UK Turkey Market Outlook 2025. A Steady Market with Changing Priorities

As we move through 2025, the UK turkey market remains a key area of interest for wholesalers, processors, and foodservice buyers. While overall demand remains stable, the way turkey is being sourced, sold, and served is evolving.

Whole birds are still in demand for the festive season, but year-round sales are increasingly driven by added-value cuts: turkey breasts, crowns, marinated portions, and convenience-ready formats. Retailers and caterers alike are adapting to changing consumer habits, particularly among younger demographics looking for quicker, easier meals without compromising on quality.

Production Pressures Continue

UK producers are feeling the squeeze from:

• Higher feed and energy costs

• Labour shortages

• Tight margins on rearing and processing

Avian flu remains a concern for flock management, and there’s growing caution around flock expansion. Many producers are focusing on efficiency and forward contracts to manage risk.

Imports Remain Vital – But Complex

The UK continues to import a significant volume of turkey products, particularly from the EU. Polish and German producers offer competitive prices, especially for cooked and processed meat used in food manufacturing and foodservice.

However, post-Brexit checks and currency volatility have added complexity to import schedules, encouraging some buyers to explore more UK-based supply options for stability and traceability.

Sustainability in Focus

Across retail, foodservice, and manufacturing, there’s a growing push toward:

• British sourcing

• Higher welfare standards

• Lower environmental impact

Organic and free-range turkey is seeing steady demand growth, particularly among premium buyers. That said, price sensitivity remains a key factor for most volume purchases.

As the hospitality sector continues its post-COVID rebound, turkey remains a carvery and Christmas menu staple. There’s strong interest in boneless joints, pre-sliced products, and ready-to-serve solutions that offer consistency and ease in high-volume kitchens.

Looking Ahead

The UK turkey sector in 2025 is best described as stable but watchful. Buyers can expect:

• Consistent demand in retail and foodservice

• Gradual growth in value-added and sustainable formats

• Ongoing price pressures and tighter supply planning

• Import reliance continuing, but under increased scrutiny

At Meatex, we’re actively sourcing a broad range of turkey products to meet the evolving needs of the trade – from festive whole birds to everyday processed cuts. Whether you’re looking to buy British or import at scale, our network can help you stay ahead of the curve.

📞 Get in touch with our team to discuss current availability and forward-order options.

Integrated Beef Schemes: A Guide to What’s Available and How They Benefit UK Farmers

UK – [May 27, 2025] – As dairy beef continues to grow its share of prime cattle slaughter in Great Britain, integrated beef schemes are becoming an increasingly vital component of the supply chain. These programmes link dairy farmers, beef producers, retailers, and processors, offering significant benefits such as guaranteed minimum prices, financial security, and streamlined operations.

Integrated beef schemes are designed to provide a reliable home for dairy-bred calves, ensuring a consistent supply for the beef market while offering farmers the stability of forward contracts and more accurate budgeting. Some even extend to integrated lending and fixed forward prices to assist with cash flow.

Here’s a look at some of the prominent integrated beef schemes operating across Britain:

• Elite Beef Scheme (Woodhead Bros, Myton Food Group): Relaunched in 2022, this scheme, in partnership with Buitelaar Group, involves 140 grower/finisher farms. Woodhead Bros retains ownership on growing farms, while grower-finisher cattle can be farmer-owned with company financing. Payments are linked to the UK weekly standard base price, with a guaranteed minimum price, and bonuses are based on the standard EUROP grid.
• Koyu Wagyu: A newer scheme aiming for “premium prices for premium beef,” Koyu Wagyu seeks dairy farms to supply calves, as well as rearers, growers, and finishers. Dairy farmers receive a fixed price per calf. Funding is offered via Oxbury, with farmers guaranteed a premium above the base price, plus an additional bonus for marbling.
• Warrendale Wagyu: Now in its eighth year, Warrendale Wagyu works with 1,000 UK farmers. Dairy farmers use Wagyu sires supplied by Genus and receive a payment per calf plus a premium at slaughter. Farmers own the animals, with finance options available, and prices are reviewed every six months based on a cost-of-production model, including a base price for finishers that increases with marbling scores.
• Meadow Quality Beef Scheme: Launched by the farmer-owned co-operative Meadow Quality (MQ), this scheme offers flexibility, allowing farmers to choose when to sell animals back through MQ (e.g., as forward stores or at finishing). While farmers purchase animals, MQ has partnered with Oxbury for finance options. The scheme primarily uses British Blue and Aberdeen-Angus sired dairy crosses.
• ABP Gamechanger: In its seventh year, this exclusive partnership between processor ABP and Sainsbury’s focuses solely on Aberdeen Angus beef. Calf prices are reviewed monthly, with dairy farmers receiving a fixed forward price. ABP owns calves at the rearing farm, paying rearers a management fee, while finishers purchase weaned calves with finance options. Cattle must be fed predominately grass or forage-based diets.

These schemes collectively highlight the evolving landscape of beef production, offering structured pathways designed to improve efficiency, traceability, and financial predictability across the supply chain, from calf to consumer.

Original source: Farmers Weekly 

Red Dragon Porc: Welsh Pig Farmers Unite to Boost Local Pork Value

A new co-operative, Red Dragon Porc Cyf, has been established by eight pig farmers from Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire in partnership with Fishguard-based butcher and meat processor Martyn Lloyd. This initiative aims to enhance the value of locally produced pork by reducing food miles, improving animal welfare, and increasing producer margins.

The collaboration was facilitated by Farming Connect’s Agrisgôp programme, which brings together farmers to develop business ideas and build confidence through action learning. The co-operative allows pork from herds born and reared within the region to be processed at a new low-throughput abattoir on the Lloyds’ farm at Cilshafe, significantly reducing transportation distances and stress on the animals.

Martyn Lloyd, who had struggled to source low food miles pork for his customers, saw the development of the abattoir as a solution. “We could get beef and lamb and we have our own poultry, but what we were missing was pork. We did our best to find Welsh pork for customers, but that pork came with a lot of food miles, and that doesn’t fit with our business ethos,” he explained.

The co-operative has already seen success, marketing £43,000 worth of pork by the end of 2024, including award-winning sausages at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair. The new abattoir has created four full-time jobs, with potential for more as sales grow.

Will Kerr, one of the co-operative members, noted the benefits of the collaboration. “As a group, we are more powerful. It gives us many advantages, and we are already getting a better price for our pigs,” he said. Kerr, who runs six Welsh pig breeding sows alongside beef and sheep enterprises, had previously faced challenges in marketing his pork individually.

Another member, Ed Walker, who produces around 600 pigs a year on an outdoor system at his 46-acre Model Farm near Tenby, highlighted the value of collective marketing. “As eight producers, we are on a par with commercial farmers as we can offer consistency of supply, but we are still individual small producers too,” he said.

Red Dragon Porc Cyf is now accepting new members and plans to expand to other areas over the next few years. The co-operative meets regularly, fostering collaboration and shared values among its members.

Original source: Wales247

South East’s Last Small Abattoirs Face Uncertain Future Amidst Rising Costs and Workforce Shortages

The owner of one of the South East’s few remaining small abattoirs has voiced significant apprehension regarding the long-term viability of the sector, citing increasing financial pressures and a challenging workforce landscape.

Luke Smith, who operates Down Land Traditional Meats in Henfield, West Sussex, has warned that without enhanced government financial assistance, his slaughterhouse faces an uphill battle for survival. Such a closure would have a direct impact on local farmers who supply independent butchers and farm shops rather than larger supermarket chains.

A key concern is the escalating cost of animal waste disposal, which has surged to an alarming £5,000 per week. Compounding this financial strain is an ageing workforce; Mr. Smith revealed the average age of a slaughterman is currently 63, with limited interest from younger generations in entering the profession.

“The abattoir itself is currently operating at a loss,” Mr. Smith explained, adding that his wholesale butchery operation is presently sustaining the wider business. “We are in urgent need of support and funding to continue.”

The challenging environment for small abattoirs is reflected in broader industry trends. The number of abattoirs across the UK has plummeted dramatically from approximately 2,500 in the 1970s to just 203 by 2023. Specifically, smaller facilities in England saw their numbers decline from 64 in 2019 to 49 by 2023, with five more closures reported in 2024 alone.

Local farmer Edward Perrett, from Ditchling, West Sussex, who relies on Down Land Traditional Meats for his farm shop’s supply, underscored the importance of nearby processing facilities. “Having a short journey to an abattoir is beneficial for animal welfare and helps manage costs,” Mr. Perrett stated, expressing concern that the abattoir’s closure would significantly complicate his operations.

The plight of small abattoirs has garnered political attention. Andrew Griffith, Conservative MP for Arundel and South Downs, voiced his backing for Mr. Smith, describing the issue as a “real crisis” in a “vital, sometimes neglected part of our food supply chain.” He suggested that while previous government grants were helpful, more substantial support and a reduction in bureaucratic hurdles are required.

Responding to the concerns, a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) affirmed the government’s commitment to the meat processing sector. They acknowledged the “vital contribution” of small abattoirs to maintaining a resilient food supply chain and their role in offering a competitive market route for producers of rare and native breeds. DEFRA highlighted an ongoing £5 billion investment in farming, touted as the largest ever budget for sustainable food production, alongside reforms aimed at boosting farmers’ profits and unlocking rural growth.

Original source: BBC News

Irish Beef Trade: Factory Quotes Show More Positive Trend Amidst Tight Supply

IRELAND –  (May 26, 2025) – The Irish beef cattle trade is exhibiting a more positive trend this week, with some processors increasing their price offerings despite many holding steady. A noticeable variation in bull prices has emerged, reflecting the ongoing scarcity of factory-fit cattle.

According to Agriland.ie’s latest report on May 26, 2025, while most beef processors maintained price offers similar to last week, certain outlets have raised their bids. Notably, there’s a significant difference of up to 40c/kg within grades for under-24-month bulls across various outlets.

Current factory quotes for steers (bullocks) range from €7.50-€7.60/kg on the grid, with heifers generally fetching €7.60-€7.70/kg. Breed bonuses continue to be a factor, with Angus eligible cattle receiving up to 30c/kg, and Hereford bonuses typically between 20-25c/kg, despite the official conclusion of the Irish Hereford Prime pre-booked bonus last week.

Beef procurement staff are acutely aware of an impending shortage of cattle. Favourable weather conditions and strong trade earlier in the year led to more cattle being brought forward for slaughter ahead of schedule. While the long-term impact on supplies for the latter half of the year remains to be seen, all current indicators point towards a tight supply.

Cow prices largely remain consistent with last week, though some previously lower-paying outlets have upped their offers. Generally, ‘U’ grade cows are quoted at €7.40-€7.50/kg, ‘R’ grade at €7.20-€7.30/kg, ‘O’ grade at €6.90/kg, and well-fleshed ‘P’ grade cows at €6.80/kg.

For bulls, price quotes for under-24-month animals show considerable variation. However, stronger buyers are offering up to €8.00/kg for ‘U’ grade bulls and €7.90/kg for ‘R’ grade bulls. ‘O’ grade bulls are quoted at €7.70/kg and ‘P’ grade bulls at €7.60/kg. Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at up to €7.70/kg on the grid.

Processors appear to be striving for price stability, but the prevailing tight supply conditions are, in reality, exerting upward pressure on prices paid, as evidenced by official price trends.

Original source: Agriland 

Weekly Australian Cattle and Sheep Markets: Supply Shifts Impact Prices

The latest Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) weekly market wrap reveals a dynamic period for Australian cattle and sheep, with reduced supply notably influencing prices across various indicators. The week ending May 16, 2025, saw significant movements in yardings, prices, and slaughter rates.

Cattle Market Highlights: The cattle market experienced an uplift across all indicators, primarily driven by sustained buyer demand against a backdrop of reduced supply. National yardings eased considerably by 25,000 head, settling at 55,000 head for the week—nearly a 50% reduction from two weeks prior. While most states saw reductions, Tasmania was an exception.

Cow prices observed a lift this week, with the indicator price increasing by 12¢ to 256¢/kg liveweight (lwt), despite a monthly reduction. Victoria led the cow market, averaging 263¢/kg lwt. Demand for steers remained robust, with heavy steers climbing 19¢ to 314¢/kg lwt, feeders gaining 11¢ to 378¢/kg lwt, and restockers up 14¢ to 391¢/kg lwt.

Sheep Market Highlights: The lamb market bounced back, fuelled by strong demand and reduced supply. National lamb yardings eased 13% to 191,000 head after three weeks of high offerings, while sheep yardings decreased 9% to 105,000 head, with all states showing combined reductions.

Export lambs were in high demand, propelling the National Heavy Lamb Indicator up 44¢ from the previous week to 902¢/kg carcase weight (cwt), with some reaching the 1,000¢ mark. New South Wales largely drove this national price. Trade lambs also saw an increase of 37¢ to 876¢/kg cwt. Mutton prices continued their fluctuating trend, rising 7¢ to 570¢/kg cwt, primarily due to processor demand.

Slaughter Figures (Week ending May 16, 2025): National cattle slaughter increased by 6% to 152,396 head, marking the largest weekly throughput since December 2019, reflecting strong supply and increased processor demand in a favourable global market.

National lamb slaughter eased by 3% to 506,598 head, though remaining above 500,000 for a third consecutive week. Mutton slaughter notably lifted by 11% to 198,854 head, as a surge in mutton supply reached processors.

Note: Flooding in the Upper Hunter and Mid North Coast regions impacted cattle and sheep supply through saleyards during this period.

Original source: MLA 

Weekly Market Wrap: Cattle Prices Soften, Lamb Falls Below Five-Year Average as Supplies Increase

GB Prime Cattle Prices See Second Consecutive Decline; Lamb Continues Downward Trend

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – The latest figures for the week ending May 17 show a continued softening in GB prime cattle prices, while lamb prices have notably dipped below their five-year average for the first time this year. Increased slaughter numbers across both sectors are a key factor in these market shifts.

Cattle Market Highlights:

• Prime Cattle: The GB all-prime average deadweight price for prime cattle dropped by 10p/kg week-on-week, settling at 687p/kg. This marks the second consecutive week of decline. All prime categories experienced a fall, with steers down 10p/kg, heifers 9p/kg lower, and young bulls seeing a steeper reduction of nearly 14p/kg. Despite these recent falls, prices remain at historically high levels, with the all-prime average still over £2/kg higher than this time last year.
• Slaughter Numbers Up: Estimated prime cattle slaughter surged significantly in the week ending May 17, reaching 37,400 head. This represents the highest weekly kill of the year to date and is 10% higher than the same week in 2024, as supply catches up after the recent bank holiday.
• Cow Prices Stable: The GB overall deadweight cow price remained flat on the week at 541p/kg. Estimated cow slaughter increased to 8,000 head. Year-to-date, cow slaughter is 5% below the same period last year, a tightness in supply that has contributed to the recent strength in cow prices, influenced by strong dairy production and a long-term contraction in the suckler breeding herd.

Sheep Market Highlights:

• Lamb Prices Decline: The GB deadweight old season lamb (OSL) price continued its downward trajectory, falling by 9p/kg from the previous week to 665p/kg. This is the first instance in 2025 that the lamb price has dropped below the five-year average for this week, though it remains significantly below year-ago levels.
• Strong Supplies: Estimated lamb kill figures remained robust, totaling 214,300 head in the latest week. While only a slight week-on-week increase, this is 14% higher than the same week last year, bringing the year-to-date total almost 6% higher than the corresponding period in 2024.
• Trade Data: Q1 2025 trade data (January-March) shows a 1% year-on-year increase in exports of fresh and frozen sheep meat, reaching 20,700 tonnes. This indicates sustained demand from continental Europe, the primary market. Price indicators at France’s Rungis market have remained relatively steady. Simultaneously, sheep meat imports have risen by 5% year-on-year for Q1, largely driven by increased volumes from Australia and New Zealand, alongside smaller increases from suppliers like Ireland and Iceland.

Original Source: AHDB

HCC Seeks Industry Input for Vision 2030

Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), the red meat levy board, is actively engaging with levy-payers to inform its crucial new strategic document, “Vision 2030.” This comprehensive plan will set the organization’s priorities and guide its support for the Welsh red meat industry over the next four years.

To gather vital industry perspectives, HCC has launched an online survey, accessible to all levy-payers. The survey, which went live on Monday, May 20, 2025, will remain open until Friday, July 25, 2025.

José Peralta, Chief Executive of HCC, underscored the significance of this consultation. “HCC’s strategic purpose, underpinned by the Red Meat Industry (Wales) Measure 2010, comes from its vision document. As we look towards the culmination of the current vision, we must also plan for the next,” he stated. “I have met with a number of key stakeholder groups in recent weeks to start this important discussion. The survey is the next step to gather industry views on the industry’s challenges and priorities, and what HCC can do to support it.”

The online survey is a key component of a wider engagement initiative planned throughout 2025. This extensive outreach will also include direct meetings and HCC’s attendance at various livestock markets and industry events across Wales. The first of these direct engagements took place at NSA Welsh Sheep at Tregoyd Farm, Brecon, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, where HCC representatives were available to discuss industry concerns and opportunities.

HCC urges all levy-payers to participate actively in this process. “Our survey will form part of a wider engagement plan delivered throughout 2025,” Peralta explained. “We would ask levy payers to come and talk to us at forthcoming events, or fill the online survey to make your views heard. It is vital that stakeholders from across Wales contribute to the process so that HCC is fully informed of the complex challenges within our industry.”

By providing your insights, you can directly influence the strategic direction of HCC and help shape a resilient and prosperous future for the Welsh red meat sector.

Click here to access the HCC Vision 2030 survey: https://hcc.wales/en/news/hcc-to-consult-on-future-strategic-direction

Original source: HYBU CIG CYMRU

China and Other Nations Reject In-Transit Brazilian Chicken Cargoes Over Bird Flu

Brazil’s poultry industry is facing immediate logistical and financial challenges as countries, including China, are rejecting chicken consignments already in transit following the confirmation of Brazil’s first bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm.

Ricardo Santin, president of the Brazilian meat lobby ABPA, stated on Tuesday that the rejection of these cargoes, representing 39% of the global chicken trade, will vary from 14 to 28 days based on the shipment date and the discretion of destination countries’ veterinary services. This situation places major meat processors like BRF SA and JBS SA in a “tight spot,” dealing with increased logistics costs and significant uncertainty.

The outbreak in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul state, triggered health protocols leading to rejections from countries such as China, Mexico, and Chile, among others. Santin noted that easing these restrictions for in-transit cargo, particularly from regions distant from the outbreak zone, is a possibility but will necessitate negotiations.

Santin highlighted the difficulty in calculating precise losses due to the varied scope and duration of trade bans, which depend on individual health protocols and ongoing talks with importing nations. He recalled that China had imposed a nationwide ban on Brazilian chicken for approximately three weeks last year following a Newcastle disease case, also in Rio Grande do Sul, before narrowing it to a state-wide restriction.

Original source: Reuters 

Emily Norton Appointed New Chair of AHDB

STONELEIGH, UK – May 21, 2025 The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has announced the appointment of Emily Norton as its new Chair. Ms. Norton takes over the leadership role from Nicholas Saphir, who has completed his tenure.

The appointment marks a significant transition for AHDB, the statutory levy board for the red meat, dairy, cereals and oilseeds, and horticulture sectors in Great Britain. Emily Norton brings a wealth of experience to the position, poised to guide the organisation through its strategic objectives and continued support for the farming and growing industries.

Further details regarding Ms. Norton’s background, vision for AHDB, and the transition process are expected to be elaborated upon by the organisation. Her leadership will be key in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing British agriculture, from sustainability and innovation to market development and producer support.

Original source: AHDB