from retail and festive markets. How this trend evolves will hinge on supply dynamics and consumer purchasing power heading into year-end.

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Source: Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), “Irish beef prices above GB for the first time in three years: Beef market update”, published 5 September 2025. ahdb.org.uk

Venison: The Sustainable Red Meat

Wild venison is emerging as a sustainable alternative to beef, with growing attention on its lower environmental footprint and strong market potential.

Why it matters
For wholesalers, processors and exporters, shifting demand towards wild venison could open fresh opportunities. The meat is lean, high in protein, and sourced from deer that already need managing in the UK countryside. Unlike beef, no extra farmland or feed inputs are required, reducing pressure on land use and supply chains.

Market/Context
The UK deer population has expanded significantly in recent decades, putting pressure on woodlands and farmland. Culling is necessary for ecological balance, yet much of the venison has historically gone under-utilised. Industry experts note that replacing a portion of beef consumption with wild venison could help lower greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming. Venison has fewer food miles when sourced locally, and offers wholesalers a premium product to position with sustainability-minded buyers. Export demand is also rising, particularly in Europe and Asia, where game meat is prized for both flavour and health benefits.

What to watch
Supply consistency remains a challenge, as wild venison depends on seasonal culls. Investment in cold storage, processing facilities and consumer education will be key for growth. Traders should also monitor evolving consumer tastes, with sustainability increasingly influencing purchasing decisions in retail and foodservice sectors.

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Source: BBC Future, 3 September 2025.