Red Meat Offal: A Growing Asset in UK and Global Markets

Published: 21 July 2025
Source: AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board)

Red meat offal continues to deliver significant value to the UK meat industry—both at home and abroad—according to new analysis published by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Domestic Market: Modest Growth, Loyal Consumer Base

In the year to 15 June 2025, UK consumers spent £30 million on primary red meat offal, up 1.8% in value despite a 7.9% drop in volume to just over 6,000 tonnes. The most popular cuts remain liver, particularly lamb, followed by pork and beef varieties.

• Lamb offal made up more than half of all offal sales.

• Pork accounted for around 30%, and beef 19%.

• Roughly 11% of UK households bought offal during the period.

While older shoppers (aged 55 and over) represent the largest offal-buying demographic—accounting for 75% of all purchases—volumes among retirees declined by nearly 7%. In contrast, there was growth in offal purchases by families with children, signalling emerging opportunities among younger, value-conscious consumers.

Export Market: A £244 Million Trade Channel

UK offal exports totalled £244 million in 2024, with pork leading the way. These exports are essential to maximising carcass value and ensuring full utilisation of each animal, especially as global demand for affordable protein continues to grow.

Breakdown by category:

• Pork offal generated £162 million in export value, with over half going to China. The EU and Philippines were also key destinations.

• Beef offal rose to £70 million, up from £61 million in 2023. France, Canada, the United States, Japan and Ghana were among the top markets.

• Sheep offal contributed £12 million, with 77% of exports heading to EU countries.

The AHDB noted that a significant portion of this trade involves fresh rather than frozen products, especially in sheep offal exports to the EU. Maintaining this export capacity is critical to the ongoing financial health of UK meat processors and producers.

Opportunities for the Trade

• Consumer education and innovation: There is scope to broaden domestic appeal by developing ready-to-cook formats and marketing the health and sustainability benefits of offal.

• Export diversification: While China and the EU remain key markets, further trade opportunities exist in emerging economies with high demand for affordable cuts.

• Supply chain optimisation: As retailers and processors face pressure to maximise value, offal remains a commercially and environmentally valuable channel.

The full AHDB report, including export data and consumer insights, is available on the AHDB website.

GB Pig Prices Edge Up in Q2 2025 Amid Strong Demand and Export Growth

July 15, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

Pig prices in Great Britain continued their modest upward trend through the second quarter of 2025, supported by resilient domestic demand, strong export performance, and recovering EU market prices, according to the latest update from AHDB

Price Trends

Between the week ending 5 April and 5 July, the GB EU-spec Standard Pig Price (SPP) rose by 2.79p/kg, averaging 207.55p/kg. This marks a steady recovery from weaker levels earlier in the year.

Market Drivers

• Retail demand: Domestic sales remained robust, with Kantar data showing a 0.8% year-on-year increase in retail pig meat volumes for the 12 weeks to 15 June. Growth was driven by added-value products and seasonal boosts around Easter.
• Consumer behaviour: Shoppers have been switching from beef to pig meat, likely due to price sensitivity, although some volume has shifted to poultry.
• EU influence: EU pig prices rebounded in Q2, narrowing the gap with UK prices. The EU grade E reference price reached 180.62p/kg by early July, still 27p below the UK level. Germany’s reinstated FMD-free status and strong barbecue-season demand contributed to the rebound.

Trade Performance

• UK exports: Pig meat exports rose 10% month-on-month and 20% year-on-year in May, reaching nearly 27,000 tonnes, with China being the primary growth driver.
• UK imports: Imports also increased, up 9% from April and 3% year-on-year, totalling 66,600 tonnes. Recovering German volumes contributed to the rise.

Despite the increase in imports, the proportion of British pork on retail shelves remained stable, helping to support domestic market strength.

Original reporting by AHDB 

Brazilian Meatpackers Reconsider U.S. Beef Exports Amid Tariff Pressures

July 15, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

Brazilian meat exporters are reassessing their beef trade with the United States following the reintroduction of steep tariffs under former President Donald Trump’s trade policies. According to Brazil’s meat industry lobby, the new tariff regime has significantly altered the cost-benefit equation for shipping beef to the U.S. market.

Tariff Impact on Brazilian Beef

• The U.S. has imposed new import tariffs on a range of goods, including agricultural products, as part of a broader protectionist trade strategy.
• Brazilian beef, which has seen strong growth in U.S. market share in recent years, now faces higher duties, making it less competitive compared to domestic and other international suppliers.
• Industry representatives in Brazil warn that the tariffs could lead to a reduction in export volumes, particularly for premium cuts destined for foodservice and retail sectors in the U.S.

Industry Response and Outlook

• Brazilian meatpackers are exploring alternative markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America to offset potential losses.
• The country’s meat industry lobby is urging the Brazilian government to engage in trade talks with Washington to seek exemptions or tariff relief.
• Analysts suggest that if tariffs remain in place, Brazilian exporters may shift focus to domestic processing or increase shipments to tariff-free regions.

This development highlights the vulnerability of global meat trade to geopolitical shifts and underscores the importance of stable trade agreements for export-driven sectors.

Original reporting by Reuters.

Global Food Prices Edge Up in June as Meat, Dairy and Oils Offset Grain Declines

July 14, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

The FAO Food Price Index rose slightly in June 2025, averaging 128.0 points, up 0.5% from May, according to the latest data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). While international prices for cereals and sugar declined, these were outweighed by increases in meat, dairy, and vegetable oils.

Key Commodity Trends

• Cereals: The Cereal Price Index dropped 1.5%, driven by sharp declines in maize, sorghum, and barley prices due to abundant supplies from Argentina and Brazil. However, wheat prices rose amid weather concerns in the EU, Russia, and the USA. Rice prices dipped slightly, particularly for Indica varieties.
• Vegetable Oils: Prices rose 2.3%, led by a nearly 5% increase in palm oil due to strong global demand. Soy oil prices climbed on expectations of higher biofuel demand in Brazil and the USA, while rapeseed oil rose on tight supply outlooks. Sunflower oil eased slightly due to improved production prospects in the Black Sea region.
• Meat: The Meat Price Index rose 2.1%, reaching a new all-time high. Prices for bovine, pig, and ovine meats increased, while poultry prices continued to decline.
• Dairy: The Dairy Price Index increased 0.5%, with butter prices hitting a record high due to tight supplies in Oceania and the EU. Cheese prices rose for the third consecutive month, while milk powder prices fell amid subdued demand.
• Sugar: The Sugar Price Index fell 5.2%, its fourth consecutive monthly decline, reaching its lowest level since April 2021. Improved production outlooks in Brazil, India, and Thailand contributed to the drop.

Despite the monthly rise, the overall index remains well below its March 2022 peak, though it is 5.8% higher than in June 2024.

Original reporting by Mercopress.

U.S. Meat Exports to China Plummet Amid High Tariffs and Regulatory Barriers

July 7, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

U.S. meat exports to China have dropped sharply, driven by persistently high tariffs and unresolved regulatory issues, according to data from the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

Key Factors Behind the Decline

• In May 2025, U.S. pork exports to China fell by 82% year-on-year to just 6,720 metric tonnes, with value down 77% to $20.7 million.
• Beef exports to China dropped 91% in volume and 90% in value, totaling under 1,400 metric tonnes and less than $15 million, respectively.
• Tariffs peaked in April at 172% for pork and 147% for beef, and although a temporary 90-day easing was announced in mid-May, rates remain high at 57% for pork and 32% for beef.
• Additionally, China has not renewed registrations for many U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities, rendering much of U.S. beef ineligible for export.

Broader Trade Impacts

• Despite the downturn in China, U.S. meat exports have remained strong in other regions. Pork exports to Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and Cuba are on a record pace.
• Beef exports to South Korea reached their highest monthly volume in over two years, with strong demand also reported in Latin America, the UAE, and Africa.

Industry leaders warn that unless progress is made in U.S.-China trade negotiations before the August 12 tariff deadline, exporters may further reduce production for the Chinese market.

Original reporting by National Hog Farmer 

China Considers Resuming Chicken Imports from Brazil Amid Supply Pressures

July 6, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

China is reportedly evaluating the resumption of chicken imports from Brazil, according to statements made by Brazil’s Agriculture Minister. The move comes as part of broader efforts to stabilise domestic meat supplies and strengthen trade ties with one of the world’s largest poultry exporters.

Background and Trade Context

• Brazil is a leading global supplier of poultry, and China has historically been one of its top markets.
• Imports were previously restricted due to sanitary concerns and regulatory reviews.
• The potential reopening of trade could significantly boost Brazil’s poultry sector and help China meet rising consumer demand.

Implications for Global Trade

• A resumption of imports would likely increase competition in the Asian poultry market, potentially affecting prices and supply chains across the region.
• It may also influence trade dynamics with other major exporters such as the U.S. and Thailand.

The Brazilian government remains optimistic, citing ongoing technical discussions and China’s growing need for high-quality protein sources.

Original reporting by Reuters.

Australian Cattle and Sheep Markets Surge as Prices Hit New Highs

July 4, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

Australia’s cattle and sheep markets saw significant price increases in early July, with several indicators reaching record highs, according to the latest report from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)

Cattle Market Highlights

• The Feeder Steer Indicator rose by 20¢ to 417¢/kg liveweight (lwt), outpacing the Restocker Steer Indicator by 17¢.
• Heavy Steer prices also climbed, lifting 23¢ to 373¢/kg lwt, driven by limited supply and strong processor interest.
• Queensland recorded the largest price increase at 29¢, while New South Wales saw a more modest rise of 6¢.
• National cattle slaughter reached 158,922 head, the highest weekly total since December 2019, with Queensland leading the surge.

Sheep Market Highlights

• All lamb indicators hit record highs, except for the Mutton Indicator, which still approached its peak.
• The Heavy Lamb Indicator jumped 68¢ to 1,099¢/kg carcase weight (cwt), while the Trade Lamb Indicator rose 48¢ to 1,072¢/kg cwt.
• The Merino Lamb Indicator increased 73¢ to 936¢/kg cwt, with trade weights fetching up to $232/head at Dubbo.
• Sheep and lamb yardings fell by over 19,000 head, and slaughter numbers dropped by nearly 92,000 due to processor maintenance shutdowns.

Despite seasonal tightening in supply, strong demand from both restockers and processors continues to drive competition and price growth across the board.

Original data sourced from Meat & Livestock Australia 

Australian Beef Exports Hit Record Highs Amid Global Supply Tightening

July 04, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

Australian beef exports have reached unprecedented levels, with June 2025 setting a new monthly record of 134,593 tonnes, according to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)

Key Drivers of Demand

• Global supply constraints: Reduced output from competing beef-exporting nations has opened up opportunities for Australian producers.
• Reputation for quality: Australian beef continues to earn international acclaim, with 38 of the 101 restaurants listed in the World’s Best Steaks guide featuring it on their menus.
• Market diversity: While the United States remains the top destination, exports to China, Japan, and Korea remain strong. The share of exports to other markets also rose from 18% in June 2024 to 20% in June 2025.
• Grainfed beef boom: Grainfed exports surged by 29% year-on-year, reaching a record 39,887 tonnes in June. The ten highest months for grain fed exports have all occurred within the past year.

With slaughter numbers remaining high and carcase weights above average, MLA expects export momentum to continue through the second half of 2025.

Original reporting by Meat & Livestock Australia 

FSA Issues Updated Guidance on Mechanically Separated Meat for UK Food Businesses

July 3, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has released new guidance to help food businesses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland comply with legal requirements surrounding Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM) . This follows recent Supreme Court and High Court rulings that clarified the legal definition and classification of MSM.

Key Points from the Guidance

• MSM must be clearly declared as an ingredient when used in food products and does not count toward the total meat content on product labels.
• The guidance aims to ensure accurate classification and labelling, enabling consumers to make informed choices.
• Businesses may need to adjust their production processes and labelling practices to align with the clarified legal definition.
• The FSA has committed to supporting businesses through this transition, allowing a reasonable timeframe for implementation.

Background

The updated guidance was developed in consultation with industry stakeholders and reflects the outcome of legal rulings that impact how MSM is defined and used in food production. The FSA emphasises its role in upholding food law and protecting public trust in food labelling and safety.

Original guidance available via the Food Standards Agency 

Turkey Temporarily Closes Livestock Markets Amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

July 2, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

In response to a resurgence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Turkish authorities have temporarily shut down livestock markets across the country to contain the outbreak. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, aims to prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus among cloven-hoofed animals.

Key Measures Implemented

• Nationwide closure of livestock markets and animal movements restricted in affected regions.
• Vaccination campaigns intensified, particularly in high-risk provinces.
• Surveillance and biosecurity protocols have been strengthened at farms and transport hubs.

The outbreak has raised concerns among exporters and domestic producers, especially after the Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha) period, when livestock sales typically surge. Authorities are urging farmers to comply with the restrictions to avoid long-term economic and animal health consequences.

Foot-and-mouth disease, while not a threat to human health, can cause severe losses in livestock productivity and trade.

Original reporting by Reuters.