Brazilian Meat Giants Marfrig and BRF Merge to Form MBRF, Rivaling JBS

Two of Brazil’s largest animal protein companies, Marfrig Global Foods and BRF, have finalized their merger details, creating a new powerhouse named MBRF. The deal, completed on May 15th, combines Marfrig’s strong presence in the beef sector with BRF’s extensive chicken and pork operations.

Marfrig had been steadily increasing its stake in BRF since 2021, culminating in a 50.5% ownership share prior to the merger. The newly formed MBRF is projected to have annual sales of $26.75 billion, positioning it as a significant competitor to Brazil’s leading meat processor, JBS.

Similar to JBS, Marfrig has established operations in the United States, holding an 82% stake in National Beef Packing Co. The merger will bring National Beef under the MBRF umbrella, further solidifying its presence in the crucial North American market. Marfrig previously owned Keystone Foods before its sale to Tyson in 2018.

While shareholder approval is still required at a meeting scheduled for June 18th, it is widely anticipated given Marfrig’s majority ownership.

MBRF’s CFO, as quoted by Reuters, indicated that the new entity may consider a U.S. stock market listing in the future, a move JBS has also frequently hinted at pursuing.

Local reports suggest that this significant consolidation within the Brazilian meat industry will further strengthen Brazil’s position as a key meat supplier to China, a crucial export market for both Marfrig and BRF.

Original source: Foodprocessing.com

Brazil Confirms First Bird Flu Case on Chicken Farm, China Imposes Trade Ban

Brazil has confirmed its first case of the highly contagious bird flu virus on a commercial chicken farm, triggering an immediate trade ban from its largest chicken export partner, China.

The outbreak occurred on a farm in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, as announced by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture on Friday. This marks the first time the virus has been detected in a commercial setting in Brazil, which is the world’s largest meat exporter and second-largest chicken producer globally, behind the United States.

In 2024, Brazil’s chicken meat exports reached a record 5.294 million metric tons, generating $9.928 billion in revenue. China was the top destination, importing 562,200 metric tons. Other key markets include the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Saudi Arabia.

Following the confirmation, China swiftly imposed a temporary ban on poultry imports from Brazil. The Brazilian government has stated that a contingency plan has been activated to contain and eradicate the outbreak and has notified the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and other trade partners.

The Ministry of Agriculture emphasised that the disease is not transmitted through the consumption of chicken meat or eggs, assuring the public of the safety of inspected products. The risk of human infection is considered low and primarily associated with direct contact with infected birds.

Brazil has been implementing preventative measures against bird flu for nearly two decades. Authorities are now working to contain the spread and have implemented a 60-day animal health emergency in the affected region.

Original source: Reuters

French Border Control Strikes Cause Delays for UK Animal and Food Exports

Exporters from Great Britain to France are facing significant delays due to an ongoing strike affecting French Border Control Posts (BCPs). The industrial action, involving contract veterinarians, is impacting veterinary inspections for goods arriving from the UK across all French BCPs, although Calais is not specifically targeted.

While the strike began on Tuesday, 13th May and continues on a renewable basis with no confirmed end date, specific updates have been issued for the crucial Calais crossing:

• Live Animal Inspections Halted in Calais This Weekend (17-18 May): No live animal inspections will be conducted at either of the Calais sites over the current weekend.
• Reduced Pace for Food Product Inspections: Inspections of food products will continue in Calais, but at a slower rate than usual.
• Emergency Procedure for EU Horses Returning via Calais: Due to a large volume of EU horses returning from competitions, an exceptional emergency procedure will be in place at the two Calais sites on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th May. Lighter controls will be applied specifically to these EU-origin horses. Port boarding authorisations and appointment confirmations for these dates will be validated from this afternoon (16th May).
• Stricter Procedures Resume from Wednesday 21st May: From Wednesday, 21st May, the procedures outlined in the 13th May update will be reinstated until further notice. This means boarding authorisations and appointment confirmations for live animals, particularly horses, will only be issued in the early morning of the relevant day. This measure aims to prevent animals being held up on-site due to a lack of official veterinarians. Exporters are strongly advised to secure these authorisations and confirmations before transporting live animals.

Alternative Routes Advised:

Exporters are being advised to consider alternative routes to France, such as Caen-Ouistreham, the Netherlands, or Belgium, to mitigate potential delays.

The situation remains fluid, and exporters are urged to stay informed of any further updates from French authorities regarding the end of the strike and the resumption of normal inspection procedures. The impact is being felt across all veterinary services and BCPs in France, slowing down the overall inspection process for goods arriving from Great Britain.

MPs Urge Government to Delay “Damaging” Farm Inheritance Tax Reforms

A cross-party committee of MPs has called on the Government to urgently delay its planned reforms to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) until April 2027.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee argues a pause until October 2026 for the final announcement would allow for better policy and provide a long-term vision for farming, also giving vulnerable farmers more time for advice.

MPs criticised the lack of consultation and impact assessment for changes announced in the Autumn Budget 2024, warning of “disputed and unclear” consequences for family farms, land values, and food security. A survey revealed farmer optimism plummeted from 70% to 12% post-budget, with 84% reporting mental health impacts linked to inheritance tax relief changes and the SFI closure.

While supporting the aim to close tax loopholes for wealthy investors, the Committee urged consultation on alternative reforms that wouldn’t harm small family farms. They also criticised the “sudden closure” of the SFI, demanding an alternative funding mechanism by September 2025 and clarity on its future.

The report also called for the urgent publication of the 25-year Farming Roadmap and criticised Defra’s “poor communication” and “breach of trust” with farmers.

EFRA Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael MP emphasised the negative impact of recent government actions on farmer confidence and wellbeing, urging a delay to the inheritance tax reforms to rebuild trust and provide the clarity the sector urgently needs.

source: Gov.uk

UK Declares Germany FMD-Free, Lifts Import Restrictions

Following a thorough technical assessment, Great Britain has officially recognised Germany as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) free without vaccination, effective from 14th May 2025.

As a direct consequence of this recognition, restrictions previously imposed on imports of affected commodities from the containment zone in Germany have now been lifted. This means that exports of FMD-susceptible animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, deer, and buffaloes, along with their products such as meat and dairy, can resume from the previously restricted area, provided all other standard import conditions are met.

This decision comes after a detailed technical evaluation of the measures implemented in Germany and the current FMD situation within the country. The UK government has stated that it will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to any changes in the FMD situation within the European Union to safeguard domestic biosecurity.

It is important to note that personal import restrictions remain in force. Travellers are still prohibited from bringing cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use. This measure is in place to protect British livestock health, farmer security, and UK food security. The restrictions apply to items such as sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats, or milk, regardless of packaging or whether they were purchased at duty-free shops.

While FMD poses no threat to human or food safety, it is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals. Livestock keepers are therefore urged to maintain the highest levels of biosecurity on their farms.

FMD is a notifiable disease. Any suspicion of Foot and Mouth Disease in animals must be reported immediately to the relevant authorities: 03000 200 301 in England, 0300 303 8268 in Wales, or the local Field Services Office in Scotland.

Original source: Gov.uk

UK Farmers Offer Cautious Welcome to US Beef Trade Deal

Livestock farmers in the UK have offered a measured response to the recently agreed beef trade deal between the UK and the United States. While acknowledging potential opportunities, concerns remain regarding trade with Europe and traceability standards in the US.

The agreement, finalised last week during discussions between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, establishes a mutual export quota of 13,000 tonnes of beef between the two nations. This marks a potential shift in trade, as very little US beef has been sold in the UK since a 1989 ban due to concerns over the use of growth hormones.   

Adam Quinney, a farmer from Sambourne on the Warwickshire-Worcestershire border, believes the deal is unlikely to result in a significant presence of American beef in UK supermarkets. However, he expressed concern about the potential implications for trade with the European Union. “It would be a concern if the trade barriers with Europe were made even more difficult than they are now,” Mr Quinney explained.

The UK government has sought to reassure farmers, stating that “the rules on food standards have not changed” and that hormone-treated beef will not be permitted for import. Mr Quinney echoed this sentiment, saying, “We were worried about standards, and what type of beef can be imported. And as more and more details come forward, it appears that it’s quite sensible. It’s hormone-free beef.”  

However, David Barton, a Cotswolds farmer and livestock chair of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), raised concerns about the lack of a national cattle tracing system in the US. “We have incredibly good traceability in the UK,” Mr Barton emphasised. “Every animal on my farm has a cattle passport from the moment it’s born. So wherever it goes, it can be traced right back to me. Do they have that in the US? I don’t think they do.”

He stressed the need for robust procedures to ensure the imported beef is indeed hormone-free. “We need to make sure that there are robust, rigorous procedures in place that we’re confident that it’ll be their non-hormone product.”

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has stated that US producers will be required to have monitoring and certification processes in place to demonstrate compliance with UK food standards.

Despite the concerns, Mr Barton also acknowledged potential benefits for UK beef producers. “Our product is largely grass-fed,” he explained. “It’s a premium product, and it doesn’t carry the amount of fat that the US product has. So the US are always looking for lean beef to mix with their product. So there will be opportunities.” This suggests that UK beef, known for its quality and grass-fed nature, could find a niche market in the US, potentially complementing the more grain-fed American product.

Original source: BBC News

Supermarkets Suspend Cranswick Supplies Over Animal Welfare Concerns

Shares in British meat producer Cranswick experienced a sharp decline of approximately 9% on Monday following the suspension of supplies from one of its farms by major UK supermarkets. The move comes in response to animal welfare concerns raised by a report in the Mail on Sunday newspaper, which included footage allegedly depicting animal abuse by workers at Cranswick’s North Moor Farm in Lincolnshire.

The significant drop in Cranswick’s share price marked its largest one-day percentage decrease since March 2020, reflecting investor concern over the potential impact on the company’s reputation and sales.

In an emailed statement, a Cranswick spokesperson confirmed the company was taking immediate action. “As soon as we saw the footage, we immediately suspended the team working at the farm and we are conducting an urgent and thorough investigation,” the spokesperson stated.

Cranswick is a major player in the UK pig production sector, supplying a wide range of products including fresh pork, sausages, and bacon to supermarkets nationwide.

“We are extremely disappointed to see the unacceptable lapse of welfare standards captured at North Moor Farm,” the company spokesperson added.

Cranswick has taken the step of suspending North Moor Farm from supplying any pigs until the ongoing investigation is concluded. The company did not provide a specific timeline for the completion of the investigation.

In a swift response to the allegations, major British supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons have all announced the suspension of supplies from the implicated Cranswick farm. This coordinated action by leading retailers underscores the seriousness with which animal welfare concerns are treated by the industry and consumers.

The investigation will likely focus on the veracity of the footage and the extent of any welfare breaches. The outcome could have significant repercussions for Cranswick, potentially impacting its relationships with key customers and its overall market standing.

Original source: Reuters

Wemyss Bay Butcher Nigel Ovens Crowned World Haggis Champion

WEMYSS BAY, SCOTLAND – June 7, 2025 – Nigel Ovens, a renowned butcher from Wemyss Bay, has achieved the prestigious title of World Haggis Champion, further cementing his reputation in the Scottish meat industry. The accolade was awarded at the Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair held in Perth on Sunday.

According to Yahoo News UK, judges were highly impressed by Ovens’s haggis, praising it for its “meaty, with a coarse but moist texture” and its distinct “spicy peppery element.” This latest triumph adds to Ovens’s impressive record, as he previously secured the title of World Scotch Pie Champion at the Scotch Pie Awards.

Nigel Ovens attributed his success in the haggis competition to the dedication of his entire team. He noted that the championship title was a rewarding recognition for his 24-strong team at Wemyss Bay, whose consistent efforts ensure his haggis products are enjoyed by customers throughout the United Kingdom.

Source: Yahoo News UK

UK Cattle Prices Stall, Cow Values Climb Amidst Stable Sheep Market

The latest market analysis from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) indicates a pause in the upward momentum of Great Britain’s deadweight cattle prices in the week ending May 3rd. While overall average prices for steers, heifers, and young bulls saw a marginal increase of less than a penny, the all-prime average rose by 0.8p/kg to reach 702p/kg. Following the disruption of two bank holiday weeks, estimated prime cattle slaughter rebounded significantly to 36,800 head, marking the highest throughput recorded so far this year.

Conversely, cow prices continued their upward trajectory. The overall average deadweight cow price increased by a further 6p/kg in the week ending May 3rd, settling at 538p/kg – a substantial £1.77/kg higher than the same period last year. This sustained rise in cow values, juxtaposed with the steadying prime cattle category, has narrowed the price gap between the two since the beginning of April. However, the current difference remains historically wide, highlighting the competitive pricing of cow beef in the market.

Kantar data reveals that actual retail volume sales of beef experienced growth throughout April, likely influenced by the timing of Easter. However, a weaker performance in March resulted in relatively stable year-on-year volumes for the 12 weeks leading up to April 20th (-0.3%). Average beef prices saw a 6% increase compared to the previous year, with notable growth in the value of steak and ready-to-cook categories. For context, the all-prime average deadweight cattle price was up by a significant 35% year-on-year over the same 12-week period.

The sheep market demonstrated greater stability in pricing during the week ending May 3rd, coinciding with an increase in throughput. The GB old season SQQ (Standard Quality Quotation) remained at 686p/kg, down £1.39/kg compared to the same week last year. Deadweight sheep prices have deviated from typical seasonal trends in 2025, reflecting shifts in supply and demand, and values are now much closer to the five-year average. Estimated lamb slaughter saw a significant increase of over 12% from the previous week, reaching 244,300 head. This figure was notably higher than both the same week in 2024 and the five-year average.

From a demand perspective, the timing of Easter significantly boosted retail volume sales of lamb in April (Kantar). However, weaker sales in February and March led to an overall 8% year-on-year decrease in total lamb volumes for the 12 weeks to April 20th. Despite this annual decline, total lamb volume sales are relatively stable compared to the same period in 2023. An analysis by product and cut reveals that losses in processed lamb and added-value products offset gains in other cuts such as steaks and diced lamb.

Original source: AHDB

UK Secures Landmark Trade Deal with India, Opening Doors for British Lamb Exports

UNITED KINGDOM – June 7, 2025 – The United Kingdom has officially signed a significant trade agreement with India, a move expected to provide a substantial boost to various sectors, particularly British lamb exports. The deal, announced by the Department for Business and Trade, will see India dramatically reduce its tariffs on a wide range of goods.

The agreement covers 90% of all tariff lines, with an impressive 85% set to become entirely tariff-free within the next decade. This reduction in trade barriers is poised to unlock considerable opportunities for UK producers.

British lamb has been identified as a key agricultural product set to benefit significantly from this new accord. Tony Goodger, Head of Communications for the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), hailed the tariff reductions on lamb exports to India as a “major win.” He anticipates robust demand for premium British lamb products, specifically mentioning celebrated geographical indications like Welsh PGI Lamb and Scotch PGI Lamb. The agreement also creates avenues for high-quality assured Halal lamb to serve India’s substantial Muslim population.

AIMS is actively seeking further clarification from the Department for Business and Trade regarding the future tariff status of UK pork and pet food exports to India, as these categories were not explicitly detailed in the initial announcements. The trade deal marks a pivotal moment for UK-India economic relations, aiming to foster greater trade and investment between the two nations.

Source: Gov.uk