AIMS’ October’s meat inflation report leads to calls for assistance at the Budget

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has released its October meat inflation report. The data shows average prices fell by 1p/kg (0.08%) during the month. Prices for beef steak, mince, and several pork cuts eased slightly. Chicken also saw lower prices, except for thighs and drumsticks.

AIMS’ Head of Communications Tony Goodger said shoppers who visited several stores found lower prices in the protein category. He explained that supermarkets often cut prices in October to help families manage budgets before Christmas. These early reductions also build customer loyalty before the festive season begins.

Annual Meat Inflation Still Around 15%

Despite the small drop in October, AIMS reports that annual meat and poultry inflation remains close to 15%. Pork prices fell by about 6p/kg year on year, but other categories remain much higher than last year. Beef prices rose by 32.3%, while lamb increased 7.4%, and chicken gained 7%.
Goodger said continued demand for beef, combined with supply chain challenges, continues to drive overall price increases.

AIMS Urges Government Action in the Budget

With the Budget due later this month, AIMS is calling on the Chancellor to help reduce costs in the meat and poultry sector. The group believes targeted support can lower inflation and contribute to the government’s growth agenda.

Their proposals include:

• Removing unnecessary financial burdens imposed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

• Adopting the SPS agreement with the EU to reduce the cost of exporting and importing meat.

• Moving planning decisions for farms and food processing sites to Westminster instead of local authorities.

• Launching a Meat and Poultry Tech Investment Fund, jointly financed by government and industry, to boost efficiency and innovation.

Backing Growth and Food Security

AIMS supports the government’s ambition to “back the builders, not the blockers.” The group says farming and food processing form part of the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure and play a key role in export growth.
Goodger argued that national-level planning decisions would cut delays, reduce local authority costs, and protect businesses from ideologically driven protests.

He also called for joint investment in technology.

“A government and meat industry partnership could drive efficiency, support food security, and unlock new opportunities for growth,” he said.

AIMS Calls for a Joint Industry Strategy

Goodger concluded that a joint government meat industry strategy would give businesses the confidence to invest.

“Our four asks for the Budget would reduce costs, stimulate growth, and help secure the UK’s food supply chain,” he added.

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Source: Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), October 2025. Quotes by Tony Goodger, Head of Communications, AIMS.

A major trade row between the United States and Brazil is shaking up the global beef industry. The US has imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian beef imports, forcing Brazil to rapidly shift its export strategy. The fallout is already visible, with price spikes, new trade routes, and strategic pivots from both nations.

In response, Brazil has redirected beef exports toward China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East. Its newly confirmed foot and mouth disease free status has opened access to premium markets, allowing exporters to compete more effectively with established suppliers.

China, now Brazil’s biggest buyer, has overtaken the US as the leading destination for Brazilian beef. Producers are also targeting high-value Asian markets where demand for affordable, quality protein continues to grow.

American beef prices have surged, leaving domestic consumers searching for cheaper alternatives. Some Brazilian exporters have reportedly adopted “triangulation” routes via Mexico, re-exporting product to the US to skirt tariffs. However, analysts believe this workaround will be short-lived as Washington strengthens customs enforcement.

America’s Search for New Supply

In the US, policymakers are exploring alternative suppliers such as Argentina and Australia to fill the gap left by Brazil. Import regulations are also being tightened to protect domestic ranchers. Yet, these steps risk further volatility in the global market. Forecasts suggest US beef exports could fall by 12% in 2025, extending a period of uncertainty for international buyers.

Traders and meat processors are investing heavily in supply-chain risk management, turning to blockchain traceability and AI-based forecasting to improve resilience. On the diplomatic front, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced that both nations will meet immediately to discuss tariff relief, with Brazil requesting a temporary suspension during negotiations.

Source: AInvest

American Beef Prices Surge 30% Year-on-Year

Source: Agriland

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Source: Bord Bia

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.

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.

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