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17 Dec 2024

AIMS Criticises FSA Chair’s Stance on Meat Inspection Charges

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has strongly opposed recent comments made by Professor Susan Jebb, Chair of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), regarding the UK’s meat inspection charging system. AIMS argues that Professor Jebb’s characterisation of t...

17 Dec 2024

Scottish Abattoir Cuts Back to Beef

The Millers of Speyside abattoir in Grantown will be solely a beef slaughtering facility from the start of next year. Managing director Sandy Milne told us labour shortages and “ever increasing” running costs made it necessary to operate a leaner business. It will no longe...

17 Dec 2024

Irish Pig Trade & Prices Update: Upward Trend Continues

Prices Deadweight pig prices in Ireland are on an upward trajectory in response to relatively tight supplies for slaughter. Prices have increased steadily week on week from a low of 190c/kg in mid February 2024. The average price paid for grade E pig prices in Ireland for the ...

17 Dec 2024

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices Update

Quotes Base quotes from the major processors have improved slightly this week with €8.20/kg – €8.50/kg for well finished lambs (+QA bonus) on offer. With well fleshed lambs in demand, some major processors have also increased paid carcass weight limits, with all ma...

17 Dec 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices Update

Throughput There were 39,614 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants last week, a slight increase of 45head from the previous week. Prime cattle throughput YTD is currently on par with the same period last year at 1,245,998 head although a notable tightening in prime cattle a...

13 Dec 2024

A year in review: the Australian cattle market

Key points: Stability has returned to the cattle market, reflecting the balancing act between supply and demand. Market confidence has continued to trend upward despite the weather conditions in Victoria and SA. Slaughter has been very consistent and remains the highlight of t...

13 Dec 2024

Activist Footage Leads to Abattoir Suspensions

The RSPCA has said it is ‘appalled’ by footage released by activists showing poor conditions in three slaughterhouses which are part of its assurance scheme. The charity has confirmed an ‘immediate investigation’ following publication of the footage tod...

13 Dec 2024

Another Arrest in Food Crime Probe

NFCU officers, together with Dyfed-Powys Police, attended a farm in Wales on Wednesday 4 December 2024 and arrested one man. The arrest is linked to five earlier arrests made in London, in connection with seizures of suspected illegal meat on Monday 25 November 2024. The...

12 Dec 2024

A year in review: the Australian sheep and lamb market

Key points: Following the volatile market last year, producers acted cautiously in 2024. Differing conditions across the country promoted trade and competition. Record production was driven by strong export demand. 2024 has been a year of recovery, nervousness and record produ...

11 Dec 2024

Pickstock Expands to Scotland

A multi-million pound expansion by an English meat processing firm into Scotland has been approved. Shropshire-based Pickstock has been granted planning permission to build an abattoir close to the A74(M) near Ecclefechan in Dumfries and Galloway. The company said the scheme w...

11 Dec 2024

EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Faces Fresh Hurdles

The European Commission has moved to quell farmers’ anger over its Mercosur trade deal by guaranteeing action if the domestic European market is impacted by large volumes of South American imports. However, the Irish Government is among a host of EU nations adopting a ‘wai...

10 Dec 2024

Bird Flu Outbreak Hits Norfolk Turkey Farm

A temporary control zone (TCZ) has been put in place around a Norfolk farm suspected of highly pathogenic bird flu following a nearby case. A 3km TCZ, as well as a 10km surveillance zone, have been put in place around the turkey farm, near Watton, pending further testing. Last...

09 Dec 2024

Two UK Sites Re-Listed for Chinese Pork Exports

UK pork exports to China have received a boost with the re-listing of two sites after a huge collaborative effort between many stakeholders, including government departments, industry and AHDB. The re-listing followed a relentless effort over several years which included frequ...

06 Dec 2024

Brazil’s Meat Production Hits Record High

Brazil’s meat industry reached new heights in the third quarter of 2024. The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) reported unprecedented numbers in beef, pork, and poultry production. This surge reflects Brazil’s growing dominance in the global meat mar...

06 Dec 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices Update: Throughput and Trends

Throughput There were 39,812 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants last week, an increase of just over 1,000 head from the previous week. This uplift is primarily due to an increase in the young bull kill when compared to the previous week. Prime cattle throughput YTD is cu...

06 Dec 2024

Strong Demand Drives Irish Sheep Prices Higher

Quotes Base quotes from the major processors have improved slightly this week with €7.90/kg – €8.00/kg for well finished lambs (+QA bonus) on offer. With well fleshed lambs in demand, some major processors have also increased paid carcass weight limits, with all ma...

06 Dec 2024

EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Nears

BRUSSELS, Dec 6 (Reuters) – The European Union and South America’s Mercosur bloc are expected on Friday to finalise a free trade agreement but it faces a tortuous battle for approval in Europe given firm French opposition. After negotiations spanning more than 20 y...

05 Dec 2024

Five Arrested in Food Crime Probe

NFCU officers, together with police, attended a location in London on Monday 25 November 2024 where they discovered unrefrigerated vans containing 48 sheep carcasses. The meat is thought to be illegal, having undergone a smoking process with its skin on, and is not traceabl...

04 Dec 2024

Icelandic Lamb Gains Protected Status

Reykjavík, Iceland – 4 December 2024 – Icelandic Lamb has officially been granted the prestigious Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status by the European Union, marking a significant achievement for Iceland’s agricultural sector. This certification recognises the u...

03 Dec 2024

Pigs in Blankets: A Christmas Classic

Pigs in Blankets are an undeniable Christmas classic! These delightful, bite-sized treats bring warmth and nostalgia to festive gatherings, whether served as part of the Christmas dinner or as nibbles at a holiday party. Here’s why they’re a must-have: What ...

03 Dec 2024

Paraguay’s Beef Exports to Hit Record High

In the first eleven months of the year, Paraguay has exported some 320,000 tons of beef with revenue reaching 1,6 billion dollars, indicates data from the National Animal Health and Quality Service (Senacsa). This figure and revenue will show that 2024 will be the highest on r...

03 Dec 2024

China Buys More Argentine Beef

China figures as the main market for Argentine beef, having absorbed in nine months to October 78% of exports, based on data from the ABC Consortium, which represents the country’s largest beef exporters. Argentina’s exports of beef totaled 641,900 tons in the first ten mo...

03 Dec 2024

China lifts final bans on Australian red meat

China lifted trade restrictions on two Australian meat processing facilities, allowing the full resumption of red meat exports to the country, the Australian government said on Tuesday. Beijing has now removed restrictions from all 10 Australian abattoirs it banned between 202...

29 Nov 2024

Australian Livestock Market Update

Key points: With a good selection of cattle available, the market has remained stable. The heavy lambs and sheep price gap continues to widen. For the second consecutive week, the largest combined sheep and lamb slaughter on record was achieved. Cattle market The cattle market...

27 Nov 2024

Irish Pig Trade & Prices: An Upward Trend in Deadweight Prices

27 Nov 2024

Irish Beef Prices Soar

Beef prices at the factories have reached an all-time record this week with processors hungry to get extra stock to fill their orders for Christmas. An extra 5-10 cents/kg has been added to the factory quotes for both steers and heifers this week as competition between the mea...

27 Nov 2024

Brazil Resumes Meat Exports to French Stores

French supermarket giant Carrefour apologized so that Brazilian meatpackers would end their boycott of the group and resume deliveries to stores nationwide, Agencia Brasil reported Tuesday. The measure had been adopted after the company’s CEO Alexandre Bompard said last ...

27 Nov 2024

London’s Iconic Smithfield Meat Market to Close Its Doors

London’s historic Smithfield meat market is to shut down for good after its operators voted to reject plans to relocate it. The oldest meat market in the capital, which dates back 850 years, now faces permanent closure from 2028. The original plan was to relocate it to a £1...

26 Nov 2024

Smithfield Market’s 900-Year Run Threatened

Smithfield Market’s 900-Year Legacy Under Threat as Vote Looms on Future London’s historic Smithfield Market could be facing its final days as a crucial vote on its future is set to take place today, 26th November. The 900-year-old meat market, one of the oldest of...

26 Nov 2024

Halal Lamb Claims Third of UK Market Share

Halal meat now accounts for 30% of lamb sales in the UK, according to new research from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). The findings shed light on how the consumption habits of halal meat consumers have evolved since the Covid pandemic and the cost-o...

25 Nov 2024

Chesterfield Poultry Pioneers New Inspection Standards with In-House Team

Chesterfield Poultry, based in Thorne, South Yorkshire, has taken a major step forward in its operations by transitioning from relying on Food Standards Agency (FSA) meat inspectors to creating its own team of Plant Inspection Assistants (PIAs). This move marks a significant m...

23 Nov 2024

Brazil Halts Meat Supply to Carrefour

A significant shift in the Brazilian meat industry has emerged as major companies begin to suspend their supply to Carrefour and its subsidiaries in Brazil. This move comes as a direct response to the French retailer’s recent announcement of a boycott on Mercosur meat produc...

22 Nov 2024

JBS Commits $2.5 Billion to Build Six Factories in Nigeria

SAO PAULO, Nov 21 (Reuters) – Brazilian meatpacker JBS said on Thursday it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Nigeria’s government for a $2.5 billion investment plan in the African country, including the building of six new factories. In a statement, JBS...

22 Nov 2024

Brazil and China Edge Closer to Pork Offal Export Deal

SAO PAULO, Nov 21 (Reuters) – Brazil is close to finalizing protocols for exporting pork offal and fish to China, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday, in the wake of a historic visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the South American nation....

22 Nov 2024

Carrefour Boycotts Mercosur Meat Over Trade Deal

Carrefour CEO Alexandre Bompard announced this week that his company would not be selling meat imported from the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) in a move to prevent the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union from pulling through. France’s largest supermark...

21 Nov 2024

UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update: 21st November

Summary of Prices for Week Ending 16 November Cattle The GB overall all-prime deadweight cattle price rose to 522.1p/kg, amid reduced kill numbers. Steers at R4L averaged 536p/kg (+5.7p), while R4L heifers reached 534p/kg (+6.2p). Young bulls saw the largest increase, up 7.1p ...

19 Nov 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices Update: Latest Figures and Trends

Throughput There were 38,791 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants last week, a reduction of just over 1,500 head from the previous week. This uplift is primarily due to an increase in the cow kill when compared to the previous week. Prime cattle throughput YTD is currently...

14 Nov 2024

Lamb prices soar on tight supply

Festive demand has taken off for the lamb sector, with processors appearing keen to stock up ahead of Christmas. Some abattoirs have been quoted at up to 650p/kg in the past week while the overall GB average deadweight SQQ lifted by 11p/kg on the week to 625.2p/kg. Trade at bo...

12 Nov 2024

Jeremy Clarkson to attend London anti-budget farmer rally

Jeremy Clarkson will attend next week’s anti-budget rally as thousands of farmers are expected to descend on Westminster. The star of Clarkson’s Farm will attend the 19 November protest, according to The Telegraph, but it is not yet known whether he will give a speech....

10 Nov 2024

Record Year for Australian Meat Exports

Australian beef exports in October reached 130,049 tonnes, breaking the record for the most beef exported in a single month for the second time this year. Goatmeat exports also reached record-breaking numbers, with lamb and mutton recording very high export numbers. Australian...

10 Nov 2024

Smithfield Market Move Paused

The City of London’s current plan to move Smithfield and Billingsgate markets to a new purpose-built site in Dagenham has been halted. The City of London Corporation, which owns and manages both markets, has not cancelled the move altogether but has stopped its initial plan...

10 Nov 2024

Tönnies Rebrands as Premium Food Group

German meat producer Tönnies Group will operate under the new name of Premium Food Group from next year. The corporate rebranding comes amid the company’s “development” in recent years from being purely a meat processor to a broader food manufacturer. With the new name ...

08 Nov 2024

Russian Firm Boosts Meat Exports

MOSCOW. Nov 7 (Interfax) – Damate Group, Russia’s leading turkey meat producer, exported 8,300 tonnes of turkey and duck meat in 9M 2024, double the amount exported in the same period last year, the company said. Turkey meat exports stood at 8,000 tonnes, of which ...

06 Nov 2024

NZ to Boost China Exports

The New Zealand Government has signed off on a deal to co-invest $8 million to beef up New Zealand’s meat exports to China. New Zealand is currently the second largest source of international lamb for Chinese consumers behind Australia, and the sixth largest supplier of bee...

06 Nov 2024

Pickstock’s New Meat Plant Avoids Environmental Assessment

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been ruled unnecessary for a multi-million pound expansion by an English meat processing firm into Scotland. Shropshire-based Pickstock wants to build an abattoir close to the A74(M) near Ecclefechan in Dumfries and Galloway. The co...

05 Nov 2024

Dawn Meats Lands Korean Contract

Dawn Meats has welcomed the opening of the South Korean market to Irish beef for the first time this week, and announced that it has secured an initial multimillion euro contract for monthly shipments with a leading South Korean company. Dawn Meats Secures Korean Beef Deal Two...

05 Nov 2024

Welsh Red Meat Body Seeks New CEO

Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) is looking to recruit a new CEO to lead the organisation into its next phase of development. The body stands at the forefront of the Welsh red meat industry, championing its development, promotion, and marketing. It has a statutory remit and delivers...

04 Nov 2024

NZ Red Meat Exports Stumble Amid Processing Slowdown

Fewer animals being processed is hitting red-meat export volumes in New Zealand. Meat Industry Association data shows $564 million of red-meat was exported in September – eight per cent less than September last year. The US was the largest export market at $143 million &...

03 Nov 2024

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices: Supply, Demand, and Stability

Quotes Base quotes from the major processors have improved slightly this week with €7.30/kg – €7.55/kg for well finished lambs (+QA bonus) on offer. With well fleshed lambs in demand, some major processors have also increased paid carcass weight limits, with all ma...

03 Nov 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices Update: Throughput and Outlook

Throughput There were 39,969 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants last week, a slight reduction of just over 500 head from the previous week. This uplift is primarily due to an increase in the cow kill when compared to the previous week. Prime cattle throughput YTD is cu...

03 Nov 2024

Freshness Sealed: The Power of Antimicrobial Packaging

As the food industry seeks ever-more efficient ways to extend product shelf life and ensure safety, antimicrobial packaging is emerging as a promising solution. This cutting-edge technology utilizes materials that actively reduce or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, helpin...

02 Nov 2024

BRF Takes Stake in Addoha Poultry

Brazil-headquartered meat major BRF has signed a binding agreement to acquire a 26% stake in Saudi Arabia-based Addoha Poultry Co. The deal, struck through the BRF Arabia joint venture with the Halal Products Development Co. (HPDC), is aimed at bolstering the meat packer’s �...

01 Nov 2024

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market update

Key points: Restocker demand across sheep and cattle returned, with prices rising despite more yardings. Quality young restocker lambs lifted above 900¢/kg in Wagga. Sheep slaughter reached the highest number since 2006 due to price-driven demand. Cattle market The cattle mar...

31 Oct 2024

Kepak Expands into Chilled Sandwiches and Frozen Snacks

Kepak has made its first move into the chilled sandwiches and frozen snacks sector with the acquisition of UK group, Summit Foods. Summit Foods is an established player in the UK’s convenience food sector, turning over about £24 million (€29 million) per year and employin...

31 Oct 2024

Sysco Acquires Campbell’s Prime Meat in Strategic UK Expansion

Sysco, the global foodservice provider, has acquired Campbell’s Prime Meat in a strategic move to expand its footprint in the UK. The acquisition signals Sysco’s commitment to strengthening its supply chain and enhancing product offerings to UK customers, particularly ...

31 Oct 2024

Minerva Foods Completes Acquisition of Marfrig Assets

Minerva Foods has finalised its acquisition of several key assets from Marfrig Global Foods, consolidating its presence as a major player in the industry. The acquisition, first announced earlier this year, received final regulatory approvals and marks a milestone in Minerva�...

28 Oct 2024

New Zealand’s Silver Fern Aims to Strengthen Presence in China

WELLINGTON, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) — New Zealand’s largest red meat exporter Silver Fern Farms expects to leverage the spill-over effect of the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) to enhance its understanding of the China market, said Silver Fern Farms Limite...

28 Oct 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices Update: Throughput and Trends

Throughput There were 40,777 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants last week, an uplift of just over 430 head from the previous week. This uplift is primarily due to an increase in the cow kill when compared to the previous week. Prime cattle throughput YTD is currently o...

28 Oct 2024

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices: Uplift in Base Quotes

Quotes Base quotes from the major processors have improved this week with €7.30/kg – €7.40 for well finished lambs (+QA bonus) on offer, with tightening lamb numbers contributing to this uplift. The improvements in the trade are also being supported by stable deman...

27 Oct 2024

Rising Crisis: Government Urged to Address Illegal Meat Imports

The government is under pressure to stop illegal meat being smuggled into the UK, amid warnings of a “foot-and-mouth” level crisis for British farmers. The amount of meat seized by Border Force officials has doubled in a year, according to data obtained by BBC News...

26 Oct 2024

Food safety fee hike ‘catastrophic’ for UK’s small abattoir network

The Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) proposals to increase its fees risks the future of the UK’s dwindling small abattoir network, the sheep sector has warned. The food safety body launched a consultation in the summer concerning recent proposals to raise fees paid by...

26 Oct 2024

Greek Farmers Concerned about Exports Amid Slaughter Ban

As Greece approaches a peak export season for lambs to Italy, Germany and Spain, a ban on slaughtering small livestock due to an outbreak of sheep and goat pox has sparked concerns among farmers. Agriculture Minister Kostas Tsiaras stated the ban will be reassessed in 10 days,...

26 Oct 2024

Amazon Deforestation: Brazil’s Actions Against Meat Packers

São Paulo, Brazil – In a significant environmental enforcement move, Brazilian authorities have imposed multimillion-pound fines on several of the country’s largest meat-packing companies for purchasing cattle from farms linked to illegal Amazon deforestation. This ac...

24 Oct 2024

FSA Appoints Two Businesses for Meat Inspections in the UK

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced the appointment of two businesses to provide inspectors and veterinary professionals for future meat inspections in the UK. The two companies, Eville & Jones and HallMark Veterinary & Compliance Services, have been awarde...

24 Oct 2024

NCBA Challenges Shift from Beef to Plant Proteins in the USA

NCBA challenges shift from beef to plant proteins The National (NCBA) is speaking out against the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s latest recommendations, which advocate for a dietary shift from beef to plant-based proteins such as beans, peas, and lentils. NCBA...

24 Oct 2024

The Latest Trends in the Australian Lamb Market

Key points: Lamb prices have bounced back to late 2021 and early 2022 levels. Producer cautiousness will likely impact market prices. Seasonal conditions have impacted quality and timing of new season lambs being sold. The spring flush is in full swing, with more new-season la...

24 Oct 2024

French Farmers Rally Against EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement

PARIS — French farmers are taking to the streets again. Two of the country’s main farming unions say they are planning a new wave of protests next month to voice their opposition to the trade deal being negotiated between the European Union and South American countries of ...

24 Oct 2024

Concerns Over New Zealand’s Rising Afforestation Rate

Beef and Lamb New Zealand says updated figures of entrie farms being sold into forestry show New Zealand’s current rate of afforestation is not sustainable. The new land use report by Orme and Associates, commissioned by Beef and Lamb New Zealand, showed 261,000 hectare...

23 Oct 2024

Defra Mandates Sheep Abattoir Price Reporting

Large abattoirs will be required to report lamb prices, use standardised dressing specifications, and weigh carcasses to the nearest 0.1kg, under new government measures. The announcement by Defra has been widely welcomed by the farming sector and follows an industry consultat...

23 Oct 2024

Rules eased for free-range poultry

Outdoor-reared poultry that are compulsorily housed during an avian influenza outbreak look set to retain their free-range status, no matter how long they are contained. Currently broilers can only be labelled as “free range” for up to 12 weeks after a compulsory housing o...

23 Oct 2024

China-Brazil Beefs Up Meat Trade

(Bloomberg) — Brazil is in talks to gain Chinese approval for more meat plants to export to the Asian nation, according to Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro. Negotiations are currently under way to obtain clearance for another 10 to 15 beef, chicken and pork facilities,...

17 Oct 2024

The History of Spam: From Wartime Rations to Global Delicacy

The History of Spam: From Wartime Staple to Global Culinary Icon Spam, the iconic canned meat, has had an unexpected journey from wartime necessity to beloved food staple across the world. While some see it as a quirky throwback, Spam’s rich history reveals a versatile p...

17 Oct 2024

The Rise of Australian Beef Exports as US Cattle Numbers Decline

COOMA, Australia, Oct 17 (Reuters) – In a refrigerated room, around two dozen staff in hats, gloves and blue plastic aprons carve and pack carcasses into boxes within minutes of their slaughter. The Monbeef slaughterhouse, owned by Bindaree Food Group and located about 1...

17 Oct 2024

Dismay as Abattoirs Cut Lamb Prices in Bluetongue Zone

Sheep farmers have reacted in dismay at lower prices being offered by abattoirs for lambs from within the bluetongue (BTV) restriction zone. Price cuts of up to 50p/kg have been imposed by some sites looking to cover the additional costs associated with the disease. National S...

17 Oct 2024

UK Sausage Week 2024: A Showcase of Sausage Craftsmanship

The countdown begins for UK Sausage Week 2024. Running from Monday, 28th October to Sunday, 3rd November 2024, the week will see butchers, wholesalers, caterers, and food lovers across the country come together to celebrate one of the nation’s favourite foods: the sausag...

16 Oct 2024

Philippines Lifts Import Ban on UK Cattle and Meat Products

The Philippines has officially lifted its import ban on cattle and meat products from the UK, in a move welcomed by British exporters and the wider agricultural industry. The ban, which had been in place since 2021 due to concerns over bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), o...

16 Oct 2024

Scotland’s Red Meat and Offal Exports Surge to £137m, QMS Survey Reveals

Scotland’s red meat and offal exports beyond the UK have experienced a significant rise, reaching a value of £137 million, according to the latest survey by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). The report highlights a remarkable recovery in the sector, with a 26% increase in ex...

14 Oct 2024

Irish Pig Trade & Prices: Demand Outpacing Supplies

14 Oct 2024

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices Update: Improvements in Lamb Quotes

Quotes Base quotes for lambs from the major processors have improved slightly this week with €7.00-7.05/kg (+QA bonus) on offer. Relatively tight lamb supplies combined with some stability in demand from the domestic and export markets have contributed to this firming of t...

14 Oct 2024

Latest Update on Irish Cattle Trade and Prices

Throughput There were 40.956 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants last week, an uplift of just over 1,000 head from the previous week. This uplift is primarily due to an increase in the heifer kill of almost 800 head when compared to the previous week. Prime cattle through...

11 Oct 2024

The Rise of Raw Pet Food: What’s Behind the Trend?

In recent years, the pet food industry has seen a significant shift towards raw feeding, with more and more pet owners swapping traditional kibble for fresh, raw ingredients. Known as the “raw food diet,” this approach mimics what animals would eat in the wild, off...

11 Oct 2024

Danish Crown Implements Job Cuts to Save Costs

COPENHAGEN, 11 October (Reuters) – Danish Crown, a major meat producer and exporter, announced on Friday plans to cut around 500 white-collar jobs as part of a significant reorganisation aimed at saving approximately 500 million crowns (£59 million) in annual costs. “...

11 Oct 2024

AIMS Challenges FSA Claims on Veterinary Presence in Meat Establishments

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has hit back at recent claims by Food Standards Agency (FSA) Chair, Susan Jebb, regarding the necessity of constant veterinary oversight in meat establishments. AIMS contends that the FSA’s stance undermines the legal ...

11 Oct 2024

Strong Demand Supports Firm Cattle and Sheep Prices: AHDB

The latest market update from the AHDB has revealed that cattle and sheep prices are holding steady as strong demand continues to support the market. In its report for the week ending 10 October 2024, AHDB highlighted key trends in the livestock sector, with both cattle and sh...

10 Oct 2024

UK Government’s Brexit Border Plans Hit Another Roadblock

The UK Government has revealed two more delays in its post-Brexit border control plans, further extending the timeline for the full introduction of checks on goods arriving from the European Union. This marks the latest in a series of postponements since the UK’s departu...

10 Oct 2024

AIMS Welcomes Reopening of Poultry Export Market to South Korea

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has welcomed the recent reopening of the export market for poultry to South Korea, following the UK’s earlier success in securing poultry export access to South Africa for the first time in eight years. Tony Goodger, s...

09 Oct 2024

McDonald’s sues major beef producers in US price-fixing lawsuit

NEW YORK (AP) — McDonald’s has some beef with today’s largest meat packers. The fast food giant is suing the U.S. meat industry’s “Big Four” — Tyson, JBS, Cargill and National Beef Packing Company — and their subsidiaries, alleging a price fixing scheme for bee...

07 Oct 2024

Latest Update on Irish Cattle Trade and Prices

Throughput There were 39,854 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the w/e 28th September 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 1,302,187 head. This is a <1% decrease on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 1,304,095 cattle were processed. Th...

04 Oct 2024

Kepak Invests €8m in Westmeath Meat Plant

Irish meat-processing group Kepak on Thursday cut the ribbon on an €8 million upgrade of its facility in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath. The investment, which was supported by the Government through the agri-food Capital Investment Scheme, will position the facility to become a hub...

03 Oct 2024

China opens up to 4 Argentine meat plants

A total of four new Argentine meat plants were allowed by China to send beef shipments to the Asian country, it was announced this week by Buenos Aires’ Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Secretariat. According to Argentina’s National Agri-Food Health and Quality...

02 Oct 2024

Why Pork Deserves a Prime Spot on Your Table

When it comes to versatile and flavour-packed meats, pork often flies under the radar. While beef, chicken, and lamb tend to get all the glory, pork has been a culinary staple for centuries—and for good reason. Whether you’re a fan of rich, slow-cooked belly, juicy por...

02 Oct 2024

Tired of Turkey? Delicious Main Course Ideas for Christmas

For many, the centrepiece of Christmas dinner is the iconic roasted turkey. Yet, not everyone is a fan, and for those looking to switch things up or cater to different tastes, there are plenty of equally festive and mouth-watering alternatives. Whether you’re planning a more...

01 Oct 2024

Aldi Scotland Doubles Pork Range with Quality Scottish Meat

Aldi Scotland is doubling its primary pork range, further reinforcing its dedication to Scottish farmers and high-quality, locally sourced produce. In partnership with Browns Food Group, one of Scotland’s leading pork suppliers, and with support from Quality Meat Scotland (Q...

29 Sep 2024

Export returns boost for Welsh red meat

The value of Welsh red meat exports has risen substantially with Welsh Beef enjoying a 14 per cent rise and Welsh Lamb six per cent year on year, according to Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales’ (HCC) analysts. Some 9,000 tonnes of beef were exported in the first six months...

28 Sep 2024

The Impact of Food Safety Charge Increase on Small Abattoirs

Rural campaigners have warned that any increase in Food Standards Agency’s charges could ‘decimate’ the small abattoir revival effort. The FSA, the UK’s food safety regulator, has issued a call to evidence in relation to its charging structure for offic...

27 Sep 2024

UK Cattle & Sheep Trade Update: Fluctuations in Cow Prices

Cattle The average GB deadweight prime cattle price once again saw another jump for the week ending 21 September of just over 2p/kg to sit at 504.1p/kg. This now sits 27p higher than the same week in 2023, and over £1 higher than the five-year average. Breaking this down in...

27 Sep 2024

How Does the Australian Red Meat Industry Compare Globally?

Earlier this week, MLA released the 2024 State of the Industry Report, a catch-all document on the economic importance of the Australian red meat sector and how we stack up against our global counterparts. The report uses calendar and financial year data from 2023 to cover in...

27 Sep 2024

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market Report update

Cattle market The cattle market generally eased this week, with the exception of the Dairy Cow Indicator. The easing in prices has been motivated by a slight decline in quality. Overall cattle yardings lifted by 5,064 head or 8% to 66,907 head, and Queensland experienced the s...

27 Sep 2024

New Zealand: Alliance Group’s Proposal to Close Smithfield Plant

Alliance Group has announced a proposal to close its Smithfield meat processing plant in Timaru, South Canterbury. If confirmed, the proposal would mean that sheep meat, calves and night shift venison processing would cease at the Smithfield plant. Alliance would continue veni...

27 Sep 2024

Isle of Man Meats Launches Butchery Apprenticeship Programme

Isle of Man Meats has officially launched its butchery apprenticeship programme. Aimed to combat the growing global shortage of skilled butchers and to ‘invest’ in the future of local talent, the new programme provides young people with valuable training in the trade, offe...

27 Sep 2024

Defra tightens pork import rules to reduce ASF risk

Defra has tightened the rules around personal pork imports to strengthen safeguards against deadly African swine fever entering the UK, protecting the country’s £8bn pig industry. From 27 September, personal imports of pork and pork products from the European Economic Area ...

27 Sep 2024

AIMS Raises Concerns Over FSA’s Meat Charge Increase Plans

The Head of External Affairs for AIMS (Association of Independent Meat Suppliers), Dr Jason Aldiss, has expressed growing concerns over the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) plans to raise charge rates for the meat industry. “Inflationary pressures are affecting all sectors, y...

26 Sep 2024

Paraguay Plans to Boost Exports to the UK

Mercosur partner Paraguay, with a most unfavourable trade balance with UK is planning an ambitious project to enable the country in a few years reach an export bill of some US$ 900 million annually. The ambitious forecast was revealed in the report «Opportunities UK – Parag...

26 Sep 2024

GB Pig Prices Update: Drop in EU-spec SPP

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The EU-spec SPP dropped back again during the week ended September 21, losing 0.29p to 208.97p/kg. It has now lost 1.21p over the past four weeks to dip below 209p/kg for the first time since February 2023, and stands 1...

26 Sep 2024

New Zealand’s Red Meat Sector Welcomes New Trade Agreement with the UAE

New Zealand’s red meat sector has warmly welcomed the announcement of a new trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), viewing it as a significant opportunity to expand market access and strengthen economic ties with the Gulf region. The UAE is a key trading part...

26 Sep 2024

Global Poultry Markets Remain Bullish Amid Rising Demand

Global poultry markets are poised for continued growth, with strong demand driving bullish forecasts, according to the latest quarterly report from Rabobank, which points to rising global consumption and constrained supply as key factors bolstering market optimism. The report ...

26 Sep 2024

Minerva’s Acquisition of Marfrig Plants Receives Regulatory Approval

São Paulo, September 2024 – Minerva Foods, one of South America’s largest meat processors, has successfully received regulatory approval for its highly anticipated acquisition of several key processing plants from Marfrig Global Foods. The deal, valued at approximatel...

25 Sep 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices Update

Throughput There were 33,058 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the w/e 24 August, 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 1,134,248 head. This is on par with the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 1,132,248 cattle were processed. There have been...

25 Sep 2024

New Isle of Man Meats Chairman: Tackling Abattoir Challenges

The newly appointed chairman of the Isle of Man’s abattoir Meat Plant has said his priority in the role was to get to understand the challenges facing the facility. Damien Corcoran is one of five new directors appointed to the board of the Meat Plant, which receives abou...

24 Sep 2024

Neil Powell Butchers crowned Britain’s Best Butcher’s Shop

Abergavenny’s Neil Powell Butchers has won the prestigious title of Britain’s Best Butcher’s Shop at the 2024 Meat Management Industry Awards. This award is a proud moment for the entire Powell family, whose roots in traditional butchery roots span decades across Herefor...

24 Sep 2024

Irish Pig Trade & Prices Update: Upward Trend Continues

24 Sep 2024

AIMS Appoints New Executive Director

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr Jason Aldiss BEM BVSc MRCVS as its new Executive Director, effective from January 2025. Jason was selected after a rigorous selection process, emerging as the ideal candidate f...

23 Sep 2024

Scottish prime cattle prices reach record amid strong demand

Prime cattle prices in Scotland surged to unprecedented levels in the first half of September, driven by a seasonal reduction in beef production and strong demand. The price of R4L grade steers reached £5.17 per kilogram deadweight (dwt) during the second week of September at...

23 Sep 2024

Halal meat brand announces plans for new drive-thru stores

A halal butcher has unveiled plans for the launch their new drive-thru stores in the UK and Dubai. Tariq Halal Meat said the launch of the new concept drive-thru stores aims to service the ‘modern consumer’s need for quick, hassle-free access’. Kunal Patel, CEO of ...

21 Sep 2024

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market Report update

Cattle market This week, cattle yarded through saleyards eased 21% to 53,161 head, though year-to-date throughput remains 29% above 2023 levels. The cattle market was mixed this week. Restockers experienced some recovery, with the National Young Cattle Indicator lifting 7¢ to...

21 Sep 2024

Australia: Lamb Prices Soaring 79-158% Above Last Year

The national lamb market today is very different to what it was 12 months ago. Drying conditions and concerns of an emerging El Niño event have impacted market confidence, lifting turn-off through saleyards. Last year, the flock had been rebuilding for three years and was o...

19 Sep 2024

New Directors Appointed to Isle of Man’s Meat Plant Board

Five new directors appointed ‘Substantial’ changes to the board of the Isle of Man’s Meat Plant have been made with immediate effect. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says it follows months of review and consideration, with the aim of stabi...

19 Sep 2024

British Red Meat Showcased at Miami Food & Beverage Show

Quality British red meat has sparkled in the sunshine state for major food service sector players from the US and beyond. Four red meat export businesses joined AHDB at the Americas Food & Beverage Show in Miami from 16-18 September to showcase British pork and lamb. Visit...

18 Sep 2024

AIMS Calls for Change to Make Food Safer, Cut Costs, and Stop Food Crime

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) is calling for big changes to how we check the safety and quality of food in the UK. Right now, the systems in place have allowed some high-profile failures, putting both businesses and consumers at risk. But there’s good ...

18 Sep 2024

Inconsistencies in border inspections ‘crippling’ meat industry

Varying standards of both physical checks and paperwork requirements for meat products at the UK’s border control posts (BCPs) are causing major issues for processors. The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (Aims) says veterinary failures are costing the industry mill...

18 Sep 2024

UK’s ‘not for EU’ meat and dairy labelling plan postponed indefinitely

Government plans to force food manufacturers to put “not for EU” labels on all meat and dairy products sold across Britain next month have been indefinitely postponed after warnings that the scheme could cause “chaos” for producers and suppliers. The government will i...

18 Sep 2024

New Zealand: Innovative Spray to Extend Red Meat Shelf Life

Researchers from Otago University, led by Dr. Sam Wardell and Dr. Daniel Pletzer, have secured a $1 million grant from New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to develop an innovative spray aimed at controlling red meat spoilage. This spray u...

17 Sep 2024

Australia reaches trade deal with UAE to boost agriculture exports

SYDNEY, Sept 17 (Reuters) – Australia said on Tuesday it had reached a trade deal with the United Arab Emirates that would remove tariffs for about 99% of Australian products, and resulting in savings of A$135 million ($91 million) in the first year. The UAE is Australia...

17 Sep 2024

Irish Pig Trade & Prices Update: Tight Supplies Drive Upward Trend

Prices: Deadweight pig prices in Ireland are on an upward trajectory in response to relatively tight supplies for slaughter. Prices have increased steadily week on week from a low of 190c/kg in mid February 2024. The average price paid for grade E pig prices in Ireland for th...

17 Sep 2024

Quality Meat Scotland launches marketing campaign

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has proudly launched its new marketing campaign, ‘When You Know, You Know’ developed with Edinburgh-based creative agency, Multiply. It highlights to consumers that there is simply no match for the livestock born and reared in Scotland under the...

16 Sep 2024

Fray Bentos: The History and Rise of an Iconic Brand

The Story of Fray Bentos: From Beef Boom to Iconic Brand Fray Bentos is a brand that has become synonymous with hearty pies and canned meats, but its story is rich in history, innovation, and international connections. Originating in South America, it has evolved into a househ...

15 Sep 2024

Why Venison Deserves a Spot on Your Table

Why Venison Deserves a Spot on Your Table: A Delicious and Sustainable Choice When it comes to choosing meats for your next meal, venison might not be the first option that comes to mind. However, it’s a meat that is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. One of...

15 Sep 2024

Nottingham Council Implements Meat and Dairy Ban at Meetings

A city council has banned meat and dairy, promising to only serve plant-based food and drink at internal meetings from this month. Nottingham council confirmed the move at a meeting on Monday (September 9). Animal rights campaigners have praised the local authority following t...

14 Sep 2024

Beef exports under threat from EU deforestation rules

Meat processors are warning of a total loss of access to the all-important EU market for beef from next year, blaming Defra for failing to comply with the EU’s new deforestation regulations. These rules will kick in fully in 2025 and are designed to ensure that any products ...

13 Sep 2024

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market Report w/e 6th Sept 2024

Cattle market The cattle market has been generally positive, with the exception of the Feeder Steer Indicator. Yardings eased by 818 to 61,603 head and year-to-date yardings are up by 27%. The Feeder Steer Indicator eased by 7¢ to 364¢/kg liveweight (lwt), yardings eased sli...

13 Sep 2024

Calls to reinstate Orkney abattoir

Calls to reinstate an abattoir in Orkney have gained the attention of Scotland’s agriculture minister, Jim Fairlie. A meeting has been secured with Mr Fairlie by MSPs, amid cross-party calls for support of bespoke abattoir solutions in Orkney. Speaking at Rural Affairs Quest...

12 Sep 2024

Brazil asks EU to hold off on implementing deforestation law

BRASILIA, Sept 11 (Reuters) – Brazil on Wednesday asked the European Union not to implement regulations in its deforestation law at the end of the year as scheduled and asked for it to be revised to avoid hurting Brazilian exports. In a letter to the European Commission ...

10 Sep 2024

Ireland: Tighter Cattle Supplies Set to Boost Autumn Trade

Prime cattle supplies are set to tighten for the last quarter of this year and into early 2025, according to Bord Bia. And while the cow kill is up 10pc for the year to date, an improving milk price and some improvement in grass supplies may see farmers holding back on culling...

09 Sep 2024

Why Lamb Deserves a Spot on Your Table

When it comes to culinary delights, lamb stands out as a uniquely versatile and delicious option among meats. Whether you’re hosting a lavish dinner party or enjoying a family meal, incorporating lamb into your menu not only elevates the dining experience but also of...

07 Sep 2024

Tönnies to buy Vion’s German Beef Operations

Vion Food Group has successfully brokered a commercial agreement with Tönnies Group for the acquisition of the majority of Vion’s German beef operations. This proposed transaction is a direct outcome of the German portfolio review initiated in January 2024 and signifies a s...

06 Sep 2024

UK Cattle & Sheep Trade & Prices w/e August 31st 2024

Cattle Finished prime cattle prices ticked up again across most regions in the week ending 31 August. This week included the Bank Holiday Monday, as prime cattle numbers saw a dip of an estimated 2,600 on the week before to 29,500 head. However, estimated slaughter remained e...

06 Sep 2024

Irish Pig Trade & Prices w/e August 24th 2024

Prices Deadweight pig prices in Ireland are holding relatively stable after increasing strongly from a low of 190c/kg in mid-February until early August. The average price paid for grade E pig prices in Ireland for the w/e 24 August 2024 was 231c/kg excluding Vat. The curren...

06 Sep 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e August 24th 2024

06 Sep 2024

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market Report w/e 30th August 2024

Cattle The cattle market, although generally mixed, was still supported by a strong foundation this week. Yardings eased by 5,897 to 48,642 head, with year-to-date yardings 7% above current levels. The Heavy Steer Indicator eased by 2¢ to 345¢/kg liveweight (lwt), and prices...

06 Sep 2024

BMPA calls for new veterinary agreement with EU

The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has called for the government to press ahead with negotiating a new veterinary agreement with the EU, in a new Meat Industry Manifesto. Launching the manifesto, the BMPA warns that the British abattoir industry is under threat f...

06 Sep 2024

Isle of Man bans some EU imports to prevent ‘goat plague’

Importing certain sheep and goat products from the European Union to the Isle of Man has been banned to prevent the highly contagious infection known as “goat plague”. The strict controls, which include postal imports of meat, cheese and milk, are to protect Manx a...

05 Sep 2024

Fall in number of British abattoirs risks ‘seriously jeopardising’ food security

Abattoir numbers have declined from about 2,500 in the 1970s to just 203 today, the British Meat Processors Association said. The fall in the number of British abattoirs from about 2,500 in the 1970s to just 203 now risks “seriously jeopardising” the country’s food secur...

05 Sep 2024

ABP becomes the first Irish beef processor to export to South Korea

ABP Food Group has become the first Irish beef processor to launch in the South Korean market by securing an export agreement with meat importer K Meat. The company said this significant long-term supply agreement has seen it deliver three shipments so far from its locations i...

05 Sep 2024

Hilton Food Group Sees Profits Surge on Increased Volumes

Hilton Food Group’s profits jumped over the first half of the year following significant volume growth in core meats. The food packaging giant revealed its adjusted pre-tax profits climbed by 37.8 per cent at constant currency levels to £33.5million in the six months en...

04 Sep 2024

GB pig prices: SPP falls to lowest level since Feb 2023

The EU-spec SPP lost 0.71p during the week ended August 31 to reach 209.37p/kg, more then cancelling out gains of 0.5p made over the previous three weeks. The price index has fallen to its lowest level since February 2023 and is now more than 15p below the same week last year ...

04 Sep 2024

NPA Calls for Removal of Tolerance on Personal Pork Imports

The NPA is calling for the government to remove the current 2kg allowance for personal pork imports, to match new measures introduced to protect the sheep sector. The NPA has been urging the government to take this step for a long time, in the face of growing evidence that por...

03 Sep 2024

Uncertainty Looms for Poland’s Pig Industry Once Again

Poland’s pig industry made it through a difficult summer. The profitability of many farms declined. There is no certainty that the rest of the year will be much better. A surge in farmgate prices in 2023 brought some long-anticipated relief to Poland’s pig farmers, but the...

02 Sep 2024

Boparan Holdings Announces Sale of European Poultry Business

Ranjit Singh Boparan is planning a “transformation” of his businesses, after announcing the intention to sell his European poultry business. Boparan, the owner of 2 Sisters Food Group said he planned to sell his European poultry operation, currently part of 2 Sisters paren...

02 Sep 2024

Smaller Abattoir Fund Grant Scheme: Deadline Approaching

Smaller Abattoir Fund Grant Scheme Closes Monday 30th September The Scheme The SAF grant scheme closes soon and we understand that many eligible abattoirs have yet to make an application. The scheme represents an excellent opportunity and can fund many types of capital invest...

02 Sep 2024

English Pig Breeding Numbers Plummet to All-Time Low

The English pig breeding has fallen to the lowest level ever recorded, despite an overall increase in pig numbers. Defra’s June livestock population update for England shows that, far from showing any signs of recovery, the breeding herd, including boars, fell back by a f...

02 Sep 2024

Warwick Students’ Union drops vegan pledge

Warwick Students’ Union (SU) has confirmed it will no longer be implementing a fully plant-based catering service by 2027, citing financial challenges. The decision, made by the unions’ Board of Trustees, comes despite the passing of a motion last year that requested all...

30 Aug 2024

Irish Pig Trade: Steady Increase in Deadweight Prices

30 Aug 2024

Police Warn of Unsafe Meat After Sheep Theft in Worcestershire

People in Worcestershire are being warned not to eat meat bought from suspicious sources as it could be unsafe. Three sheep stolen in Chaddesley Corbett may have been illegally slaughtered, according to West Mercia Police. The force added that the animals were on medication wh...

30 Aug 2024

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market Report w/e 23rd August 2024

Cattle market The cattle market was mixed this week, with increases in the Heavy Steer and Processor Cow indicators. Yardings eased for most indicators except for the Feeder Steer and Restocker Yearling Steer, which lifted by 3,046 to 53,855 head. The Feeder Steer Indicator ea...

29 Aug 2024

UK to join CPTPP by 15 December

The UK has secured the sixth and final ratification required to trigger our accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) before the end of this year. CPTPP is a free trade area spanning five continents and almost 600 million pe...

28 Aug 2024

From Soho to Everywhere: The Rise of the Kebab Shop in the UK

The Rich History of the Kebab Shop Nestled in the bustling streets of London, the first Turkish Restaurant in the UK began trading in 1940s Soho as The Istanbul. The kebab shop has become a cornerstone of culinary heritage and others like it only flourished in the 1970s. Found...

28 Aug 2024

£38m ‘Virtual’ Centre Launched to Study Alternative Proteins

A £38 million “virtual” centre that will study whether alternative protein sources such as lab-grown meat, plant proteins and insects could become part of the UK diet is due to be launched in the UK. The National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (Napic), headed up by...

28 Aug 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e August 17th 2024

Throughput There were 32,065 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the w/e 17 August, 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 1,101,190 head. This is a -3,416 head or 0.5% decrease on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 1,097,774 cattle were proc...

28 Aug 2024

QMS ‘Meat the Market’ Workshops for Farmers

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is delighted to announce a series of “Meat the Market” workshops designed to provide farmers with essential knowledge on carcass grading, market specifications, and customer requirements. These workshops will take place at leading proces...

27 Aug 2024

Ireland: Undercurrent of weakening trade threatens lamb prices

While overall, there is little change to the trade for the lambs at the factories for this week, there is an undercurrent of a weakening in the trade being threatened. The processors are quoting 700-710c/kg for the lambs plus the usual 10-20c/kg for quality assurance. The supp...

27 Aug 2024

Beef market held up by tightening supply

Tightening beef markets may continue to give price support for the rest of the year, with lamb prices also seeing support. Deadweight beef prices lagged behind the year before during the three months between April and June, but since then they have pulled ahead. The most recen...

27 Aug 2024

Smithfield Foods Announces Separation of European Operations

Aug 27 (Reuters) – Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork processor, on Tuesday announced the separation of its European operations as the Virginia-based firm plans to list in the United States. WH Group, Smithfield’s China-based parent group, was working...

27 Aug 2024

Restrictions after bluetongue virus detected in sheep

A sheep in Norfolk has become the first animal to test positive for the bluetongue virus since March. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said a case was confirmed on a farm close to Haddiscoe, external, near Beccles. A 20km (12.4 mile) temporary...

26 Aug 2024

Makro planning Argentine exodus?

Makro, a leading wholesale supermarket chain where anyone can shop at more convenient prices, has announced its decision to leave crisis-ridden Argentina after some 30 years in the South American country where sales keep plunging despite President Javier Milei’s administ...

26 Aug 2024

France Starts New Avian Influenza Vaccination Campaign

The French department of agriculture has purchased another 67.75 million doses of a vaccine against high pathogenic avian influenza. The new avian influenza vaccination campaign will begin on 1 October. The government will cover 70% of the costs during the first 3 months of th...

25 Aug 2024

Uruguay seeks to reduce its reliance on China for beef exports

Uruguay is committed to lessen its dependence on the Chinese market for its sales of meat and beef in particular. In recent years China, as with most other Latin American countries has become its main trade partner, absorbing non processed agricultural commodities and minerals...

25 Aug 2024

Shrinking Supply Threatens to “Destabilise” Welsh Beef Industry

The future stability of the Welsh beef industry could be in jeopardy after new half-yearly data reveals a serious shrinkage in cattle supply. There were 213,200 calf birth registrations in Wales during the first six months of 2024, a decrease of over 10,000 calves year-on-year...

25 Aug 2024

Wagyu beef’s wholesale price falls to 4-year low as consumption slows

TOKYO — Wholesale prices of wagyu beef in Japan have fallen to the lowest level since June 2020 when demand for meat from the Japanese cattle breeds slumped amid the COVID-19 pandemic. With prices showing no signs of a rebound, farmers — already tormented by risin...

25 Aug 2024

Waitrose puts lamb hearts back on menu

Waitrose is to reintroduce lamb hearts to its stores as Britons embrace more traditional cuts of meat. The supermarket scrapped selling the hearts in 2016, having first put them on the menu five years earlier. But the chain will offer the delicacy for sale again from Wednesday...

24 Aug 2024

‘No mistreatment’ in activists’ undercover abattoir footage

Undercover footage of a Suffolk abattoir published by animal rights campaigners shows no mistreatment of pigs, according to a leading vet who has watched the clips. This week, the Animal Justice Project (AJP) released a six-minute video of its 2023 operation at C&K Meats, ...

24 Aug 2024

Agricultural Exports from Russia See 10%-11% YoY Growth in 2024

KAZAN. Aug 23 (Interfax) – Russian agricultural exports are 10%-11% higher year-on-year in 2024 in terms of tonnage, Agriculture Minister Oksana Luth told journalists in Kazan. However, there is a lag in terms of value compared to last year’s figures owing to a dec...

23 Aug 2024

Inspired Pet Nutrition acquires Butcher’s Pet Care

Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN), an independent UK pet food company controlled by CapVest Partners, has announced the acquisition of Butcher’s Pet Care (BPC), a manufacturer of wet pet food. Terms of the transaction are not being disclosed, but it’s expected to be complet...

23 Aug 2024

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market Report w/e 16th August 2024

Cattle market The cattle market was generally positive this week despite a 14¢ decline in heavy steer prices. Yardings eased once again, totalling 48,488 head. The National Young Cattle Indicator lifted 14¢ to 357¢/kg liveweight (lwt). This is the second-highest price this ...

23 Aug 2024

Major changes planned for Bridport Abattoir

EXTENSIONS and other changes are planned for a vacant slaughterhouse at Mangerton Lane, Bradpole. If agreed it could result in a doubling of staff, from 20 to 40, and 1,400 square metres of extra space. The planning proposal is currently out for public consultation with a Sept...

23 Aug 2024

Russia’s Pork Production to Reach 7.1 Million Tonnes by 2030

UFA. Aug 22 (Interfax) – The National Union of Pork Producers forecasts that Russia will increase annual pork production to 7.1 million tonnes in live weight by 2030, Bashkir Meat Company LLC said. “By 2030 pork production in the country will increase to 7.1 millio...

22 Aug 2024

Simulation exercise tests UK preparation for ASF outbreak

The NPA and AHDB have hosted held an ASF simulation exercise, bringing together around 30 individuals from different organisations and government departments to discuss the consequences of an outbreak. The event, in London in late-July, was structured around a hypothetical sce...

22 Aug 2024

Vion sells shares in two German meat sites

Vion Food has signed an agreement to sell its shares in the Vilshofen and Landshut sites to Erzeugergemeinschaft Südbayern (EG Südbayern), which previously held a 49% stake in these sites. The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to customary closing con...

22 Aug 2024

Isle of Man Meat Plant Management Faces No Confidence Vote

A farmer’s union has declared a vote of no confidence in the management of the Isle of Man’s government-subsidised Meat Plant. The Manx National Farmers’ Union (MNFU) issued an open letter calling for action to be taken. The letter said an increase in cancell...

21 Aug 2024

Australian farmers increasingly concerned about government policy

CANBERRA, Aug 21 (Reuters) – A rising number of Australian farmers are disgruntled with the government’s climate and agricultural policies, a survey showed on Wednesday, as measures to protect the environment draw farmers’ ire in Europe and some other place...

21 Aug 2024

Uncontrolled spread of ASF in Ukraine poses threat to UK

African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks on farms supplying Ukrainian troops and the general public pose a threat to the UK’s pig industry, ministers have been warned. According to the Ukrainian Meat Industry Association (MIA), some farmers dealing with outbreaks have submitted v...

20 Aug 2024

France to start second bird flu vaccination campaign in October

PARIS, Aug 20 (Reuters) – France will launch a second vaccination campaign against avian influenza among farm ducks in October after a successful inaugural programme last year, Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau said on Tuesday. The disease, commonly called bird flu, wa...

20 Aug 2024

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices w/e August 10th 2024

Quotes Base quotes for spring lambs from the major processors have improved slightly this week with €7.00-7.05/kg (+QA bonus) on offer. Relatively tight lamb supplies combined with some stability in demand from the domestic and export markets have contributed to this firming...

20 Aug 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e August 10th 2024

Throughput There were 30,699 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending 10 August 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 1,069,125 head. This is a +6,100 head or 0.5% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 1,063,024 cattle we...

20 Aug 2024

Russian pork producers target EU’s share of China’s pork market

MOSCOW, Aug 19 (Reuters) – Russian pork producers are aiming to capture 10% of China’s pork import market in the coming years from a standing start, seeking to take advantage of trade tensions between the European Union and China, the world’s biggest pork con...

20 Aug 2024

Ireland: Lamb prices steady as ewe offerings fall

The sheep trade this week has shown signs of stability for lamb prices, but the same cannot be said for offerings for ewes from some processors. This week (beginning Monday, August 19), base prices for spring lambs are at €7/kg up to €7.05/kg, while quality assured (QA)...

20 Aug 2024

New Zealand Sheep and Cattle Numbers Decline Amidst Carbon Forestry, Drought, and Low Prices

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has released its annual Stock Number Survey, showing a notable decline in both sheep and cattle numbers as of 30 June 2024. The reduction follows significant decreases in the past couple of years. While the primary driver in previous years has b...

20 Aug 2024

Meat industry decries increased border taxes

Additional costs for importing meat and plant products from the EU have disadvantaged meat traders, who warn of excessive increases for little to no benefit. The introduction of “common user charges” on imports in late April were anticipated to be less than £145 a lorry. ...

19 Aug 2024

Beef Consumption in Argentina Hits 26-Year Low

Beef consumption in Argentina dropped 14.1 percent in the first seven months of 2024 year-on-year and is at its lowest level in the last 26 years, according to data from a top industry chamber. A report by the CICRA (Argentine Chamber of Industry and Trade of Meats and Related...

16 Aug 2024

Australian cattle and sheep market wrap w/e 9th August 2024

Cattle market The cattle market has been generally positive with a 12% lift in the heavy steer price, while yardings eased by 24,406 to 50,244 head (a 30% reduction). The Processor Cow Indicator rose by 20¢ to 290¢/kg liveweight (lwt) while the Dairy Cow Indicator eased by 4...

16 Aug 2024

New Zealand sheep production set to fall

Key points: New Zealand sheep and lamb slaughter rose over 2023–24 to 22.2 million head. In June 2024, slaughter fell 16% when compared to 2023 numbers. Improved conditions on the North Island are likely to assist flock rebuilding. The New Zealand sheep flock has been fallin...

16 Aug 2024

Minerva and Marfrig’s Asset Deal Conditionally Approved in Brazil

Minerva’s asset deal with Marfrig has been granted conditional approval by Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE). Minerva Foods and Marfrig Global Foods are two of the largest meat processors in Brazil. Minerva is focused on beef production an...

15 Aug 2024

Slump in sales of sheepskins and cow hides hits abattoirs

A once lucrative by-product for abattoirs is increasingly becoming a cost for the sector, with sales of sheepskins and cow hides still struggling to recover to pre-pandemic levels. Demand has reportedly been sluggish due to increased labour and energy costs associated with pro...

14 Aug 2024

Meat Processing and Technology: A Modern-Day Investigation

In today’s fast-paced world, technology is playing an increasingly important role in all industries, including meat processing. With advancements in robotics and automation, the meat processing industry is undergoing a transformation like never before. This investigation...

14 Aug 2024

NSA urges government action on illegal sheep meat imports

Vast quantities of sheep meat have been brought into the UK illegally during the past few months, according to industry intelligence. The National Sheep Association (NSA) called for the “alarming rise” in illegal sheep meat imports to be addressed urgently by the new Labou...

13 Aug 2024

Argentina and China: Strengthening Ties through Beef Trade

Argentina’s economic relationship with China has become increasingly important, with growing trade highlighted by increasing Argentine beef exports, points out the English language China Daily. Something which to a certain point is surprising, given the electoral campaign sp...

13 Aug 2024

Danish Crown Appoints Niels Duedahl as CEO

(Bloomberg) — Danish Crown A/S hired Niels Duedahl from energy firm Norlys AS to lead Europe’s biggest pork producer as it combats flagging demand. Duedahl, who has helmed Norlys since 2009, will start on Sept. 2, according to a statement on Monday. He takes over fro...

12 Aug 2024

EU Targeting New Pork Export Markets Beyond China

The antidumping investigation looking at EU pork imports into China has been influencing global trade, as European countries look to target alternative markets. See also: Potential EU-China Trade War and its Impact on Global Pork Trade China issues plan and preliminary results...

12 Aug 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e August 3rd 2024

Throughput There were 32,858 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending August 3rd 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 1,038,426 head. This is a +8,731 head or 2% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 1,029,695 cattle wer...

12 Aug 2024

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices w/e August 3rd 2024

Quotes Base quotes for spring lambs from the major processors have improved again this week with €7.00- €7.20/kg (+QA bonus) on offer. Relatively tight lamb supplies combined with some stability in demand from the domestic and export markets have contributed to this firm...

12 Aug 2024

China issues plan and preliminary results of anti-dumping probe into EU pork

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) issued notice on Thursday, saying that investigating authorities will use a sampling method in anti-dumping probe into EU pork, while providing further details on the sampling plan and the preliminary sampling results for anti-dumpin...

11 Aug 2024

The Ultimate Guide to King Crab Season

King crab season is a much-anticipated time of year for seafood enthusiasts and those in the meat trade alike. This exquisite crustacean, often considered the crown jewel of the sea, has captivated the palates of many with its delicate flavour and tender, succulent meat. If yo...

09 Aug 2024

Argentina Lowers Levy On Beef Exports

The Argentine government is lowering beef export tax 25%, from 9% to 6,75% basically “to promote sales to foreign markets and improve the level of income of producers and processors, favoring the insertion of Argentina in international markets”, points out the decree publi...

07 Aug 2024

UK livestock bodies warn ministers Dover border control failings are a ‘disaster waiting to happen’

A coalition of 26 UK livestock trade associations has written to Defra Secretary Steve Reed to express the industry’s ‘serious concerns’ over the current state of border controls at the Port of Dover. The Livestock Chain Advisory Group (LCAG) told Mr Reed these concerns ...

06 Aug 2024

Australian Red Meat Exports Boom in UK since Free Trade Agreement

One year after the implementation of the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Australian red meat exports to the UK have experienced significant growth, dispelling initial concerns about an influx of lower-cost products. According to data presented at a recent trade event ...

05 Aug 2024

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices w/e July 27th 2024

Quotes Base quotes for spring lambs from the major processors have improved slightly this week with €6.90-€6.95/kg (+QA bonus) on offer. Relatively tight lamb supplies combined with some stability in demand from the domestic and export markets have contributed to this fi...

05 Aug 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e July 27th 2024

Cattle & Beef Throughput There were 32,858 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending July 27th 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 1,005,993 head. This is a +10,143 head or 2% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 99...

05 Aug 2024

New Zealand’s Shift: Scrapping Green Policies for Economic Boost

WELLINGTON, Aug 5 (Reuters) – New Zealand’s green credentials are at risk as the government rolls back environmental reforms in a bid to boost a flailing economy and fulfil promises made to its voters. Since taking power last year, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon&...

04 Aug 2024

American Love of Burgers Fuels New Zealand’s Red Meat Sector

An insatiable hunger for beef burgers and a renewed love for lamb are helping keep New Zealand’s red meat sector buoyant, while demand from China remains weak. New Zealand’s red meat exports to the United States and Canada have risen this year. See also: NZ repor...

02 Aug 2024

Australian cattle and sheep market wrap w/e 28th July 2024

Key points: Sheep and lamb slaughter rose 8%, buoyed by processors coming back online after schedules closures. Feeder steer prices lifted to numbers not seen since May 2023. Sheep and lamb yardings eased by 25%. Cattle market The cattle market was positive once again, with al...

30 Jul 2024

Greece Bans Movement of Goats and Sheep Due to ‘Goat Plague’

ATHENS, July 29 (Reuters) – Greece has banned moving sheep and goats from their farms to try to contain a viral infection known as “goat plague” after new cases were detected over the weekend, the agriculture ministry said on Monday. The virus, also known as ...

25 Jul 2024

China Aims to Control Dairy & Beef Output to Stabilise Prices

BEIJING, July 24 (Reuters) – China plans to implement measures to help dairy and beef producers limit production to prevent prices from falling further, an agriculture official said on Wednesday, adding to existing rules on pork producers as meat consumption declines. Th...

23 Jul 2024

Global demand for Australian beef rising

Australia’s market share in Japan and Korea is continuing to lift as the United States emerges as the number one export destination for beef in Q1 2024, according to a new global market update from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). MLA’s latest Global Beef Market Updat...

22 Jul 2024

China Targets Danish, Dutch, and Spanish Firms in EU Pork Probe

BEIJING, July 18 (Reuters) – China on Thursday named Danish Crown A/S, as well as Dutch and Spanish pork firms as targets in an anti-dumping probe into European Union pork imports, as Beijing steps up pressure against the bloc’s curbs on its electric vehicle export...

22 Jul 2024

Lidl Invests £1.5bn In British Beef Production

Lidl is beefing up its sustainability commitments with the launch of £1.5bn investment into British beef production over the next 5 years. The discounter is aiming to set a new standard in sustainable beef production through the cash injection, as it partners with British b...

22 Jul 2024

South Korean beef buyers visit Irish farms and processors

Bord Bia is hosting eight beef buyers from South Korea on a tour of Ireland, visiting beef farms and meat processors from July 15th to 20th. The group, which includes leading meat importers and distributors from South Korea, will follow a busy itinerary designed to give them ...

21 Jul 2024

Brazil Suspends Poultry Meat Exports Over Sanitary Concerns

Brazilian authorities halted all shipments of poultry meat to China, Europe, and Argentina on Friday after a case of Newcastle disease was detected in the municipality of Anta Gorda in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. “In line with international standards on trade in poultry ...

18 Jul 2024

Lambs hold above £6/kg as tight supply helps steady falls

The highs of up to £200/lamb witnessed earlier this year may appear a distant memory, however, after a period of decline, lamb prices have started to stabilise again. New season lambs averaged at 645.6p/kg deadweight for the week ending 13 July, with trade still slightly abov...

18 Jul 2024

Britain becomes first country in Europe to approve lab-grown meat

Britain has become the first country in Europe to approve lab-grown meat, paving the way for cultivated chicken to be sold in pet stores as early as this year. British start-up Meatly has received the green light from UK regulators for its lab-grown meat to be used in pet fo...

18 Jul 2024

Petfood Giant Inspired Explores Acquisition of Butchers Petcare

One of Britain’s biggest petfood manufacturers is in talks to add another independent producer to its stable of brands. Sky News understands that Capvest, the owner of Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN), is orchestrating a bid for Butchers Petcare. Also: German meat group West...

17 Jul 2024

Analysis: English Beef and Lamb Standards vs European Markets

The latest report focuses on EU markets including Ireland, Germany, Poland, France and the Netherlands. The reports, which are independently reviewed, evidence the current position regarding farmgate production standards at both a regulatory and voluntary level in England. Thi...

16 Jul 2024

US invests $110 million in meat and poultry processing

To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has invested a total of over $700 million in 48 states and Puerto Rico for projects that help to expand the nation’s independent meat and poultry processing capacity U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announce...

15 Jul 2024

ASF outbreaks spreading in Vietnam, government say

HANOI, July 15 (Reuters) – African swine fever outbreaks are spreading in Vietnam and could affect its food supplies and put upward pressure on inflation, according to a government document. ASF has for years disrupted the $250 billion global pork market. In the worst ou...

15 Jul 2024

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices w/e July 6th 2024

Quotes Base quotes for hoggets from the major processors have tightened this week with base quotes of €7.00-€7.20/kg (+QA bonus) on offer. Prices have continued to come under pressure this week with reports of weaker demand from some major customers for Irish lamb. Irela...

15 Jul 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e July 6th 2024

Cattle & Beef Throughput: There were 32,340 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending July 6th 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 907,685 head. This is a -8,459 head or 1% decrease on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 899,...

12 Jul 2024

Defra Team Urged to Reverse Decline in UK’s Abattoir Network

The new government has been urged by rural campaigners to maintain the progress on action to reverse the decline of the UK’s local abattoir network. Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) has called on the new Defra ministers to announce ‘considered and robust support&#...

10 Jul 2024

GB pig prices: SPP falls

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The EU-spec SPP fell by 0.91p to stand at 209.50p/kg during the week ended July 6, cancelling out all the previous week’s gain. The SPP is currently at it’s lowest level since February 2023 and is down by 3.29p/kg s...

09 Jul 2024

Brazil’s Beef Exports Reach New Heights in 2024

Brazil establishes new beef export record in the first half of this year, having shipped 1,29 million tons of animal protein, which represents a 27% over the same period in 2023, with 1.019 million tons. Revenues was up 17%, to US$ 5,69 billion. Also: JBS Exceeds Expectations ...

08 Jul 2024

German Poultry Industry Rejects VAT Increase On Meat Products

The Central Association of the German Poultry Industry (ZDG) has rejected a plan outlined by the government to increase VAT on meat products. The funds raised by the proposed tax increase will be used to restructure livestock farming. The president of ZDG, Friedrich-Otto ...

08 Jul 2024

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices w/e June 29th 2024

Quotes Base quotes for hoggets from the major processors have tightened this week with base quotes of €7.50-€7.70/kg (+QA bonus) on offer. Prices have continued to come under pressure this week with reports of weaker demand from some major customers for Irish lamb. Irela...

08 Jul 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e June 29th 2024

Cattle & Beef Throughput: There were 31,856 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending June 29th 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 875,327 head. This is a -8,851 head or 2% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of ...

05 Jul 2024

Sheep and Goat Meat Exports from Australia Reach All-Time Highs

The past financial year has seen a huge burst in export volumes, with Australian export numbers for red meat the highest on record at over 2 million tonnes. Lamb, mutton and goatmeat all had record high volumes, while beef exports matched the levels seen during 2019–20. Lamb...

05 Jul 2024

Argentina beef consumption seen at record low in 2024

BUENOS AIRES, July 5 (Reuters) – Beef-loving Argentines are cutting back on their steaks as the country’s economy slumps, meaning cattle consumption will likely hit a record low this year, a market report published on Friday showed. Argentina’s beef consumpti...

04 Jul 2024

Potential EU-China Trade War and its Impact on Global Pork Trade

A potential trade war between the EU and China could have major repercussions for the global pork trade, including in the UK, experts have warned. China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) confirmed in mid-June that it was launching an anti-dumping investigation into EU pork pr...

01 Jul 2024

AIMS: Norman Bagley steps down

Press Statement: Norman Bagley to spend more time with golf clubs. After nearly 25 years of visionary leadership, Norman Bagley, the stalwart founder and driving force behind the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), is stepping back from his day-to-day role. Since...

01 Jul 2024

China food scientists combine lab-grown pork & chicken with rice

Researchers in Beijing say they have developed rice dishes that involve embedding meat cells into various grain varieties that grow in the laboratory to produce balanced, nutritious meals. Also: South Korean Scientists Develop ‘Beef Rice’ The research, which has not yet be...

01 Jul 2024

NatWest Faces Criticism over Meat Consumption Advice

NatWest is locked in a row with farmers for urging customers to buy less red meat. A “carbon footprint tracker” on the bank’s mobile app uses transaction data to advise customers on how to reduce their carbon footprint by changing their spending habits. The National Farm...

28 Jun 2024

From Knighthood to Culinary Delight: The History of The Sirloin

One of the meat industry’s most popular cuts is the sirloin. With its medieval history and versatility for cooking, it’s easy to see why. Grilled, roasted, pan-seared, or even as leftovers in a sandwich, this cut of beef has a delicious and long-standing history in British...

28 Jun 2024

New Zealand exporters to lead Taste Pure Nature programme

New Zealand exporters will take the lead in advancing the Taste Pure Nature brand and activity programme, which is designed to raise awareness and drive preference for New Zealand grass-fed beef and lamb. “As a sector, our future lies in driving more value and ultimately h...

28 Jun 2024

EU Exports of Pork to UK Plummet

EU countries have exported 181,800 tonnes of pork and pork meat products to the United Kingdom in the first quarter of 2024. Although that might seem a lot, it is the lowest Q1 volume on record, excluding 2021 when Brexit had a severe impact on trade, the agricultural levy boa...

28 Jun 2024

UK Cattle & Sheep Market Wrap: Week Ending 27th June 2024

Key points Prices for week ending 22 June 2024 Average prime deadweight cattle prices were relatively steady in the latest week, as supplies reduced. Cows saw slight pressure in the overall average price despite lower kill. Conversely, new season lamb prices continued on their...

28 Jun 2024

Australian cattle and sheep market wrap w/e 21st June 2024

Key points: Lamb slaughter once again reached record numbers, processing 511,102 head. Cattle slaughter was the highest since January 2020, at 142,390 head. Restocker Yearling Steer prices fell below Feeder Steers for the first time since October 2023. Cattle market The cattle...

28 Jun 2024

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices w/e June 15th 2024

Quotes Base quotes for hoggets from the major processors have tightened this week with base quotes of €8.80-€9.20/kg (+QA bonus) on offer. Small numbers of spring lambs have started to be processed in Irish processing plants with quotes of €9.10-9.20/kg (+QA bonus) avail...

28 Jun 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e June 15th 2024

Cattle & Beef Throughput: There were 29,653 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending June 15th 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 812,584 head. This is a 11,534 head or 2% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 8...

27 Jun 2024

Denmark to charge farmers £80 per cow in world-first meat tax

Denmark will charge farmers up to £80 for every cow in a world-first carbon tax on agriculture as the country tries to encourage people to eat less meat to tackle climate change. Agriculture is the largest emitting sector in Denmark, a major pork and dairy exporter and the g...

27 Jun 2024

Worsening financial performance for Ukraine’s largest poultry processor

Ukraine’s largest poultry processor, MHP, saw its net profit plummet nearly threefold due to the devaluation of the hryvnia and a surge in conflict-related costs. During the first quarter of 2024, MHP generated a net profit of US$16 million compared with US$49 million in t...

27 Jun 2024

GB pig prices: SPP falls again – NPA

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The EU-spec SPP lost another 0.62p during the week ended June 15 to stand at 209.94p/kg, more than cancelling out the previous week’s gain of 0.4p. After the shock 1.23p reduction during the first week of week of Jun...

26 Jun 2024

Russia exporting pork to Iran

Russia’s southern Rostov region has exported 17 tonnes of pork to Iran over a five-day period, the Russian agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor reported on June 26. Despite the newly listed export market, Iran is technically a pork-free market due to being overwhelming...

26 Jun 2024

Pork market update: EU production steady as prices see some stability

Key points: Total EU production saw marginal gains of 0.3% in the first quarter compared to 2023 Large production declines in Spain and Denmark as slaughter levels fall The EU Grade E pig price was sitting stable before dipping in the week ending 16 June ASF remains a huge cha...

26 Jun 2024

Meat recalled in south east due to food safety concerns

Restaurants, cafes and hotels in the south east and London have been told to remove certain meat products from menus over fears they are not safe to eat. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said it had asked trading standards officers to remove products made by Block and Cleaver, ...

25 Jun 2024

Hilton Foods says plan for Drogheda expansion will add 60 jobs

Hilton Foods, the London-listed meat-processing group, has moved to extend its facility in Drogheda. If successful, the move will add 60 jobs to its 280-strong workforce in Ireland. Last week, Hilton Foods submitted a planning application to Louth County Council seeking to ext...

24 Jun 2024

Poland’s President Urges China to Open Market for Polish Meat

We want to achieve a greater opening on the Chinese market, above all for our meat products, Poland’s President Andrzej Duda said before departing for China on Saturday. During his five-day official visit, the president will meet China’s President Xi Jinping and Pr...

22 Jun 2024

Concerns about ‘Toxic Bullying Culture’ at Hybu Cig Cymru

A Conservative MS called for Hybu Cig Cymru to be made fully independent amid concerns about a “toxic bullying culture” within the meat promotion organisation. James Evans, the shadow rural affairs secretary, warned the farming industry is losing faith in Hybu Cig Cymru (H...

21 Jun 2024

Pig prices: SPP regains some lost ground – NPA

The EU-spec SPP regained some lost ground, increasing by 0.4p to stand at 210.56p/kg during the week ended June 15, following the previous week’s shock 1.23p fall. It is now 3.3p below where it was at the start of the year and more than 12p below a year ago. The APP, ...

18 Jun 2024

Tesco to reduce chicken stocking density by first half of 2025

All of Tesco’s fresh chicken will be grown with 20% more space than the industry standard, the retailer has announced. The measure, announced by the supermarket today (18 June), forms part of a range of improvements to its poultry welfare standards. It means chickens wil...

18 Jun 2024

Danish lobby group urges swift solution to China’s threatened pork tariffs

COPENHAGEN, June 17 (Reuters) – Denmark’s pork industry said it would be hit hard if China restricts imports of European meat, the lobby group Danish Agriculture & Food Council told Reuters on Monday, and called for a solution to be found before July 4. China...

18 Jun 2024

Rival pork exporters could benefit from China-EU trade tensions

SINGAPORE, June 17 (Reuters) – Pork suppliers from South America and the U.S. could gain market share in China if Beijing restricts imports from the European Union in response to escalating trade tensions, traders and analysts said. Russia, increasingly a close trading ...

18 Jun 2024

Welsh red meat body in turmoil after two directors resign

Welsh red meat levy body Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) – Meat Promotion Wales – is descending into chaos amid reports of internal divisions, board members and key staff leaving, Farmers Weekly understands. The role of chairwoman Catherine Smith is coming under scrutiny after 39 m...

17 Jun 2024

Spain Calls for Talks to Avoid Tariffs on EU Pork Exports to China

MADRID, June 17 (Reuters) – Spain on Monday called for negotiations to avoid tariffs on its pork exports to China, after Beijing said it would open an anti-dumping probe into pork coming from the European Union. Also: EU pork industry faces ‘nightmare’ if China restr...

17 Jun 2024

Irish Pig Market Update 12th June

There was no announced change to Irish pig prices on Friday. Producers are reporting quotes of at least €2.26 – €2.33 available from processors in ROI, with some reporting up to €2.35/kg. This signals strong demand for pigs with the average price circa €2...

17 Jun 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e June 8th 2024

Cattle & Beef Throughput: There were 28,736 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending June 8th 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 782,949 head. This is a 14,280 head or 2% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 76...

17 Jun 2024

Cattle slaughtered due to bTB incident up 17% in Wales

Total animals slaughtered due to a bovine TB incident in Wales has increased by 17 percent, bleak new government figures show. The figures, covering April 2023 to March 2024, show that a total of 11,197 cattle were slaughtered due to bTB, a rise of 17%. Overall TB herd inciden...

17 Jun 2024

Dawn Meats and Aldi agree new five year deal

Dawn Meats and Aldi have signed a new, five-year supply contract worth €125m. Dawn Meats has been supplying Aldi since 2010 and, under the terms of the new deal, it will increase the amount it sells to Aldi by 35%. It will also add six new lines to the Aldi range. See also: ...

16 Jun 2024

EU pork industry faces ‘nightmare’ if China restricts imports

HAMBURG/LLEIDA, June 14 (Reuters) – Europe’s pork industry faces a “nightmare scenario” of lower prices and falling profitability if China restricts imports from the region, industry executives and analysts said on Friday. Chinese firms have asked for a...

16 Jun 2024

Irish Horse Abattoir Shut Down Amidst Welfare Abuses Investigation

The abattoir where RTÉ Investigates filmed “distressing” footage of welfare abuses on horses has been shut down by Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue. McConalogue said his Department is “actively investigating the absolutely abhorrent mistreatment of animals and s...

14 Jun 2024

NZ report on China market examines when demand may improve

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has published a market insights report detailing the current and projected state of New Zealand’s red meat exports to China. The report highlights several key factors influencing market conditions and when we may expect to see conditions impro...

14 Jun 2024

China firms seek anti-dumping probe of EU pork imports, ramping up tensions

BEIJING, June 14 (Reuters) – Chinese firms have formally applied for an anti-dumping probe into pork imports from the European Union, the state-backed Global Times reported, escalating tensions after the bloc imposed anti-subsidy duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles....

14 Jun 2024

Is the Australian lamb market becoming more volatile?

Key points: Lamb prices are more volatile as market players become more reactive to market conditions. Slaughter can help indicate the overall supply of the market. Relying on the lamb production life cycle to predict prices without considering the overall market can lead to u...

14 Jun 2024

South Korea lifts restrictions on French and Irish beef

South Korea is reopening its borders to French and Irish beef, after closing them in 2001 following the “mad cow” scandal, the European Commission announced on Thursday (13 June), calling it a “significant development” at a time when EU beef market is stagnating. This ...

13 Jun 2024

Food Security is National Security: Labour’s Stance in Manifesto

Labour has said that “food security is national security” as the party announced its general election manifesto today. Unveiled by Sir Keir Starmer in Manchester, the manifesto says Labour would “champion British farming whilst protecting the environment̶...

12 Jun 2024

GB pig prices for w/e June 8th, 2024 – SPP and APP both record large drops

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. In an unwelcome shock for many pig producers, the EU-spec SPP dropped back by 1.23p during the week ended June 8, to stand at 210.16p/kg, while the APP has also recorded a big loss. This was the biggest movement either...

12 Jun 2024

LDC to Acquire Cargill’s Polish Konspol Poultry Brand

French poultry processing company LDC is set to acquire the Konspol Poland brand and factory from agri-food giant Cargill. Financial details were not disclosed. The plant is located in Nowy Sacz in southern Poland and generated a consolidated turnover of €35m ($38m) in 2023,...

11 Jun 2024

Browns Food Group Partners with AK Stoddart

AK Stoddart has become Scotland’s largest privately-owned meat business, thanks to a multi-million pound investment from Browns Food Group. This move creates Scotland’s largest privately-owned meat business and reinforces investment in the Scottish meat sector. The com...

11 Jun 2024

Pig prices start to climb as EU market improves

Stagnant GB pig prices have held at about 211p/kg since the beginning of 2024, however uplifts in EU prices and increased domestic demand could help to provide some support moving forward. The EU-spec standard pig price improved marginally during early June to 211.4p/kg, while...

11 Jun 2024

Liz Truss Slams ‘Animal Extremists’ Targeting Farmers

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has made comments against animal ‘extremists’ who ‘intimidate’ farming businesses. Ms Truss, who was also once Defra Secretary, touched upon the subject while in her constituency South West Norfolk, as she bids to be re-e...

11 Jun 2024

New Zealand Abandons Plan to Price Agricultural Emissions

New Zealand has ended a plan to put a price on agricultural emissions including methane produced by burping sheep and cattle, relenting to farmer pressure that it would make their business unprofitable. The conservative government would establish a Pastoral Sector Group with r...

10 Jun 2024

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices w/e June 1st 2024

Quotes: Base quotes for hoggets from the major processors have tightened this week with base quotes of €8.80-€9.20/kg (+QA bonus) on offer. Small numbers of spring lambs have started to be processed in Irish processing plants with quotes of €9.10-9.20/kg (+QA bonus) ava...

10 Jun 2024

Irish Beef Market Update: Implications for the UK

Irish finished cattle prices have been relatively robust through the first few months of 2024. We recap the key trends in the market, the outlook for the rest of the year, and what this could mean for the UK. See also: Irish Sheep Trade & Prices w/e May 19th 2024 Key point...

10 Jun 2024

The Impact of the 2024 General Election on the Pig Sector

The decision to call a July 4 general election has already had an impact on some big policy issues affecting the pig sector and will have longer-term implications on others. ALISTAIR DRIVER looks into some of the hot topics. Rishi Sunak’s July 4 general election call took pr...

10 Jun 2024

Pilgrim’s Europe Announces Closure of Spurway Factory in West London

Pilgrim’s Europe has announced plans to close its Spurway factory, in West London, resulting in the loss of up to 170 jobs. The Pilgrim’s Food Masters factory in Southall makes chilled and frozen meals for Morrisons, Aldi and Waitrose. See also: Pilgrim’s Ashton pork p...

06 Jun 2024

Jais Valeur to step down as Group CEO of Danish Crown

In May, the Board of Directors of Danish Crown and the Executive Board started work on a new group strategy, which is expected to be ready for presentation in the autumn. Prior to this, Group CEO Jais Valeur has discussed with Chairman of the Board Asger Krogsgaard the need to...

06 Jun 2024

Kazakhstan plans to end dependence on US poultry imports

The Kazakh government has greenlit a plan to boost domestic poultry production by 200,000 tonnes through 2026 thanks to the expansion of 4 major broiler farms. The move will put an end to the decade-long dependence on foreign poultry supplies, primarily from the US. See also: ...

06 Jun 2024

Australian Red Meat Continues to Gain Popularity in the USA

Lamb During May, 36,703 tonnes of lamb were exported, which is the highest lamb export on record for a single month. The United States (US) continues to be the largest market for Australian lamb, followed by China and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The increas...

06 Jun 2024

Lamb trade starts to falter after months of strong returns

Livestock farmers have received a decent return for lambs so far in 2024, with finished deadweight prices staying above £8/kg since mid-March. However, as new season lambs start to come through in greater numbers, its unclear how much longer the trade will be able to hold. Th...

06 Jun 2024

Germany has new African swine fever case

HAMBURG, June 6 (Reuters) – A case of African swine fever (ASF) has been confirmed in farm pigs in east Germany, authorities said on Thursday. It was confirmed on a pig breeding farm in Greifswald in the eastern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the state’s agricult...

05 Jun 2024

Lamb throughput marginally higher than expected but concerns remain

The latest figures for lambs processed to date were marginally higher than expected, recent processing figures from Defra have revealed, which has been welcomed by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC). However, the red meat promotion body has raised concerns about the...

05 Jun 2024

Product judging underway for 2024 Meat Industry Awards

Product judging for this year’s Meat Management Industry Awards has commenced and judges are already saying that this year will be one of the most competitive ever. Over a busy few days, many hundreds of products will be evaluated at the Regional Food Academy test kitchens, ...

05 Jun 2024

GB pig prices: edge up as slaughter numbers slip

In May the EU spec SPP averaged 211.19p/kg, an increase of 0.29p from April. Weekly movements varied during the period with small declines recorded in the week ending 04 and 25 May. However, these were counteracted by increases through the rest of the month, with notably lar...

04 Jun 2024

UK red meat trade bonus predicted as EU livestock numbers shrink

Early year beef export figures are up – and there could be more to come as latest statistics indicate an internal decline in EU red meat production, according to Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales (HCC). During the first quarter of the year, Britain exported 27,150 tonnes o...

03 Jun 2024

Nominations now open for Women in Meat Industry Awards 2024

The latest Women In Meat Industry Awards campaign is fully underway for 2024 and is offering the opportunity for companies and individuals across the industry to nominate candidates. The annual Awards is the biggest and most important initiative of its kind, which recognises t...

02 Jun 2024

Greens drop plans to ration meat and dairy

The Green Party has dropped plans for rationing meat and dairy products, as its co-leader insists it will not be included in its manifesto. The party had put among its core aims on its website the policy of “rationing to reduce the amounts of meat and dairy food consumed in...

31 May 2024

What is happening in the Australian lamb market right now?

Over the past year, the lamb market has seen a turnaround, with strong sentiment and an improved weather outlook. The industry has seen prices improve by 10–20% compared to a year ago. When it comes to lambing season, the availability of high-quality feed is critical to not ...

31 May 2024

China approves imports of Danish Crown processed pork

BEIJING (Reuters) – China has approved the import of Danish salami, frankfurter sausages and canned pork, top processor Danish Crown [DACRO.UL] said this week, clearing the way for shipments of higher-value processed meat to the world’s top pork consumer. The agree...

31 May 2024

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices w/e May 19th 2024

Quotes: Base quotes for hoggets from the major processors have tightened this week with base quotes of €9.30-€9.50/kg (+QA bonus) on offer. Small numbers of spring lambs have started to be processed in Irish processing plants with quotes of €9.55-9.65/kg (+QA bonus) ava...

31 May 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e May 19th 2024

Cattle & Beef Throughput: There were 31,984 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending May 19th 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 692,034 head. This is a 18,573 head or 3% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 673,...

30 May 2024

China lifts suspension on Australian meat processors

The Australian government has confirmed that China’s suspension of five meat processing establishments has been lifted with immediate effect. Eight beef processing facilities have now had suspensions lifted, while two facilities remain suspended. According to a statement fro...

30 May 2024

GB pig prices w/e May 25th: SPP falls back again

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. After two consecutive weekly increases, the EU-spec SPP dropped back again during the week ended May 25, losing 0.37p to stand at 211.05p/kg. This partly offset the 0.65p gained over the previous fortnight and means the...

24 May 2024

Vietnam Opens Doors to UK Pork

In a notable boost for the UK pork sector, the Vietnamese authorities have given the go-ahead for pork exports to commence, in a deal estimated to be worth around £12 million over the first five years. Selected pork sites across the UK have been approved to start commercia...

23 May 2024

UK meat sector warns of unfair import costs

The British Meat Producers Association (BMPA) has claimed the UK government played down the costs of new post-Brexit border controls on imports. The UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), which has been in operation since 30 April, includes physical checks for “the h...

23 May 2024

GB pig prices: big increase for SPP

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The EU-spec SPP increased by 0.56p to stand at 211.42p/kg during the week ended May 18, the biggest movement either way since the first week of this year. This follows weeks of small fluctuations over the past three-and...

22 May 2024

Meat smugglers using English vehicles to dodge border checks

Criminal gangs are buying English-registered coaches and vans to smuggle large amounts of illegal meat into the country, Farmers Weekly has learned. Commercial quantities of illegal and diseased meat are entering the UK to be sold into fast-food outlets, pubs, and to “unsc...

22 May 2024

CCTV mandatory in all abattoirs in Wales

New regulations have been approved by the Welsh parliament for the mandatory use of CCTV in all abattoirs in Wales. It means CCTV cameras must be installed in all slaughterhouses in areas where live animals are unloaded, kept, handled, stunned, and killed. Also: Mandatory CCTV...

22 May 2024

NSA welcomes live export ban

Following the royal assent of legislation ending the exports of live animals for slaughter the National Sheep Association (NSA) is welcoming completion of the ban. NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “The export trade for live animals for further finishing or slaughter ha...

22 May 2024

Opportunities at the Saudi Food Show for British Lamb Exporters

This week, British lamb and dairy businesses headed to Saudi Arabia in a bid to meet growing consumer demand and build on long term export opportunities. Exporters from both sectors have joined us at the Saudi Food Show in Riyadh from 21−23 May. The show is Saudi Arabia’s ...

22 May 2024

ABP Perth set to process over 1700 cattle per week at £24.5m abattoir

Friday was an encouraging one for Scotland’s beef farmers with one of the country’s major processors unveiling the results of a £24.5m investment in plant and buildings. The ABP plant at Inveralmond on the outskirts of Perth is now on target to process 1,700 to 1,750 catt...

21 May 2024

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices w/e May 12th 2024

Quotes: Base quotes for hoggets from the major processors have tightened this week with base quotes of €9.30-€9.40/kg (+QA bonus) on offer. Small numbers of spring lambs have started to be processed in Irish processing plants with quotes of €9.55-9.65/kg (+QA bonus) ava...

21 May 2024

Prime lamb auction prices make strong impression

After a firm start to the new season, prime lamb auction prices have made a strong impression at marts, averaging 436p/kg lwt in the second week of May, analysts say. Meanwhile, hogg values continue to hold close to the highs reached at Easter and Ramadan, clearing at 370p/kg ...

21 May 2024

Ireland: Organic lamb numbers set to triple

The number of organic lambs is set to triple, but up to 50pc are currently ‘leaking’ into conventional systems, potentially missing out on premium prices. Jack Nolan, senior inspector with the Department of Agriculture, told a recent Teagasc webinar that Ireland will have ...

21 May 2024

Price cuts on NZ lamb rile UK farmers

Questions are being asked on both sides of the planet about the low retail price of New Zealand lamb in United Kingdom supermarkets. UK sheep farmers are criticising the Morrisons supermarket chain for selling NZ lamb at cheaper prices than local product, and some NZ farmers a...

21 May 2024

NZ: ANZCO Foods Achieves $61m Net Profit Despite challenging year

New Zealand Meat processor ANZCO Foods says despite a challenging business environment, it has posted a net profit before tax of $61 million for 2023. The company has described the result as pleasing despite the net profit being less than half of the $148m achieved in 2022. Tu...

20 May 2024

Export of live animals from the UK now banned

A new ban on exporting live animals came into law today (Monday 20 May) as the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act received Royal Assent, capitalising on a post-Brexit freedoms and bolstering the UK’s position as a world leader in animal welfare standards. The legislation...

20 May 2024

Quarterly Australian Lamb Slaughter Hits All-Time High

The latest livestock products data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that last quarter, Australia had the highest lamb slaughter on record at 6,935,700 head. The data, analysed by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), also shows that the January-Mar...

20 May 2024

China buys 95,000 tons of beef monthly from Brazil

April 2024 was a historic milestone in beef exports for Brazil having shipped 236,842 tons, generating revenues totaling US$ 1.043 billion, points out Agrilink. Leading the list was China, trailed closely by the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong, which experienced a substanti...

20 May 2024

Beef and Lamb NZ rejects Britain’s NFU ‘lower standards’ claim

Beef and Lamb New Zealand has hit back at claims lamb here is “produced to potentially lower standards than in the UK”. Britain’s National Farmers Union (NFU) made the claim when reacting to news supermarket chain Morrisons is going to start selling New Zeal...

20 May 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e May 12th 2024

Cattle & Beef Throughput: There were 30,743 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending May 12th 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 660,140 head. This is a 18,633 head or 3% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 64...

20 May 2024

Smaller abattoir fund boosted

Defra has issued two updates to its Smaller Abattoir Fund, raising the maximum grant amount to £75,000 and the intervention rate to 50 per cent. The move comes as part of an initiative announced last December to help the struggling sector -between 2018 and 2022, the number o...

18 May 2024

ABP Perth completes £24m beef plant expansion

ABP Food Group said today it has completed a £24.5m (€28.5m) investment in its beef processing facility in Perth, Scotland. The investment includes a 2,800 square metre extension, along with refurbishment and upgrades to meat production and maturation areas, storage areas a...

18 May 2024

Lancaster University votes to ban meat and dairy at outlets

Rural campaigners have hit back after a small group of students at Lancaster University voted to ban meat and dairy products at its campus-wide catering outlets. The Students’ Union voted to transition to 50% plant-based catering by 2025, and 100% plant-based catering by 202...

18 May 2024

GB Pig Prices: SPP inches back up

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The EU-spec SPP inched back up by 0.09p to stand at 210.86p/kg during the week ended May 11, following recent small declines that have seen it lose nearly 1p over the previous six weeks. The SPP has barely moved over th...

18 May 2024

Ireland Meat Plant Prices

€/kg dw excluding VAT Week Ending % Change Average to Date % Ch Cattle 06.05.2023 11.05.2024 Prev.Week Prev.Year 2023 2024 Steers O3 5.19 5.12 0.0 -1.3 5.14 5.07 -1.4 Steers O4 5.24 5.13 -0.4 -2.1 5.19 5.10 -1.7 Steers R3 5.27 5.22 0.0 -0.9 5.24 5.16 -1.5 Steers R4 5.30 5.22...

18 May 2024

UK approves tariff-free meat imports from Australia and NZ

The UK and EU have ratified a change to the Windsor Framework which allows NI businesses to make greater use of UK trade deals. The change allows tariff-free imports of certain meat products from Australia and New Zealand. The government says the deal addresses a post-Brexit p...

18 May 2024

Backlash as Morrisons trials sale of New Zealand lamb

Morrisons has received a backlash from angry farmers as it trials the sale of New Zealand lamb instead of 100% British lamb in 39 of its stores. The supermarket says the move is due to customer demand for cheaper prices. “The blunt commercial reality is that New Zealand ...

16 May 2024

Sheep farmers ‘dismayed’ as Morrisons drops British only pledge

Sheep farmers are ‘dismayed and frustrated’ after Morrisons announced this week that it will no longer sell solely British lamb in its stores. The retailer said it would be dropping its commitment to source only British lamb, a pledge made in 2017, as part of a ne...

16 May 2024

Dawn Meats Secures Korean Beef Deal

Dawn Meats has it has secured an initial multi-million contract for monthly shipments with a leading South Korean company. It comes as the Department of Agriculture announced the opening of Korea to Irish beef exports for the first time and after a number of high-level trade m...

16 May 2024

Russian poultry becomes a key player in China’s market

Russia secured a spot among the top 3 largest poultry meat suppliers on the Chinese market in 2023. This achievement is expected to pave the way for a substantial increase in volumes in the coming years, marking a significant shift in the global poultry trade dynamics, accordi...

16 May 2024

New mayor puts meat back on the menu

Worcester City’s new mayor has put meat back on the menu at the Guildhall after her predecessor removed it from the Mayor’s Parlour earlier in the year. Speaking at the hall after becoming mayor on Tuesday, Mel Allcott stated: “There will be a variety of refreshm...

15 May 2024

Mexican Visit Highlights Opportunities for UK Pork Exports

An inspection of the UK pork sector by an official delegation from Mexico has been labelled a ‘milestone moment’ in maintaining and expanding market access to the region for the industry. The delegation of Mexican officials spent two weeks inspecting abattoirs and cold sto...

15 May 2024

Live animal exports ban passes final stage in parliament

A ban on live animal exports has passed its final stage in parliament and will soon be enshrined in law. The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill will mean that livestock can no longer be exported from Great Britain for slaughter or fattening. On Tuesday (14 May), members o...

15 May 2024

JBS Exceeds Expectations Despite Market Challenges

In a notable first-quarter turnaround, JBS achieved a profit of $310 million, reversing the losses from the previous year. Brazil-based JBS is one of the world’s largest food companies, processes beef, pork, and other products, playing a vital role in supplying essential pro...

15 May 2024

NZ: Little room for lamb returns to rise

New Zealand Exporters have yet to see signs that overseas markets are prepared to pay more for lamb. Continued market weakness in China and another record lamb production year from Australia continue to dampen global prices, dashing hopes of an immediate boost to sheep farmin...

15 May 2024

Bedfordshire butcher breaks sausage-making world record

A village butcher has broken the world record for the number of sausages made in one minute. Gavin Reynolds, who owns J W Baxter Butchers in Clifton, explained: “I have been making sausages for over 30 years now and found out that there was a world record for the most am...

15 May 2024

South Korea opens market to Irish beef

South Korea has agreed to open its market to Irish beef for the first time. The development comes after intensive negotiations between Korean authorities and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, including a visit to South Korea by Minister for Agriculture Charlie...

14 May 2024

Sunak announces funding for new abattoirs and endemic disease control

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a package of industry support measures, as leading figures from across the food and farming industry gathered at Downing for the second Farm to Fork Summit. The package includes a new Endemics Disease Scheme with over £72m of funding and a...

14 May 2024

Ireland: Beef price cuts ‘targeted’ and ‘geographic’

A further 5c cut in beef prices set to be pushed through by factories this week sees quotes now back 15c in three weeks and 10-15c/kg below where they were this time last year. Beef finishers are said to be reeling from the cuts as they contend with high costs, while factory a...

14 May 2024

Paraguayan beef granted entry into Canadian market

Canada’s Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) greenlighted the entry of Paraguayan meat into their market with nine packing plants already authorised to start shipments. Paraguayan President Santiago Peña celebrated the good news with postings on social media. “I congratulat...

14 May 2024

Morrisons drops pledge to source only British lamb

Morrisons has announced it will ditch its commitment to source only British lamb as part of a new trial, with the sector calling it ‘hugely disappointing’ news. The retailer, which is seen as a significant supporter of British farming, has dropped its pledge to sel...

14 May 2024

Kelly Turkeys calls for national campaign to promote turkey

The turkey industry needs a national voice to help safeguard the future of British production, according to Paul Kelly, managing director of FarmGate Hatcheries which supplies around half of the poults reared for Christmas. “The British turkey market has declined dramaticall...

14 May 2024

Little to be Found: Bans on Lab-Grown Meat Products

Two U.S. states and one European country are banning manufacturing, selling, and distributing cultivated meat and poultry products. Italy enacted a ban last year, and Florida and Alabama enacted their laws on the books in only the last few days. The bans were enacted after the...

11 May 2024

Pig Prices: SPP dips again

The EU-spec SPP dropped back by another 0.2p to stand at 210.76p/kg during the week ended May 4, following the previous week’s 0.1p decline. The SPP has now fallen for five of the past six weeks, during which time it has lost 0.84p. However, after more than three months of s...

11 May 2024

Australian exports stay firm as global landscape shifts

Beef Beef exports lifted 46% from April 2023 to 113,431 tonnes. This is the largest beef export volume for April since 2015, and the second highest on record. Exports lifted in most major exports markets, with the United States remaining the largest beef market with exports ri...

11 May 2024

Australia to ban controversial live sheep exports by sea from May 2028

SYDNEY, May 11 (Reuters) – Australia’s government said on Saturday it would ban live sheep exports from the country by sea from May 2028, fulfilling a pledge to end a practice long opposed by animal welfare advocates. “We are giving certainty to sheep produce...

10 May 2024

BSE case confirmed in Ayrshire

A case of classical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed on a farm in Ayrshire. Precautionary movement restrictions have been put in place at impacted premises and cover animals which have been in contact with the case. Further investigations to identify t...

09 May 2024

Italy sends in the troops to hunt wild boar in face of African swine fever threat

The Italian Government has announed it is sending in troops across the country to hunt wild boar in order to protect its pig industry from African swine fever (ASF). The mission, reportedly spearheaded by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is aiming to curb Italy’s wild boar p...

07 May 2024

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices w/e April 28th 2024

Quotes: Base quotes for hoggets from the major processors have improved this week with base quotes of €9.20-€9.40/kg (+QA bonus) on offer. Small numbers of spring lambs have started to be processed in Irish processing plants with quotes of €10/kg (+QA bonus) available. ...

07 May 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e April 28th 2024

Cattle & Beef Throughput: There were 33,164 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending April 28th 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 596,422 head. This is a 17,139 head or 2.8% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total...

07 May 2024

Tyson Foods investing in insect protein

Tyson Foods, a major US producer of beef, pork and chicken, is betting on protein that comes from insects. The meat processor said on Tuesday that it has invested in Protix, a Netherlands-based insect ingredients maker. Tyson is not only taking a minority stake in the company,...

06 May 2024

More illegal meat seized in Dover amid funding cuts

The government has been told to reverse its decision to slash funding for checks on illegal meat imports at the Port of Dover as another 3.4 tonnes of illegal meat was seized. Dover District Council warned that a failure to act could expose the UK livestock industry to devasta...

06 May 2024

New Zealand Red meat exports slump due to weaker Chinese demand

Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings. New Zealand exported $2.58 billion worth of red meat products in the first quarter of the year, down 5% from the first quarter of 2023 and the lowest value for the quarter since 2018,...

05 May 2024

Ron DeSantis bans ‘global elite’ lab-grown meat

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has banned lab-grown meat, saying he will “save our beef” from the “global elite” and its “authoritarian plans”. “Florida is fighting back against the global elite’s plan to force the world to eat me...

03 May 2024

Brazil declares country foot-and-mouth disease-free without vaccination

SAO PAULO, May 2 (Reuters) – Brazil declared itself on Thursday as free of foot and mouth disease without vaccination, and will request World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) to recognize that status as it seeks to open more markets for its meat exports. Brazil̵...

03 May 2024

UK Meat Exports to EU: No Threat Despite NZ Trade Deal

Sheep meat, dairy and beef exports from the UK to the EU should ‘hold firm’ despite a free trade agreement between the bloc and New Zealand coming into force. New Zealand will have improved access to the European market as part of the new NZ-EU free trade agreement...

02 May 2024

Welsh dairy farms sought for AHDB programme driving positive change

Welsh dairy farms are being sought to apply to a national programme by the AHDB which seeks to drive positives changes on-farm. Successful applicants to the Strategic Dairy Farm programme will be appointed for three years and will collaborate with experts to develop a tailored...

01 May 2024

Dover border checks: Illegal sheep meat posed risk, officials say

Sheep carcasses transported to the UK without temperature controls, with blood dripping on other food such as pig parts, chicken, beef and cheese, were seized at the Port of Dover days before new controls came in, officials said. Dover Port Health Authority (DPHA) said it seiz...

30 Apr 2024

EU pork imports push Serbian pig farmers back into danger zone

Local farmers in Serbia say that a surge in pork imports from European Union (EU) member states has pushed the average profitability in the country’s pig industry below the break-even point again. The recovery trend in the Serbian pig industry did not last long, local news o...

30 Apr 2024

Uncertainty remains as new border control checks come into force

The Government’s new system of import checks finally comes into force today, after five delays and more than three years after we formally left the EU. However, while proper checks on meat products that could pose a risk of diseases like African swine or foot-and-mouth under...

30 Apr 2024

US to test ground beef in states with bird-flu outbreaks in dairy cows

CHICAGO, April 29 (Reuters) – The U.S. government said on Monday it is collecting samples of ground beef at retail stores in states with outbreaks of bird flu in dairy cows for testing, but remains confident the meat supply is safe. Federal officials are seeking to verif...

29 Apr 2024

Beef & Lamb NZ chief executive steps down

The chief executive of Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the New Zealand Meat Board Sam McIvor has resigned and is taking up another leadership role in the primary sector. In announcing his resignation Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland said McIvor was taking up another leade...

29 Apr 2024

How wild boars are threatening Italy’s prosciutto ham industry

Italy’s iconic prosciutto ham is under grave threat from burgeoning numbers of wild boar infected with swine fever, and the army should be drafted in to eradicate them, producers say. The number of wild boar infected with African swine fever (ASF) is on the rise across Italy...

28 Apr 2024

How might the EU-NZ trade deal impact trade?

The EU-NZ Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will enter into force on 1 May 2024. Trade of goods between the two countries was worth almost 9.1 billion euros in 2022. The agreement provides improved access into the EU market for New Zealand products. Improved access for New Zealand go...

27 Apr 2024

Colombia becomes first country to restrict US beef due to bird flu in dairy cows

CHICAGO, April 25 (Reuters) – Colombia has restricted the import of beef and beef products coming from U.S. states where dairy cows have tested positive for avian influenza as of April 15, according the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is the first country to officiall...

27 Apr 2024

Lidl Investing £500m In British Pork Sector

Lidl has announced a £500 million investment package into the British pork sector, including a new pricing model for suppliers and farmers. As part of the move, the discounter has moved pork producers to an open-book model – the ‘Lidl Pork Standard’ – that inc...

26 Apr 2024

ASF Russia: Half a million pigs culled in 2023

Russia’s ministry of agriculture estimated that the country culled nearly 486,000 pigs in 2023 due to African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks. Despite the losses, the Russian government believes its efforts to crack down on illegal online pork trade have improved the veterinary ...

25 Apr 2024

Delays in NZ lamb imports due to shipping challenges

THE trade of chilled lamb from New Zealand into the UK remains significantly below the levels seen before the pandemic struck, according to industry body Beef and Lamb New Zealand. The upheaval to supply chains during the COVID crisis had a marked effect, with perishable chil...

25 Apr 2024

UK minister says Brexit food checks will ‘have a light touch’

The UK has said post-Brexit border control on food and plant products due to start on Tuesday will be “light-touch” in order to avoid disruptions to businesses trading with the European Union. “We’re trying to cut down the amount of red tape and bureaucracy and so we a...

23 Apr 2024

Farming unions call on food retailers to ‘back British’

UK farming unions have called on retailers to support industry in response to “challenging and disruptive” weather this spring. In a joint letter on behalf of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru and Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), the trade bodies l...

23 Apr 2024

Consumers save £1.3bn using supermarket deals – Kantar

According to Kantar’s latest supermarket share update, consumers saved £1.3 billion collectively through supermarket deals in the last four weeks. Grocery price inflation fell to 3.2% over the four weeks to 14th April, aided by “a significant increase in promotional spend...

22 Apr 2024

Welsh producers to highlight sustainability during Great British Beef Week

According to Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), Welsh Beef producers will highlight the sector’s sustainability credentials during Great British Beef Week, held 23-30th April. The nationwide campaign was created by Ladies in Beef, and founded by Devon beef produc...

22 Apr 2024

Sofina acquires Scottish farms to improve its pork supply chain

Food processor Sofina Foods Europe (Sofina) has announced that it has acquired equipment, livestock and a number of farms from Rattlerow Scotland as part of its plan to strengthen its integrated pork supply chain. The deal will see up to 12 Rattlerow Scotland employees transfe...

22 Apr 2024

Livestock & Meat Commission for N.Ireland weekly bulletin

Deadweight Cattle Trade The deadweight trade for prime cattle in NI came under some pressure last week due to an increased supply, with 8,332 prime cattle slaughtered in local plants. This was the highest weekly prime cattle throughput in NI since November 2023. There was also...

19 Apr 2024

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices w/e April 13th 2024

Quotes: Base quotes for hoggets from the major processors have improved this week with base quotes of 900-930c/kg (+QA bonus) on offer. Small numbers of spring lambs have started to be processed in Irish processing plants with quotes of 960c/kg (+QA bonus) available. The stro...

19 Apr 2024

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices w/e April 13th 2024

Throughput: There were 34,425 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending April 13th 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 529,442 head. This is a 14,293 head or 11% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 515,149 cattle ...

19 Apr 2024

Meat and dairy prices still higher in long term despite falling inflation

Annual UK food price inflation fell to 4% last month down from 5% in February, but meat, dairy and eggs still remain significantly pricier compared to 2019 levels. The figures, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), show that bread prices rose by just under 1% ...

19 Apr 2024

AHDB Porkwatch survey “largely positive”, says NPA

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has released its latest Porkwatch survey, reporting a higher proportion of British pork and sausage products on shelves than last year. The survey, which looked at the performance of pork and pigmeat during the month of...

19 Apr 2024

Academics work together to highlight positive red meat research

Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has backed a group of academics working together to project positive news about eating red meat as a result of their mutual concerns about the impact of inaccurate work in the same field of research. The group, including Professor ...

19 Apr 2024

Pig Prices: SPP falls for third week in a row as slaughter numbers rise

SPP falls for third week in a row as slaughter numbers rise The headline pig price continues to fall, as prices in Europe stagnate, while last week saw a notable increase in estimated slaughter numbers. The EU-spec SPP fell for the third consecutive week during the week ended ...

19 Apr 2024

Danish Crown closes slaughterhouse in Denmark

COPENHAGEN, April 20 (Reuters) – Danish Crown will close one of its major slaughterhouses in Denmark and will lay off about 800 employees as part of a restructuring process, the meat producer and exporter said on Thursday. The company said it expects to hire up to 450 ne...

18 Apr 2024

China lifts ban on some German beef imports

BEIJING, April 16 (Reuters) – China has lifted mad cow disease-related bans on some German beef imports, Chinese customs authorities said, after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pressed Chinese counterparts for better market access in a visit to Beijing. The easing applies ...

18 Apr 2024

Meat prices fall to lowest rate since 2021 – ONS

According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), meat prices fell by 0.5% between February and March. The figures showed that the annual rates for most types of food product eased between February and March 2024, with bread, cereals and meat seein...

18 Apr 2024

Scottish farming calls for domestic food production commitments

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland met with MPs and Lords in the House of Commons to outline the importance of domestic food production. The event, held on Tuesday 16th April, was an “ideal opportunity” for the Union’s presidential team to present the key requi...

17 Apr 2024

QMS provides butchery apprentices with value-added educational events

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has reported that it has provided learning and development opportunities for 24 apprentice butchers across Scotland. QMS partnered with butchery businesses to hold educational events at Yorkes of Dundee and Strachans Craft Butchers in Larkhall, led ...

17 Apr 2024

Slow down in China’s beef demand hits key suppliers

China’s beef imports are dwindling amid slowing consumption and ample domestic supply, dealing a blow to its biggest supplier, Brazil. Official data shows the value of China beef imports fell last year for the first time since at least 2016, with prices plunging to the l...

16 Apr 2024

Brazil says China clears 38 more meat plants for export

SAO PAULO, March 12 (Reuters) – The Brazilian government has said 38 additional meat plants have been cleared to sell products to China in what it said was an historic move as both countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, according to a statement on Tu...

16 Apr 2024

“Wronged” red meat gets global academic approval

A group of highly-respected, independent international academics have banded together to project positive news about eating red meat as a result of their mutual concerns about the impacts of inaccurate and partisan work in the same field of research. The group, including Profe...

16 Apr 2024

Welsh Beef producers shine during Great British Beef Week

Welsh Beef producers are set to take centre stage with Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), shining a light on the sectors sustainability credentials during Great British Beef Week (23-30 April). As part of its activity, which will feature beef farmers from across Wa...

16 Apr 2024

First shipment of Russian pork arrives in China

MOSCOW. April 15 (Interfax) – The first shipment of Russian pork has been delivered to the Chinese market according to Miratorg, the first company to begin deliveries after China lifted restrictions on Russian pork imports last September. A consignment of products weighi...

15 Apr 2024

Welsh abattoir submits request to build meat vending machine

A livestock market site has sought permission from Ceredigion County Council planners to construct a meat vending machine building at its abattoir site Cig Oen Caron in Wales. Cig Oen Caron currently operates from Rhyd Y Gwreiddyn in Tregaron and according to the planning perm...

15 Apr 2024

Review warns of deficiencies associated with plant-based diets

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has looked at the findings of a review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which reported that switching to plant-based diets appears to “put us at risk of nutrient deficiencies”. QMS highlighted that the authors of ‘Impac...

15 Apr 2024

Scientists find beef imports into Europe largely safe

The presence of foodborne pathogens in raw beef imported into the European Union is low, according to a study. Microbiological quality of 100 raw beef samples sent to the EU was investigated. Samples of beef imported from November 2021 to May 2022 were collected at the Border ...

15 Apr 2024

Australian meat exports continue to climb

Despite an early Easter, red meat exports in March rose 9% from last year to 182,480 tonnes, making this past month the largest March in terms of exports since 2015 and the second largest on record. Beef Australia exported 106,574 tonnes of beef over March, 8% more than last y...

15 Apr 2024

Cut backs at Shetlands abattoir as financial pressure grows

Shetland’s abattoir will replace its full time manager with a part time role as financial pressures mount. Cuts were “reluctantly” made at the abattoir, Shetland Livestock and Marketing Group (SLMG) said. Due to financial pressures, which are being experienced across the...

14 Apr 2024

JBS to double capacity of Brazil beef plant

JBS, the world’s largest meat producer, will invest 150 million reais (US$29.2 million) to double-fold processing capacity at its Campo Grande II beef plant to 4,400 cattle heads per day, the company announced Friday in a statement. The announcement, which comes after th...

13 Apr 2024

Lula Reunites With JBS Brothers as Brazil’s China Ties Deepen

(Bloomberg) — The billionaire Batista brothers’ stunning comeback is thrusting them into Brazil’s highest circles of power less than three weeks after their appointment to the board of JBS SA. Wesley and Joesley Batista — who grew their family butcher shop into t...

11 Apr 2024

Record-breaking lamb trade hits peak but stays above £8/kg

The spike in demand for lamb from Easter and Ramadan may be passing, with Eid al Fitr ending proceedings on 10 April. However, deadweight lamb prices have continued to hold strong, with tight supplies carrying the trade. Deadweight lambs averaged 829.5p/kg this week, back from...

11 Apr 2024

QMS drives innovation within the butchery sector

Scotland’s apprentice butchers are benefiting from a focus on innovation provided through the Scotch Butchers Club, run by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). It recently partnered with industry leaders to provide learning and development opportunities for 24 apprentice butchers ac...

10 Apr 2024

Ireland: Weekly Cattle Prices 10th April

Prices reported as quoted or paid to IFA Members. Strong demand. Factories paying above quotes. Steer base €5.20/5.30/kg. Heifer base €5.25/5.35kg. Young Bulls R/U €5.10/5.50/kg. Higher prices for larger and specialised lots. Cows €4.10/€4.90/kg. In-spec bonus 20c/kg...

09 Apr 2024

Wolverhampton abattoir lays off staff over pig supply issue

Many of the staff at a Black Country pork producer and wholesaler have been laid off with no supply of pigs for slaughter given as the reason. The measure at F A Gill at Parkfields, Wolverhampton, took effect on Monday and affected staff, including 40 butchers, have been told ...

09 Apr 2024

Australia manages more than half global sheep meat trade in 2023

Australian sheep meat made up more than half of total global trade for the first time in 2023, according to Meat & Livestock Australia global supply analyst Tim Jackson. “With Australian lamb and mutton production reaching record highs, exports have lifted substantially,...

09 Apr 2024

UK Cattle & Sheep Trade & Prices w/e 30/03

Cattle Deadweight prime cattle prices were generally pressured in the latest week, with the GB all-prime average measure down by 2p/kg to 487.7p/kg for the week ending 30 March. The measure is now in-line with the same week last year. Breaking the prime category down, overall...

09 Apr 2024

Britain’s Best Butcher’s Shop: who will win the title in 2024?

With the Meat Management Industry Awards nomination and voting process well underway, we take a look at one of the programme’s most prestigious awards – Britain’s Best Butcher’s Shop. Last year’s winners Gigli’s Butchers explain what winning the award meant to them...

09 Apr 2024

Irish Cattle & Sheep Trade & Prices w/e 31/03

Cattle & Beef Throughput: There were 31,967 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending March 31st 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 462,669 head. This is a 10,947 head or 2.4% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total o...

09 Apr 2024

Abattoir to diversify with meat vending machine

An application for self-serve meat vending machines has been submitted to council planners. Abbatoir Cig Oen Caron is seeking permission from Ceredigion County Council for two vending machines at Tregaron cattle market. The machines would be “stocked on a daily basis”, wit...

09 Apr 2024

Plukon Food Group buys Polish poultry business Algas

Wezep – Katowice, 2 April 2024, Plukon Food Group (Plukon) has reached an agreement in principle with the shareholders of Algas SP Sp. z o.o. (Algas) to acquire 100% of their slaughtering and processing activities. Algas, under the leadership of the Szatan family, is a secon...

08 Apr 2024

Farmer survey aims to help researchers learn about lungworm outbreaks

A survey has launched for cattle farmers and vets to help researchers find out more about lungworm and its treatment across the UK. Through the survey, the Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) group hopes to learn more about when outbreaks of lungworm are occurring. It also see...

08 Apr 2024

AHDB showcases British red meat at Canada expo

British beef, lamb and pork will be featured at the Restaurants Canada (RC) Show in Toronto from 8-10th April, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). The show, which AHDB said is expected to attract more than 22,000 visitors from Canada and aro...

07 Apr 2024

First Russian pork on its way to China

A Chinese regulator granted permission for pork export to the first 3 Russian pig companies, Russian veterinary body Rosselhoznandzor announced. RusAgro, a large Russian pig producer, scheduled to deliver the first pork to China in March 2024, Agroexport reported. The first co...

07 Apr 2024

‘Vet attestation’ rules for meat exports to be tightened

UK farmers will be barred from exporting non-assured livestock or products derived from them to the EU from next week, unless they have a vet-supplied declaration that their animals have been inspected in the past 12 months. The new rules initially took effect last December, r...

05 Apr 2024

Irish Cattle & Sheep Trade & Prices w/e 24/03

Cattle & Beef Throughput: There were 33,106 cattle processed in DAFM approved plants during the week ending March 24th 2024, taking throughput for the year to date to 430,700 head. This is a 11,783 head or 3% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 41...

05 Apr 2024

QMS relaunches Scotch Beef Club in Italy

Scotch Beef is now high fashion in Milan after Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) relaunched the Scotch Beef Club in Italy, focussing on increasing exports to this high-profile, premium market. To celebrate the relaunch, an audience of leading foodservice stakeholders in the Italian ...

04 Apr 2024

Six Charged Following Protest at Cranswick Abattoir

Six people have been charged with aggravated trespass after a protest at a pig abattoir. Operations at the pig processing plant run by Cranswick Country Foods in Watton, Norfolk, were disrupted when animal rights protesters made their way into the site at around 6am on Wednesd...

04 Apr 2024

Exporters prepare for inward mission from Mexican contingent

In a few weeks’ time, the UK will host a two-week reapproval inspection audit from Mexico for British pork. To help exporters prepare, AHDB and the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) held a workshop on Tuesday 19 March 2024. Highlights from the workshop included...

04 Apr 2024

UK has self-declared zonal freedom from highly pathogenic bird flu

The UK has self-declared zonal freedom from highly pathogenic avian influenza following its worst ever outbreak, which began in 2021. The development, announced today (3 April) by Defra, means the UK is now in line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules. The de...

04 Apr 2024

New AHDB Pork Sector Council chair announced

Glen Nimmo has been appointed as the new chair of the AHDB Pork Sector Council, Defra has announced. Mr Nimmo has previously worked in a family-run multi-site integrated pork processing business, covering slaughter, primal processing and retail packing. Replacing Mike Sheldo...

04 Apr 2024

Pig prices: SPP drops back as market stability continues

The pig price has been remarkably stable of late and this continued during the week ended March 30, as the EU-spec SPP dropped back by 0.22p to stand at 211.39p/kg. This continued the recent pattern of small dips and gains in quick succession, cancelling out the previous wee...

04 Apr 2024

Australian goatmeat exports surge in 2023

Australian goatmeat exports for 2023 reached their second highest volume on record for a calendar year since 2014. A total of 33,891 tonnes of shipped weight (swt) Australian goatmeat was exported in 2023, a significant increase on the 21,831 swt exported in 2022. While volume...

04 Apr 2024

Vegan Activists Occupy Cranswick Abattoir, Seven Arrested

Police have been called to a Norfolk abattoir where anti-meat demonstrators are staging a protest above one of the slaughterhouses. The group, led by an activist and filmmaker known as Joey Carbstrong, entered the Cranswick food facility at Brandon Road, Watton, earlier t...

03 Apr 2024

Hilton Food Group plans further expansion and more takeovers

Hilton Food Group is planning further geographic expansion and potential takeover deals after profits jumped by nearly two-thirds last year. The food packaging company, which supplies major supermarkets including Tesco, Morrisons, and Waitrose, reported bumper pre-tax profits ...

30 Mar 2024

Ireland: IFA Livestock chair calls for sustained beef price rises

IFA Livestock chair Declan Hanrahan said beef price rises of 10c/kg over the past week must continue. He said demand for beef in our key UK and EU markets is strong with supplies in these markets reducing for the year, creating real potential for strong and sustained growth in...

30 Mar 2024

Three Councils Defy Plant-Based Movement in Support of Farmers

Three councils, including the first in Scotland, have defied the plant-based movement in a show of support for farmers of all sectors. Rutland County Council, Peterborough City Council, and Highland Council have all passed new pro-farming motions, becoming the latest to do so....

30 Mar 2024

QMS reports early signs of seasonal uplift in the pig market

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has indicated that the pig market is showing early signs of a seasonal uplift. After experiencing downward pressure at the start of 2024, the GB Standard Pig Price (SPP) has been relatively stable in February and March. Notably, carcass prices for w...

30 Mar 2024

Boosting pork exports to Southeast Asia: Russia launches the Meat Shuttle

The Russian government and logistics firm FESCO have launched a ‘Meat Shuttle’ – a railway service for the delivery of perishable products in refrigerated containers from Russia to China and countries of Southeast Asia. The new route will boost the export potential of ...

29 Mar 2024

Excessive cost rise impacts Scottish meat chain

Scotland’s meat industry is at risk of being rendered ‘uncompetitive’ in comparison to the rest of the UK by the imposition of huge cost increases by Food Standards Scotland (FSS). An April 1st price hike by FSS of 20% for the provision of Official Veterinarians (OVs) an...

28 Mar 2024

The outlook for global poultry markets in 2024 – Rabobank

The outlook for global poultry markets in 2024 is moderately positive, with demand expected to gradually recover. Here are some key points from Rabobank’s report: Demand Recovery: There’s an anticipated shift from consumer focus on prices to a recovery in demand for value-...

28 Mar 2024

What is Great British Beef Week?

Great British Beef Week 2024. Great British Beef Week (GBBW) is a nationwide campaign in the UK that celebrates the versatility and exceptional taste of British beef. It also highlights the commitment and dedication of British beef farmers to sustainable practices. The 14th an...

28 Mar 2024

Pig prices: SPP moves up again

The EU-spec SPP followed last week’s small dip with a small gain of 0.3p during the week ended March 23 to stand at 211.61p/kg. The price index has been extremely stable since the end of January, when it stood at 211.36p/kg, fluctuating up and down since. It is now 2....

28 Mar 2024

Polish poultry meat sector insists products are safe

Representatives from the poultry meat sector in Poland have responded to reports in the United Kingdom about the risk of Salmonella in products. Broadcaster ITV and The Bureau of Investigative Journalism said UK food safety chiefs were considering banning some poultry product...

27 Mar 2024

Retailers accused of ‘morally wrong’ pricing as they cut price of lamb ahead of Easter

Retailers have been accused of ‘morally wrong’ pricing as the price of lamb, potatoes and vegetables are cut this week. IFA President Francie Gorman said that vegetables, potatoes and lamb are being sold below the cost of production this week at prices that are “insultin...

27 Mar 2024

Argentina’s beef exports surge to highest level in decades

Foreign sales of Argentina’s famed steaks and other cuts of beef soared last month to reach their highest level in more than five decades, according to official data published on Tuesday, in a rare bright spot for the South American country’s ailing economy. The da...

27 Mar 2024

Scottish government changes farming payments from 2025

New details about the actions Scotland’s farmers and crofters will have to take to receive agricultural support payments from 2025 have been unveiled. From next year, farmers and crofters will have to deliver new things in return for basic payments, the Scottish governme...

27 Mar 2024

Pig producers must consider ‘very real threat’ of African swine fever

Pig producers have been warned to consider the ‘very real threat’ of African swine fever (ASF) in the UK as the virus continues to spread in Europe. In new guidance, the National Pig Association (NPA) has urged farmers to consider whether they are doing everything ...

27 Mar 2024

NSA urges new Welsh First Minister to rethink SFS

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has continued to urge Welsh Government to rethink Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) as the new Welsh First Minister is appointed. Vaughan Gething was appointed First Minister following a vote in Welsh Parliament, which NSA commented was a �...

27 Mar 2024

Government response to Australia meat export barrier is “disappointing”- BMPA

The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has expressed disappointment with Government response to its letter regarding Australian meat exports. The organisation said that it had recently written to Trade Minister Kemi Badenoch MP regarding meat export opportunities to Au...

27 Mar 2024

Billionaire Brothers to Join Board of JBS

(Bloomberg) — Brazilian billionaire brothers Joesley and Wesley Batista were named to the board of JBS SA, paving the way for their return to the family’s meat empire after years of absence following a massive corruption scandal. The brothers will take two extra seats ...

27 Mar 2024

GI status boost for Welsh lamb and beef exports to Japan

Welsh lamb and beef have officially been recognised with Geographical Indication (GI) status in Japan. The protected status means that the premium products can be exported to Japan with added assurance that they are protected against imitations. The announcement from the Depar...

26 Mar 2024

Tight supplies and demand uplift drive EU pork prices

Improved demand has fuelled a welcome increase in EU pork prices over the past six weeks or so. The first five weeks of the year saw EU pi prices drop off sharply, losing on average 12p/kg, on the back of seasonally weak demand. However, in the latest six weeks, ending March...

26 Mar 2024

Over 100 tractors rally outside parliament as concern over policy grows

More than 100 tractors rallied outside the Houses of Parliament as part of the industry’s latest protest against the direction of government policy. Tractors taking part in the go-slow protest on Monday evening (25 March) made their way through central London’s str...

26 Mar 2024

NFU Scotland welcomes mandatory legislation to tackle Avian Influenza

National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland has welcomed the announcement of new legislation requiring all bird keepers to register their flocks. The mandatory requirement follows a long-running campaign driven by the “continued threat” of Avian Influenza to Scottish poultry,...

26 Mar 2024

UK Halal sector expected to be worth £13.5bn by 2028

The Halal Monitoring Committee has published a report on the halal sector, which looks at the importance of the halal market to UK farming and to the UK economy. Research conducted by Dr Awal Fuseini, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s (AHDB) halal sector senio...

26 Mar 2024

Lamb prices soar as supply tightens and demand rises

Deadweight lamb prices have soared by more than 20 per cent in the last nine weeks with increased consumer demand around religious festivals and a tightening of supply to market playing a significant part. Nine consecutive weekly price rises have carried the current deadweight...

25 Mar 2024

Ireland: Weekly Cattle Prices 20th March

Prices reported as quoted or paid to IFA Members. Strong demand. Factories paying above quotes. Steer base €5.15/5.25/kg. Heifer base €5.20/5.30kg. Young Bulls R/U €5.10/5.50/kg. Higher prices for larger and specialised lots. Cows €4.10/€4.90/kg. In-spec bonus 20c/kg...

25 Mar 2024

Taste of Japan: Wagyu beef a cut above

If “wagyu” simply means Japanese cow, does that mean that all beef in Japan is wagyu? No. Not all Japanese beef is created equal. Over the decades, a lot of dairy cattle – mainly Holsteins – have been imported in Japan. Many have also been crossbred with local wagyu ca...

25 Mar 2024

NZ and EU trade agreement to take effect on May 1

SYDNEY, March 25 (Reuters) – New Zealand said on Monday a free trade agreement with the European Union would come into effect on May 1, after the country’s parliament ratified the deal. New Zealand notified the European Union it ratified the agreement earlier on Mo...

24 Mar 2024

U.S. drought and weak yen lift Japan’s beef import costs

TOYOTA — Japanese wholesale prices for imported beef have hit the highest level since the market was opened up in 1991, as a drought in southern U.S. states curtails supply, prompting restaurants to weigh price hikes. Domestic wholesale price of U.S. belly meat used in b...

24 Mar 2024

Australian Government leads red meat mission in the UK

The Cook Government’s Minister for Agriculture and Food is leading the first Western Australian delegation of its kind to the United Kingdom, which includes some of the State’s major sheep meat and cattle producers. Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis is le...

23 Mar 2024

South Korean Scientists Develop ‘Beef Rice’

South Korean researchers have combined cow muscle cells with rice grains. They say the new rice is an important step towards a sustainable, less costly source of protein. The researchers suggested it could replace the meat of farmed cattle, or beef. Professor Jinkee Hong of Y...

23 Mar 2024

Belgium says free of bird flu in poultry

PARIS, March 22 (Reuters) – Belgium has regained its status of being free of bird flu, which will allow producers to resume poultry exports and other countries to lift trade bans, Belgian food safety authorities have said. The Paris-based World Organisation for Animal He...

22 Mar 2024

Red Tractor Axes Greener Farms Commitment Module

Red tractor assurance today announces that it is dropping its greener farms commitment module (gfc), following feedback from its members. The module was developed to help farmers, processors and retailers meet the growing need for all to demonstrate sustainability, but ...

22 Mar 2024

AIMS announces speakers for its 2nd Annual Luncheon

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has announced the speakers attending its Annual Luncheon on Friday 12th April at Butcher’s Hall in London. The luncheon will commence with a short address from the Master of the Worshipful Company of Butchers, Chris Wood. ...

22 Mar 2024

Meat wholesaler Macduff 1890 ceases operations

The family-owned, fourth-generation meat wholesale company Macduff 1890, under the leadership of Andrew Duff, the great-grandson of its founder, has ceased operations and closed. Andrew Duff expressed his great disappointment that trading conditions had given him no other opt...

21 Mar 2024

Scottish farmers demand clarity on £40m beef support scheme

NFU Scotland has called again on the Scottish Government to urgently bring forward details of its proposed reform of the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS). Government has confirmed that the scheme, currently worth £40 million, will be a feature of future support ...

21 Mar 2024

Pig prices: Slaughter numbers plummet as SPP drops back

The EU-spec SPP has dropped back again, but the most eye-catching part of the latest of AHDB’s market data is the drop of in estimated slaughter numbers. If these turn out to be accurate – and they are often revision – weekly GB slaughterings, at 141,000 fo...

21 Mar 2024

Florida bans lab-grown meat

Florida became the first state to ban cultivated meat, which is made by replicating the cells of real meat without the need to actually raise and slaughter the animal, The Free Press has reported. Other states, including Arizona, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Alaba...

21 Mar 2024

Soaring lamb trade reaches new record high of £8/kg

Finished deadweight lambs have surpassed £8/kg for top E- and U-grades in the past week. Tight supplies and exceptional demand driving up prices to new all-time highs. The GB old-season lamb SQQ averaged 789.8p/kg, an increase of 46.1p/kg on the previous week, and up by almos...

21 Mar 2024

New NI TB compensation proposals gains largest ever farmer feedback

Nearly 5,000 Northern Irish farmers have responded to a consultation proposing to cut the compensation rate for cattle removed under the bTB programme. This is the largest number of responses to date on a bovine TB consultation proposal in Northern Ireland. The controversial p...

21 Mar 2024

Scottish beef farmers frustrated by lack of detail on calf scheme reform

The Scottish government has been urged to release more details on its reform of the suckler beef support scheme, as farmers raise frustration with the lack of detail. The Scottish government recently confirmed that the scheme (SSBSS), currently worth £40 million, will be a fe...

21 Mar 2024

PGI Welsh Lamb campaign “a major success” says HCC

Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has reported that its multi-platform consumer campaign, ‘Uniquely Welsh. Experts in their field’, has resulted in a “considerable uplift” in brand awareness. The campaign, which aimed to increase brand awareness of PGI Wels...

21 Mar 2024

NCB provides butchers with legal advice in Trading Standards Manual

National Craft Butchers (NCB) has launched its Trading Standards Manual, which it said provides “comprehensive legally backed advice” for retail, catering and wholesale butchers. The manual was produced after NCB contacted East Sussex Council to investigate forming a “co...

21 Mar 2024

Derbyshire abattoir expansion plans approved despite concerns

An abattoir in Derbyshire has had expansion plans approved despite concerns from residents. At a South Derbyshire District Council meeting on Tuesday, plans to expand Pickstock Abattoir in Coal Lane, between Hartshorne and Ticknall, were approved by councillors. A resident had...

20 Mar 2024

Ongoing poor weather ‘placing farmers under serious pressure’

St Patrick’s Day is seen as a turning point in the farming calendar, but ground is saturated due to wet conditions that stretch back to the middle of last year. Ongoing weather conditions are placing farmers under “serious pressure and adding to stress levels for famil...

20 Mar 2024

Defra looks at greater use of electronic tags for pig identification

The government has promised to work with the pig industry on any future changes to pig identification, including the possible greater use of electronic tags. Defra has now responded to a 2022 report by AHDB into pig movements, identification and traceability, commenting on all...

20 Mar 2024

Lamb roast sales and exports on the rise in 2024

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has predicted that traditional roast lamb sales in 2024 will increase on the year through Easter, Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr, as HCC predicts boost in Welsh sheep exports. The trade body reported that in 2023, British shop...

20 Mar 2024

Interest in meat-free products “waning” says AHDB

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has revealed that in January 2024, meat-free products experienced less demand compared to last year. The trade body said that in January 2023, it saw “poor performance” for both meat-free and dairy-free products com...

20 Mar 2024

FSA criticised over push to fast-track ‘lab-grown meat’ approvals in the UK

Criticisms have been raised at the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for wanting to accelerate approval of lab-grown meat for the UK market. The FSA is reportedly planning to use the approval of regulators in other countries to allow technologies like lab-grown meat and insect-based...

20 Mar 2024

Avara Foods criticises ‘opportunistic’ legal threat over river Wye pollution

Avara Foods has described as ‘opportunistic’ and ‘without merit’ the threat of a legal claim for compensation for those affected by pollution in the river Wye. Avara Foods operates within the catchment of the river Wye, however all its birds are housed, and there is no...

19 Mar 2024

Abattoir ‘found to be transporting warm meat’ fined thousands

Higginshaw Abattoir Ltd, based in Royton, Oldham, was ordered to pay £12,000 after being found guilty of charges relating to the dispatch of over-temperature meat. The law states that meat must be immediately chilled and kept below 7°C, and below 3°C in the case of offal,...

19 Mar 2024

New measures to help protect poultry industry from bird flu

New measures to better protect the poultry sector from future avian influenza outbreaks have been set out by the government today (19 March). Under the changes announced there will be new requirements for all bird keepers – regardless of the size of their flock – t...

19 Mar 2024

Farm to fork Assurance Review officially launched

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) have announced that an industry wide review of farm to fork assurance has been officially launched. The independent review has been jointly commissioned by the NFU and AHDB along ...

19 Mar 2024

LMC sees drop in NI calf registrations for January 2024

The Livestock and Meat Commission in Northern Ireland (LMC NI) has reported a 6.9% year-on-year decrease in calf registrations in January 2024. Using data from the Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System (NIFAS), LMC confirmed that a total of 40,587 calves were registe...

19 Mar 2024

New U.S. meat labelling rules causing Canadian cattle industry concern

New meat labelling rules in the United States could have an impact on the ability of Canadian beef producers to move their product into its largest consumer market. The changes are part of a decade-long battle between Canada and the U.S. over country-of-origin labelling (COOL)...

18 Mar 2024

China removes anti-dumping tariff on Brazilian poultry

China has removed the anti-dumping process against Brazilian poultry that increased importation tariffs up to 34.2%. In addition, the Chinese government has also authorised 12 new chicken plants from Brazil to export. This has been agreed following negotiations between Brazil ...

18 Mar 2024

Poland begins poultry exports to the Philippines

Poland has sent the first containers of poultry to the Philippines, with deliveries expected to perk up in the coming months. In the meantime, farmers insist on their demands to protect the domestic market from cheap imports. The Philippines is a big market made up of 115 mill...

18 Mar 2024

Welsh lamb to be showcased in the US

Welsh red meat exporters will be heading across the Atlantic to promote PGI Welsh Lamb on a trade visit facilitated by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC). Welsh lamb will feature at the Annual Meat Conference (AMC) which this year is taking place in Nashville, Ten...

17 Mar 2024

Python ‘tastes like chicken and should be part of our diet’

Python meat should be seen as a serious alternative to chicken and beef because of its environmental benefits, according to a scientific study. Academics say the non-venomous snakes require less food than traditional livestock such as pigs or cattle and can grow at a faster ...

14 Mar 2024

Government confirms new phase of bovine TB vaccine field trials

Farmers are one step closer to seeing a deployable bovine TB cattle vaccine as government field trials move on to a third phase. Following the completion of phase 2 of the trials, the government has published an update confirming it will undertake an additional phase. Phase 3 ...

14 Mar 2024

Scottish gov told to return £46m to ag budget or ‘jeopardise’ food security

The Scottish government must return £46 million to farmers or risk ‘jeopardising’ food security and net zero plans, an MSP has warned. Ring-fenced funding was removed from the agriculture budget, including £33m in Bew Review funding during the emergency budget re...

14 Mar 2024

Craft butcher named Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year

A craft butcher from Falkirk who credits his apprenticeship with changing his life has been named as Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year. Marc Ingram picked up the Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 5 award at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, held at the P&J Live ...

12 Mar 2024

Farmers concerned about cheaper imports to protest outside parliament

Farmers concerned about cheaper food imports are set to stage a new protest outside the Houses of Parliament later this month. Campaign groups Save British Farming and Fairness For Farmers said they wanted to “bring the countryside to the lawmakers in parliament”. ...

12 Mar 2024

Russia sends first pork shipment to China in 15 years

Russia has announced that it has sent pork to China for the first time since 2008 when the Chinese Government imposed a ban on Russian due to African Swine Fever. Russia sent 27 tonnes of pork to China on Thursday, according to Russia’s veterinary and phytosanitary service, ...

11 Mar 2024

USDA says more than $200M will help meat processors expand

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Agriculture Department announced more than $223 million in grants and loans Wednesday to help small- and mid-sized meat processing plants expand as part of a larger $1 billion effort to boost competition in the highly concentrated industry. The effort ...

11 Mar 2024

Meat industry leaders pledge gender equality

Industry leaders representing nine businesses across the meat processing, retail and foodservice supply chain have agreed that more progress is needed to improve gender inclusion within the sector. The group came together at a recent round-table forum organised by the Meat Bus...

11 Mar 2024

Marel: Optimizing the fundamentals of pork cutting and deboning

The landscape of pork processing is changing, but the one thing that remains a constant is the essential steps to get from carcass to commodities. This journey involves intricate processes requiring precision, skill, and an understanding of consumer preferences. By continually...

11 Mar 2024

First female leadership team for Q Guild of Butchers

The Q Guild of Butchers has cut through tradition and appointed a female chair and vice chair – the first women to ever hold these positions at the Guild in its 37 years. Supporting the craft butchery trade, the Q Guild of Butchers represents over 120 of Britain’s butchers...

09 Mar 2024

The Origins of Corned Beef

Corned beef, with its succulent taste and rich history, has traversed continents and centuries, captivating palates worldwide. The term “corned beef” is thought to have originated from the English term “corn,” which referred to the coarse grains of sa...

08 Mar 2024

AHDB designs “optimum” red meat packaging using data from research

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has looked at how producers and retailers can optimise packaging and labelling to “improve shopper purchase intent” for red meat. The research, which was undertaken by AHDB in collaboration with consumer insights co...

08 Mar 2024

Annabel Croft to host Women In Meat Industry Awards 2024 ceremony

To celebrate International Women’s Day today (8th March), organisers of the annual Women In Meat Industry Awards (WIMIA) have announced that tennis star, TV broadcaster, and ‘Strictly’ finalist Annabel Croft is to be the celebrity host at this year’s 5-star ceremony in...

08 Mar 2024

Blanket reduction in meat could cause nutrient deficiencies – FSS

The meat industry has responded to research from the University of Edinburgh commissioned by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) looking at the impact of red meat consumption in relation to climate change mitigation. Upon request from the Scottish Government, Food Standards Scotland...

07 Mar 2024

Study warns against meat reduction targets for vulnerable groups

A balance needs to be struck between climate objectives and the health and nutrition of the population when reducing meat and dairy intake, researchers say. Although the assumption is that meat and dairy reductions would be of benefit to climate change mitigation and human hea...

07 Mar 2024

England’s pig herd fell by 10 percent last year, Defra says

The overall pig herd in England fell by 10 percent in 2023, following the huge contraction of the breeding herd in 2022, figures show. Defra’s December census showed that the breeding herd stabilised last year, but showed little sign of growth. There was also a drop in young...

07 Mar 2024

Battle starts for bakers to be crowned UK pie champion

Hundreds of bakers will put their skills to the test hoping to be crowned the supreme champion at the 16th British Pie Awards. Vegan, dessert and the traditional pork pies were sampled on Wednesday in the Leicestershire town synonymous with the savoury favourite, Melton Mowbra...

07 Mar 2024

Red Tractor told Greener Farms Commitment should be ‘discontinued’

Red Tractor should drop its controversial Greener Farms Commitment (GFC) module and instead adopt a more transparent approach which works better for farmers, according to UK farming unions and levy body AHDB. Issuing a joint response today (March 5) following the findings of...

06 Mar 2024

AHDB showcases British red meat in Hong Kong

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has partnered with professional chefs in Hong Kong to showcase British red meat as part of a month-long campaign. The campaign was launched on Friday 1st March 2024 and will run throughout March with chefs Saito Chau of...

05 Mar 2024

AHDB: Global demand for lamb helps drive UK red meat exports

In 2023, red meat exports from the UK were worth £1.7 billion, largely driven by strong demand for UK lamb on international markets, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. Full-year figures from HMRC show that in 2023, red meat exports, including off...

05 Mar 2024

Kent farmers demand Government prioritise British produce

Kent farmers have protested foreign imports of food in supermarkets, leading a “go-slow” protest through Canterbury. The farmers led a convoy of farming vehicles through Canterbury city centre on Sunday 3rd March 2024, displaying signs reading “No Farmers, No Food, No Fu...

04 Mar 2024

Sheep trade: Suez Canal shipping issues driving hogget prices

Issues with the supply of lamb from New Zealand to the United Kingdom (UK) is having a knock-on effect with the sheep trade in Ireland. Shipping through the Suez canal has recently become impossible for some ships, which have instead re-routed around the Cape of Good Hope in ...

04 Mar 2024

Australia: Operator of northern WA’s only abattoir enters voluntary administration

The operator of the only large-scale abattoir in northern Western Australia has called in administrators amid an ongoing government investigation and the pursuit of its parent company over millions in unpaid debts. Documents from the Australian Securities and Investments Commi...

04 Mar 2024

Bernard Matthews confirms closure of Norfolk headquarters

Poultry producer Bernard Matthews has confirmed the closure of its headquarters. The company has been based at the site in Great Witchingham, Norfolk, since 1955 and employs about 600 people there. The company previously said the factory had become “loss-making and not ...

04 Mar 2024

Hundreds of farmers stage go-slow tractor protest in Canterbury

Hundreds of farmers have staged a go-slow tractor protest in Canterbury as concerns over cheaper food imports and government policy grows. A convoy of tractors and other agricultural machinery was driven through the city centre on Sunday afternoon (3 March). Anger over the low...

04 Mar 2024

Lottery grant worth £100,000 to help Peak District farmers boost nature

Dozens of Peak District farmers have been awarded a £100,000 lottery grant to help spearhead nature recovery and peatland restoration. Peakland Environmental Farmers (PEF), an environmental co-operative of 77 farmers, has been awarded the grant from the National Lottery Herit...

04 Mar 2024

Welsh livestock farmers call for ‘major overhaul’ of SFS scheme

A major overhaul of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) will need to take place before it is workable for Welsh livestock farmers, NFU Cymru has warned. The union’s livestock board met recently to discuss in detail the Welsh government’s third and final consultation o...

04 Mar 2024

Irish grass-fed beef given all-Ireland EU status

The attainment of PGI status within the EU for Irish grass-fed beef has been described as a ‘tremendous accolade’ for farmers in both Northern Ireland and the Republic. Irish grass-fed beef has been awarded an all-Ireland Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), a ...

02 Mar 2024

A Look at the Middle East’s Meat Industry

The Key Players: A Dive into the Middle East’s Meat Industry The Middle East’s meat industry stands as a cornerstone of the region’s economy, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions. From succulent lamb dishes to sizzling kebabs,...

29 Feb 2024

Staffordshire Council votes to proactively support local farmers

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has voted to proactively support local farmers by buying meat and dairy for council-organised events. The motion ensures that all catering at council-organised events is sourced from local suppliers, following campaigning by the Country...

29 Feb 2024

National Butchers Week returns for 2024

March 4th to 10th is National Butchers Week! National Butchers Week is your invitation to dive into the world of exceptional meats available right at your local butcher shops. Why should you get involved? Here’s why: Your local butcher is a treasure trove of premium, oft...

29 Feb 2024

Hilton Food Group among the speakers to address Meat Business Women Conference

Steve Murrells, CEO, Hilton Food Group, Ruth McDonald, Corporate Services Director, Morrisons and Jane Treasure, Food & Beverage Director, Pizza Express have been announced as the keynote speakers at the UK & Ireland Meat Business Women conference in May 2024. The...

29 Feb 2024

New York Sues JBS Over Climate Impact

New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against JBS S.A., the world’s largest meat processor, over its climate impact, marking a significant move in holding corporations accountable for environmental harm. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of New York, accuses...

28 Feb 2024

FSA launches consultation on Mechanically Separated Meat

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a public consultation seeking views on new guidance relating to Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM). The FSA has developed new guidance to provide support for food businesses following a series of court judgments on the definition o...

28 Feb 2024

Processors warn of damage to industry of new immigration salary rules

The British Meat Processors Association has written to the Home Secretary James Cleverly to outline the damage to the UK meat and wider food industry that the new £38,700 immigration rule will cause. A salary of £38,700 for butchers from overseas represents a 49% increase in...

28 Feb 2024

Defra confirms funding withdrawal for Dover illegal meat checks

Defra has confirmed that grant funding for checks for illegal meat imports at Dover will be withdrawn at the end of April, after which it will be up to the Port Health Authority (PHA) to start charging offenders to recover costs. The information is set out in a letter from bio...

28 Feb 2024

Lamb prices hit £7 a kg at abattoirs

A flying finished lamb trade and a positive outlook for the spring will offer some confidence to sheep farmers during the next few months. Strong retail demand, tight supply, increased export trade and firm buyer interest in the build-up to Ramadan should all help to of...

28 Feb 2024

Avara focuses on optimisation after tough year

Avara Foods has pledged to streamline its business after posting a second successive loss in its annual accounts. The leading poultry supplier’s latest accounts, for the financial year ended May 2023, showed an increase in turnover to over £1.5bn, but an overall loss of £1...

28 Feb 2024

Albania: Europe’s 28th country to report ASF virus

African Swine Fever has also reached the wild boar population of Albania, which means that the virus has been reported in every country in Middle and Eastern Europe. Albania is the 28th country in Europe to have reported African Swine Fever, genotype II, ever since the virus e...

28 Feb 2024

2023 UK pigmeat export volumes down by 20%

UK Pigmeat export volumes, including offal, fell by 20% last year to 298,000 tonnes, as a result of lower UK production and subdued demand in Asia. The value of pigmeat shipments fell by a lower proportion, 9% to £570 million, due to higher prices. Most export categories were...

28 Feb 2024

Plans For Isle of Wight Abattoir

Discussions about establishing an abattoir on the Isle of Wight are progressing, with representatives of the National Farmers Union set to meet with the Farming Minister this week. Local MP Bob Seely has arranged the meeting with Farming Minister Mark Spencer following a discu...

28 Feb 2024

France issues new ban on meat names for plant protein

PARIS, Feb 27 (Reuters) – France on Tuesday issued a ban on using terms like steak and ham for plant protein products, a second attempt by the government to regulate meat alternatives as it tries to assuage livestock producers who have been at the heart of farmer protest...

28 Feb 2024

Lamb market at record high for the time of year

After A firm end to 2023, the lamb market has risen further, reaching record levels for the time of year. This month, hoggs have averaged well above 300p/kg lwt at Scottish marts, and averaged around 315p/kg in the second and third weeks of February. Price rises have also been...

28 Feb 2024

Thousands of Welsh farmers to protest in Cardiff over SFS

Thousands of Welsh farmers will take part in a protest in Cardiff this afternoon over heightening concerns at the Welsh government’s vision for the industry. Up to 10,000 farmers are expected to make their way to the Welsh capital in a show of anger centred on a series o...

28 Feb 2024

Lamb trade “takes off” as prices rise 30-40c/kg in just a week

The quality bonus, worth 10-20c/kg, only adds to the shine for Irish lamb producers, writes Martin Ryan. It is sunshine all the way under blue skies for the lamb trade as the price ‘take off’ continues to deliver for producers supplying the factories for this week....

28 Feb 2024

Romania’s poultry industry leader expects to double turnover and profit by 2026

Building on the momentum of the last three years and having successfully achieved its overall turnover and profit targets in the previous year, TRANSAVIA, Romania’s chicken market leader, announces its Solid Growth Acceleration Plan for the next 3 years, with a doubling ...

28 Feb 2024

China scraps Brazilian poultry tariff

SAO PAULO : China’s government has opted to not renew a tariff on imports of poultry products from Brazil, the South American nation said on Tuesday. China hit Brazil with a tariff of between 17.8 per cent and 34.2 per cent in 2019 on its poultry in a bid to prevent R...

28 Feb 2024

Castrate squirrels and serve prisoners culled deer meat, says latest net zero plan

Squirrels will be chemically castrated and deer will be culled, cooked and served to prisoners under net zero plans to protect England’s trees. The Government is drawing up options to control the deer and squirrel population to protect woodlands in an effort to limit the n...

27 Feb 2024

Study examines ‘virus and host’ factors in ASF

Researchers from The Pirbright Institute are joining UCL experts in a study to understand how African swine fever virus (ASFV) enters and replicates in pig cells. Scientists at UCL’s Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, led by Professor Finn Werner and funded ...

27 Feb 2024

Britain’s biggest meat industry awards open for product nominations

This year’s Meat Management Industry Awards, the sector’s biggest, longest-established and most successful awards initiative, is set for a record number of product entries – according to organisers. Culminating in the much-anticipated black-tie dinner and awards ceremony...

27 Feb 2024

UK red meat exports close to “record year” driven by demand for lamb

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has announced that red meat exports from the UK in 2023 were worth £1.7 billion, which it said was “largely driven by strong demand for UK lamb” on international markets. Full year figures from HMRC showed that in ...

26 Feb 2024

Gulfood Dubai started with very good movement for Argentine meat

The IPCVA participates together with 13 exporting companies in the most important food fair in the Arab countries. With a large influx of people, the Gulfood Dubai fair began with a notable presence of Argentine Beef. During the day, the 13 exporting companies that participate...

26 Feb 2024

INTERPORC highlights the opportunities that the pig sector offers for the young generation

The Interprofessional of the White Coated Pig (INTERPORC) participates and supports, since its creation, the training of specialists in the pig sector taught in the Master in Pig Health and Production organized by the University of Lleida, the University of Zaragoza and the Un...

26 Feb 2024

Sainsbury’s Backs British Farmers with New Section

Sainsbury’s has added a ‘buy British’ section to its website in a move to better champion and profile British grown food. It becomes the largest supermarket to launch a dedicated ‘Best of British’ page on its groceries website following a campaign push by...

23 Feb 2024

Red Meat Industry Rejects Sustainability Push

The red meat industry has questioned the inclusion of environmental impact, accessibility, and food affordability as considerations in new official dietary advice. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is reviewing guidelines about what Australians should ...

23 Feb 2024

Egg Producers Fear for Future Amid Market Volatility

Farmers have been extremely exposed to high input costs, poor returns, and the threat of disease to their flocks. The poultry industry has been “too volatile” in the last couple of years with producers questioning their futures, as they are just about “keeping the bills ...

23 Feb 2024

Retailer Price Cuts Hit Irish Farmers

ICSA beef chairman John Cleary said Aldi’s “assertion that their price cuts will not affect their suppliers is simply unacceptable”. Cutting the prices of Irish beef and lamb in shops “directly undermines the efforts and livelihoods of Irish farmersR...

23 Feb 2024

Mixed Fortunes for UK Meat Exports

A global demand for lamb helped drive UK red meat exports last year, achieving a similar level in value to the record levels seen in 2022, but beef and pork shipments saw major declines. Red meat exports from the UK in 2023 were worth £1.7 billion, largely driven by strong de...

23 Feb 2024

Welsh Farmer Honoured for Dedication

A poultry farmer from Powys has been honoured at the NFU Conference for her dedication and commitment to the UK farming industry. This year’s Meurig Raymond Award – named after the NFU’s former President – was presented to mid-Wales broiler producer Sharon Hammond. Far...

23 Feb 2024

Beef Week Back for 14th Year

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has announced that Great British Beef Week (GBBW) will launch on Tuesday 23rd April 2024. The week will commence in order to celebrate the “iconic” flavours and versatility of British beef and the sustainable practi...

21 Feb 2024

Aussie Red Meat Production Hits New High

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released its quarterly statistics on livestock slaughtered and meat production, highlighting record lamb and sheep production, as well as the highest slaughter of lambs ever at 24,909,600 lambs, up 16.38% year-on-year (YoY). Accord...

20 Feb 2024

China lifts the ban on Spanish beef imports

Since 2000, Beijing has imposed a ban on the European Union from exporting beef products due to the emergence of several cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or “mad cow” disease, in several members of the bloc that year. “It is good news, especially fo...

20 Feb 2024

UK Wagyu Herds Double in Size

The Wagyu Breeders Association (WBA), a promotional body for British Wagyu, has said that the demand for Wagyu beef shows “no sign of slowing”, as figures released by the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) for 2023 show that British Wagyu more than doubled its numbers ...

20 Feb 2024

Pig Sector Calls for Border Protection

The pig sector has called on all parties to act to deliver fairness in the supply chain and to protect borders from diseases like African swine fever (ASF), ahead of an expected election this year. The National Pig Association (NPA) has today published its election manifesto, ...

19 Feb 2024

Irish Food Takes Aim at US Market

The United States has long forged its place in history as the ‘land of opportunity’, but there really is no better way to describe it for the Irish agri-food firms making top dollar offering a taste of the Emerald Isle stateside. The United States is Ireland’...

17 Feb 2024

Farmers warn food security ‘really under threat’ amid supermarket protest

Farmers in Kent are stationing their tractors in a supermarket car park to protest against cheap imports and “win over” the British public. Around 20 tractors are parked at Tesco Extra in Whitfield, near Dover, to raise awareness of the threat to food security in the UK, b...

16 Feb 2024

Herefordshire meat supplier get go-ahead to expand

A high-profile Herefordshire meat supplier has been told it can expand its packing and distribution plant – despite objections from neighbours. Neil Powell of Country Tastes, Longmeadow Industrial Estate, Ewyas Harold applied in March last year for planning permission for th...

16 Feb 2024

Small abattoir closures ‘spells disaster’ for rural areas, campaigners warn

The closure of the only small abattoir in the Yorkshire Dales ‘spells disaster’ for the rural community, landscape and local food, campaigners have warned. McIntyre Meats will shut down for good on 27 March after 23 years in business, serving 1,800 customers repres...

16 Feb 2024

Wiltshire set to join growing number of councils defying plant-based movement

Wiltshire Council is set to join a growing number of local authorities who are defying the plant-based movement in a show of support for farmers of all sectors. A campaign by the Countryside Alliance to push councils into expressing support for farmers while rejecting compulso...

14 Feb 2024

Improvements still needed at meat plant – minister

Governance at the Isle of Man’s meat plant has been “improved significantly” but more needs to be done, the minister with responsibility for it has said. Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber took over as chairman of the loss-making plant...

14 Feb 2024

Dublin Butcher Slams Rogan’s Diet as ‘Propaganda’

A Dublin butcher has warned against the carnivore diet trend popularised by podcast star Joe Rogan and others. The carnivore diet has also been promoted by psychologist Jordan Peterson, and various TikTok stars including Courtney Luna. But Barry Kerrigan, who runs Kerrigan...

13 Feb 2024

EU dumped lab meats from climate plans on farm chief’s demand

BRUSSELS — The European Commission scrubbed a push to promote lab-grown and plant-based meats from a key climate proposal at the urging of Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski. The EU released proposed plans for a strict new climate goal for 2040 on Tuesday. The ann...

13 Feb 2024

EU Court Backs Belgian Slaughter Rules

The European rights court on Tuesday upheld the right of two Belgian regions to ban ritual animal slaughter without prior stunning. Two of the country’s three regions — Flanders and Wallonia — in 2017 and 2018 banned the slaughter of livestock that have not b...

13 Feb 2024

Irish Pig Farmers See Brighter Future

The market for pig farmers “appears to be settling and turning a corner”, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association. Some producers selling their pigs to smaller processors received an increase of 4c/kg while producers selling pigs to Northern Ireland are r...

13 Feb 2024

Florida Still Says No to Cultured Meat

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — It’s called “cultivated meat” — protein not from an animal but grown in a lab using cells from livestock — and Florida is now inching closer to banning it. A large agriculture bill that includes the restrictions cleared another com...

13 Feb 2024

Rollercoaster Year for NZ Red Meat

The value of New Zealand’s red meat exports last year suffered an 11% drop to $10.2 billion, compared with the 2022. But according to the Meat Industry Association (MIA), this was despite the fact the actual volume of meat exported was up. The drop in value, according to Mea...

11 Feb 2024

Massive Chicken Theft in Cuba

Cuban authorities have charged 30 people for stealing around 133 tonnes of chicken meat and selling it on the street in a major food heist in Havana. Suspects are said to have taken 1,660 white boxes from a state facility in the capital and used the sale proceeds to buy refri...

11 Feb 2024

AHDB Pork Outlook predicts slow pig industry recovery in 2024

AHDB is forecasting only very limited recovery in both pork production and pig breeding numbers in 2024, despite much more favourable market conditions, as producers remain very cautious about expanding their herds. Its 2024 Pork Outlook predicts that pork production will grow...

11 Feb 2024

What is Wagyu beef?

Wagyu beef is a Japanese delicacy known for its superb quality, rich flavours, and sumptuous textures. The term ‘Wagyu’ directly translates to ‘Japanese cow,’ and this high-grade beef originates from a selection of Japanese cattle breeds. There are four princip...

09 Feb 2024

AHDB Levy to Rise from April

The pork levy will increase by 20% from April, after Ministers in Defra and the Devolved Administrations approved levy rate hikes acoss AHDB’s four sectors. The increases will see the overall pork levy rate rise from £1.05p/pig to £1.26/pig. The producer and processor ra...

09 Feb 2024

Beef Farmers Fear Carbon Scheme Disadvantage

A County Londonderry farmer has raised concerns about a scheme aimed at reducing carbon emissions from beef cattle. Jonathan Blair is the third generation of his family to work their farmland near Ballykelly. His focus is on regenerative agriculture, mimicking nature and tryin...

09 Feb 2024

Tariff-Free Trade for Ukrainian Eggs and Poultry Extended

Poultry and eggs from Ukraine will be able to be imported to the UK without tariffs for an additional two years, after the government extended a commitment put in place following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine two years ago. The UK was the first country to remove tariffs on al...

09 Feb 2024

Vietnam’s rare ‘dragon chickens’ all the rage for Lunar New Year

HANOI, Feb 8 (Reuters) – Known for their strangely large feet, Dong Tao chicken has for generations been a delicacy in Vietnam and mostly consumed during the Lunar New Year holiday. The rare breed of poultry, also known as dragon chicken, feature a pair of scaly red feet...

08 Feb 2024

Bullying claims at Welsh meat promotion firm

Concerns have been raised about alleged bullying of staff at a meat promotion company overseen by the Welsh government. North Wales Senedd Member Llyr Gruffydd has called for a Senedd committee inquiry into Welsh meat promoter Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales. Six m...

08 Feb 2024

Production manager prosecuted after obstructing FSA inspector

A production manager who worked at Northampton meat company has been prosecuted after obstructing a Food Standards Agency (FSA) inspector. Emma Nakova, of Braunston Close, was sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on January 17, 2024 after pleading guilty to the obstru...

08 Feb 2024

NZ Meat Exports Take a Hit in 2023

Issues affecting the red meat sector have been laid bare with exports worth 11 percent less in 2023 compared to the year before. New figures from the Meat Industry Association show despite red meat exports growing in volume last year the value was down to $10.2 billion. China ...

08 Feb 2024

McIntyre Meats abattoir to close

A Wensleydale family-run abattoir is to close after 23 years in business. The owners of McIntyre Meats, based near Bainbridge, say they have taken the decision due to increased bureaucracy and rising overheads. The company was started by Martin and Lindsey McIntyre 23 years a...

07 Feb 2024

Dover Officials Conduct Hundreds of Illegal Meat Seizures But No Arrests Made

Dover health officials have conducted at least 584 individual seizures of illegal meat at the British port since September 2022 amid reports that the Government intends to cut funding for border checks, GB News can disclose. Figures obtained by GB News reveal that at least 546...

07 Feb 2024

German meat group Westfleisch adds to pet-food portfolio

German meat giant Westfleisch has expanded its pet-food arm with the acquisition of local specialist The Petfood Company. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Westfleisch already does business in dry pet food, selling products under its Dog’s Nature brand. The P...

07 Feb 2024

Lab-Grown Meat Removed from Menus

In recent years, three companies in the world received permission to market cultured meat, and offered dishes in a limited quantity in only 3 restaurants. Recently, all restaurants stopped offering these dishes to the public. The industry itself is at a crossroads, and has to ...

07 Feb 2024

China’s Pork Market Rebounds

In a notable turn of events, pork and hog prices in China experienced a resurgence last week, driven by last-minute stockpiling activities ahead of the Lunar New Year. This boost in values occurred against the backdrop of inclement weather conditions, including snow and rain, ...

07 Feb 2024

Australia’s red meat exports surge as US beef production falls

CANBERRA, Feb 7 (Reuters) – Australia’s red meat exports rocketed last year as a plunge in livestock prices made its products more competitive at a time when beef production in rival exporter the United States is falling. Shipments accelerated as the year went on, ...

07 Feb 2024

EU Backtracks on Net Zero

The European Union has caved in to angry protests from farmers, cutting its target to scrap specific agricultural emissions which formed part of the bloc’s net zero drive. A demand to reduce nitrogen, methane and other emissions linked to farming by almost a third has been�...

07 Feb 2024

China opens wide for NZ red meat exports

New Zealand Exporters are wasting no time in getting products on the water after the biggest opening of the Chinese market to meat exports in the best part of a decade. The Ministry for Primary Industries confirmed that four meat plants have been granted new access for chill...

06 Feb 2024

NZ: Celebrating National Lamb Day

New Zealanders are being encouraged to celebrate lamb as the meat that made a nation. February 15 has been designated National Lamb Day as it was on that date in 1882 the sailing ship Dunedin departed from Port Chalmers carrying the first shipment of frozen lamb to London. A...

05 Feb 2024

Dover Demands More Funding for Meat Checks

Dover District Council has called on Defra to scrap its plans to cut funding, worth £3 million, for essential checks for illegal imports at the Port of Dover. In a DDC report, published ahead of a cabinet meeting today, it has emerged that Defra has tried to justify the cut...

05 Feb 2024

Three men sentenced for £318k chicken fraud

Three men who worked together to fraudulently supply a company with more than £318,000 worth of chicken have been sentenced. Darren Williams, 68, and Elliot Smith, 33, worked at the 2 Sisters Food Group in Llangfefni, Anglesey, and supplied the meat to Townsend Poultry. More ...

05 Feb 2024

Argentina’s Beef Boom: A Record-Breaking Year of Exports to China

Argentina is forecasted to increase 5,1% beef and calf production this year, reaching some 3,3 million tons with a domestic consumption of 2.43 million tons, according to the latest report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This follows on a record beef e...

05 Feb 2024

Vion Announces Factory Closures

Netherlands-based meat producer Vion plans to close a factory in Germany and offload three others. The pork and beef company said it is adjusting its strategy on its main markets, including “downsizing through divestments and closures” due to increasing competition and the...

05 Feb 2024

Beef recalled due to incorrect use-by dates

A second recall of beef products on the Isle of Man was due to an issue with use-by dates, the Isle of Man’s meat plant has confirmed. The environment department ordered Isle of Man Meats to destroy more products last week, following an investigation after an earlier re...

02 Feb 2024

French farmers up in arms over EU free-trade agreements

French farming unions are taking aim at the European Union’s free-trade agreements, which they say open the door to unfair competition from products arriving from overseas. At a time when the EU is urging farmers to adopt more sustainable – and sometimes more costly – ag...

02 Feb 2024

Record Christmas Meat Sales

Consumer spending on fresh red meat in Great Britain surged to a record £656.2 million in the four weeks leading up to Christmas 2023, marking a significant 9.6% increase compared to the previous year, according to data from Nielsen. This remarkable growth defied the c...

01 Feb 2024

French protests concern lamb exports but trade holds firm

UK lamb prices are holding up, despite major protests by farmers in France who have been blocking roads, which has disrupted British lamb exports heading to the Continent. The GB deadweight lamb SQQ increased by 23.6p/kg on the week to 631.8p/kg, with lower throughputs at abat...

01 Feb 2024

Post-Brexit controls on food and farm imports start

Post-Brexit controls on food, plant and animal imports to Britain from the EU have come into force. Health certificates will now be required on EU goods ranging from cut flowers, to fresh produce including meat, fruit and vegetables. Some industry bodies raised concerns the ru...

01 Feb 2024

British pork exporters on a mission in California

British pork exporters have taken the first steps towards maximising new opportunities in California following the introduction of the controversial Proposition 12 legislation in the state. California’s Prop 12 legislation came into force on January 1, establishing stricter ...

31 Jan 2024

Unlikely Allies Want to Bar JBS From U.S. Stock Markets

A giant Brazilian meatpacking company is facing persistent opposition to its plans for a listing on the New York Stock Exchange because of concerns about corruption settlements, accusations of Amazon deforestation and its growing market share in the United States. The proposed...

29 Jan 2024

Poultry disappears from Russian grocery shelves

In the first weeks of 2024, occasional shortages of poultry were reported in the biggest Russian cities, Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Ulyanovsk, and Samara, as well as in some parts of Moscow. The authorities insist that poultry is in sufficient supply, while retailers and farm...

29 Jan 2024

Falklands: Abattoir debate resurfaces

The decision by the Falkland Islands Executive Council, and approved by the Standing Finance Committee, to provide additional financing of £1 million to the Falkland Islands Meat Company (FIMCO), has not been without controversy. The additional funding, which also came with s...

28 Jan 2024

New Brexit rules and EU vet shortage put meat imports at risk

A lack of vets in Europe could force meat suppliers in the EU to hold back deliveries earmarked for the UK under new post-Brexit rules set to come in this week, experts have warned. The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has concerns that imports may be held back due t...

27 Jan 2024

Australian lamb and mutton exports hit record high

Australian exports of lamb and mutton reached record highs in 2023, with Chinese sales up significantly. Exports of lamb reached 326,014 tonnes, with mutton exports at 209,580t, according to Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). Tim Jackson, MLA global supply analyst, said: R...

26 Jan 2024

Ireland: Early indicators of a seller’s market for beef

Demand for beef animals art the factories is putting more pressure on the processors to release their grip on the upward only movement on the prices being demanded by the producers. The intake last week of more than 35,200 head was up by 1,500 head compared to the same week la...

25 Jan 2024

China encourages Pig farmers to reduce capacity after price slump

BEIJING: China will “guide” farmers to reduce pig production capacity as it steps up regulation of the industry, the agriculture ministry said on Tuesday (Jan 23), after an aggressive expansion drive led to an oversupply of pigs and heavy losses. Big agribusinesses...

25 Jan 2024

British Pork marketing campaign returns

The £1m TV-led campaign is scheduled to hit screens in February, airing on ITV, Channel 4 and Sky, alongside popular on-demand shows and YouTube. Consumer research showed that following our autumn campaign, more people (+3%) are planning to buy pork when they go shopping, ...

24 Jan 2024

ASF hits Montenegro – 27 European countries now infected

Montenegro has reported its first official cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) on record, as the disease continues to cause difficulties around the world and disrupt the exportation of pork product. The disease, which has been rapidly spreading across Europe since 2007, was ...

24 Jan 2024

Nearly all households continuing to buy meat despite budget squeeze

Huge numbers of the public are sticking with meat despite the squeeze on domestic food budgets, according to consumer research. Some 97 percent of all households are still buying red meat despite the pressures on the family purse, Kantar figures show. Avneet Chana, Kantar’s ...

23 Jan 2024

Local farmers fear Scotch brand is lost in red meat industry

Levy payers have been given the chance to hear how Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) plans to deliver its five-year strategy and make the country the choice for premium red meat. Over a dozen workshops have taken place across the country, with the first levy increase in more than a ...

23 Jan 2024

2023 UK pig meat production plummets to five-year low

The volume of pigmeat produced in the UK in 2023 plummeted by 11% to a five-year low, as slaughtering declined by 10% to the lowest figure in a decade. The latest Defra slaughter statistics showed the UK produced 71,900 tonnes of pigmeat in December, a massive 18% decline o...

23 Jan 2024

Russian pork exports to China begin ahead of schedule

The Russian veterinary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor has commenced registration of the first 3 companies for pork exports to China. The first shipments are due in the next 2 months. Previously, Russia’s deputy prime minister Victoria Abramchenko and the Russian pig farmers anti...

23 Jan 2024

Farmers lead funding bid to save last local small abattoir

Cotswold campaign which has support from nearby farmer Jeremy Clarkson needs to raise £3m in pledges in just days. A farmer-led community group has launched a funding bid to save Warwickshire’s last small abattoir from being sold off to housing developers. The ‘...

23 Jan 2024

Austria, France and Italy lead charge against lab-grown meat

Vienna, Paris and Rome, along with nine other EU countries, are set to argue that meat grown in a laboratory is a threat to “genuine food production methods”, a claim a diplomatic source told Euractiv is “exaggerated and premature”. Lab-grown meat “does not constitut...

23 Jan 2024

UK industry fears disruption from new post-Brexit border checks

LONDON, Jan 23 (Reuters) – British businesses are warning of a new wave of post-Brexit trade disruption because EU exporters are not ready for UK customs changes which start this month, and Britain’s port infrastructure might be unprepared too. Britain left the Eur...

19 Jan 2024

Vion reviews German business portfolio

In line with trends seen across the entire meat industry, Vion Food Group, a leading international producer of meat and plant-based alternatives, is adjusting its strategy in its main markets.  Focus on future-proof performance and sustainability  Vion is reviewing its op...

19 Jan 2024

Israeli company gets green light to make world’s first cultivated beef steaks

An Israeli company has received a preliminary green light from health officials to sell the world’s first steaks made from cultivated beef cells, not the entire animal, officials said. The move follows approval of lab-grown chicken in the US last year. Aleph Farms, of Reho...

19 Jan 2024

Irish beef exports to China to resume immediately

China has reopened its market to Irish beef after exports were suspended late last year due to the detection of an atypical BSE case in a cow during routine Department of Agriculture tests. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar during a visit to Du...

19 Jan 2024

New legislation banning live exports from Britain moves to Lords

Legislation putting an end to the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain will now move to the House of Lords for further scrutiny. The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill delivers on a Conservative Party commitment to ban the export of live a...

19 Jan 2024

Meat plant liquidator asks court to make directors liable for €2.7 million debts

The liquidator of a meat processing company has asked the High Court to make the firm’s directors personally liable for debts of €2.7 million owed to parties including more than 100 farmers and businesses in the northwest. John Healy, who is the official liquidator of Eden...

19 Jan 2024

Dover officials warning over Defra’s plans to slash funding for illegal meat seizures

Defra is planning to slash funding for vital work in seizing illegal meat imports at the Port of Dover, in a move officials within Dover Council have warned could have disastrous consequences for the UK pig sector. Dover Port Health Authority (DPHA) and the Council are urging ...

19 Jan 2024

China Pork Output Boom Outpaced Demand

China increased its pork output in 2023 to a near-record level. But prices plummeted, indicating the market didn’t want that much pork. Analysts say the industry needs to downsize, but companies backed by friendly banks and officials are content to burn through cash unti...

19 Jan 2024

UK pork imports rise, UK exports plummet

UK pigmeat import volumes continued to increase towards the end of last year, as the EU-UK price differential grew, making imports an attractive proposition to full domestic shortfalls. Pigmeat import volumes totalled 71,300 tonnes in November, up by 1,200t on October, the fou...

19 Jan 2024

Philippines bans poultry imports from Japan

Hanoi (VNA) – The Philippines has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of poultry and poultry products from Japan due to an outbreak of bird flu there, the Philippine Department of Agriculture said on January 18. The department said Philippine Agriculture Secretary F...

17 Jan 2024

Bord Bia to reactivate €1.6 million campaign in China as Irish beef exports resume

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed the resumption of Irish beef exports to China after a ten week suspension by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC). Bord Bia CEO Jim O’Toole has welcomed the lifting of the suspension by ...

16 Jan 2024

Dover: Fears over African swine fever from illegal meat

African swine fever could be brought into the UK in illegal pork meat, officials fear. Port health officials believe they are “barely scratching the surface” of illegal pork meat entering at Dover. African swine fever is currently spreading through Europe and could...

15 Jan 2024

New restrictions in movement of meat products between GB and NI

The movement of meat products between GB and NI will see new restrictions from today, in what the sector has called a further ‘erosion’ of firms’ ability to trade flexibly. It is now no longer possible to bring in bulk meat shipments from overseas to a centra...

15 Jan 2024

Beef exports should feature in Ireland-China talks, says think tank

The head of an Ireland-Asia think tank has said he hopes the ban on beef exports to China will be on the table when Taoiseach Leo Varadkar hosts Chinese premier Li Qiang this week. China’s second most powerful politician after President Xi Jinping will meet Mr Varadkar for b...

15 Jan 2024

Calls for alpacas and llamas to be included in export-for-slaughter ban

A ban on exporting livestock for slaughter and fattening should be extended to protect alpacas, llamas, and deer, Labour has said. Plans to ban such exports from Great Britain for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses are due to be considered by the House of Commons on Monda...

12 Jan 2024

China lifts ban on Belgian pork

Beijing ends embargo five years after swine flu outbreak, as Belgian PM visits Beijing. BEIJING — China has lifted its ban on imports of Belgian pig products, five years after an outbreak of African swine flu slashed the sector’s access to the crucial Asian market. The ne...

11 Jan 2024

Mexico opens doors for British pork offal

British pork exporters are set to benefit from additional trade with Mexico with the market opening further to include offal with a potential estimated value of £18m over the next five years. The announcement represents another boost for the sector and has come two years afte...

11 Jan 2024

UK faces ASF risks from illegally imported pork

Growing amounts of illegal pork imports into the UK significantly increase the risk of the introduction of African Swine Fever (ASF) into the country. The National Pig Association (NPA) has therefore called for all non-commercial pork imports to the UK be made illegal and f...

11 Jan 2024

Cranswick acquires pork and poultry value added procressor

Cranswick has announced the acquisition of Froch Foods Holdings, an added value processor of predominantly pork and poultry related products. Froch Foods operates from a dedicated facility in Stourton, Leeds, employing 74 people, and provides specialist processing capabilities...

11 Jan 2024

Australian meat ad labelled ‘best in history’

An Australian meat advertisement making fun of the population’s generational gap has gone viral and some viewers are calling it the “best ad in history.” The advert titled “The Generation Gap” was released on Sunday (7 December) by “Australian Lamb”, which is ope...

11 Jan 2024

Irish beef exports in 2023 estimated at €2.7 billion

The total value of Irish primary beef exports in 2023 is estimated at €2.7 billion, which is an increase of 2% over 2022, according to Bord Bia’s Export Performance and Prospects report for 2023/24. The report was launched yesterday (Wednesday, January 10) by the Ministe...

11 Jan 2024

Bernard Matthews Great Wichingham site may close

Hundreds of jobs have been put at risk after the poultry producer Bernard Matthews announced it was looking to close one of its sites. The company said its factory at Great Witchingham, Norfolk, had become “loss-making and not commercially viable” despite recent in...

10 Jan 2024

Kildare Chilling takeover sees three companies control 90-95pc of sheep kill – CCPC

Ireland’s three main meat processors will have a combined market share of approximately 90-95pc in the purchase of live lambs after Dawn Meat’s acquisition of Kildare Chilling. Despite the ‘highly concentrated’ nature of the market for the purchase of l...

09 Jan 2024

World’s Top Meat Supplier Should Not Join NYSE, UK Lawmakers Urge

(Bloomberg) — A group of UK lawmakers is planning to push the US Securities and Exchange Commission to block listing JBS SA, the world’s largest meat supplier, on the New York Stock Exchange, citing efforts to fight climate change. JBS “has a well-documented history ...

09 Jan 2024

South Korea bans dog meat trade

The slaughter and sale of dogs for their meat is to become illegal in South Korea after MPs backed a new law. The legislation, set to come into force by 2027, aims to end the centuries-old practice of humans eating dog meat. Dog meat stew, called “boshintang”, is c...

08 Jan 2024

Wolverhampton meat factory fire believed to be accidental

Fire investigators of a meat factory fire on the Stafford Road in Wolverhampton believe the fire started accidentally. The fire, which occurred shortly after 2:05a.m on Sunday, January 7, at a meat factory, was attended by 55 firefighters over the course of two days. West Mi...

07 Jan 2024

FSA urged to back introduction of edible insects

Consumers and food safety groups should get over the ‘yuck factor’ and embrace edible insects as part of a more sustainable food system, according to a new report. The UK Edible Insect Association (UKEIA) study, produced with support from the University of Sheffield&...

07 Jan 2024

Firefighters tackle blaze at ScotBeef meat processing unit

Dozens of firefighters tackled a large fire in the early hours at a meat processing factory in Wolverhampton. Crews were called just after 02:00 GMT to the single-story unit occupied by food provider ScotBeef in Stafford Road. West Midlands Fire Service said about 40 firefight...

06 Jan 2024

NPA calls for tougher illegal meat import rules

The National Pig Association (NPA) has called for tougher rules on meat imports after ‘deeply worrying’ quantities of illegal meat were seized at the Port of Dover. It was revealed 57 tonnes of illegally imported pigmeat has been seized at the Port of Dover since Sept...

04 Jan 2024

Argentina lifts restrictions on beef exports

The Argentine Government of President Javier Milei has authorized the export of seven “popular cuts” of beef which had been banned from sales abroad under Alberto Fernández, it was reported in Buenos Aires. The National Agrifood Health and Quality Service (SENASA) greenli...

03 Jan 2024

Ireland: Weekly Cattle Prices 3rd January

Prices reported as quoted or paid to IFA Members. Prices up 5c/kg to 10c/kg. Factories paying above quotes. Steer base €5.00/5.10/kg. Heifer base €5.10/5.15kg. Young Bulls R/U €5.00/5.50/kg. Higher prices for larger and specialised lots. Cows €3.80/€4.60/kg. In-spec ...

03 Jan 2024

AHDB Pork market update: domestic round up

Key points: GB pig prices continue to fall but with a steady decline Production grew for November to 85,200 tonnes but remains below last year More pigs came forward ahead of Christmas, bringing slaughter to 910,500 head Imports grew for October, as EU product remains competit...

03 Jan 2024

‘Unprecedented’ volumes of illegal meat seized at Port of Dover

Vast quantities of illegally imported meat are being seized by Dover Port Health Authority (DPHA) at the Port of Dover, with the authority fearing this could be just the ‘tip of the iceberg’. The revelation comes against the backdrop of growing industry concerns over repe...

03 Jan 2024

Lab-meat dubbed one of 2023’s biggest tech failures

It has been a difficult year for alternative proteins, topped off by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Review assessment that laboratory-grown meat is one of the worst technology failures of 2023. The billions per year ploughed by investors into the alternative protein s...

03 Jan 2024

Meat Business Women Announces New Territory Partner For Australia

Meat Business Women, the pioneering membership community for women in the global meat industry, is stepping up its presence in Australia with a new three-year partnership with industry affairs specialist Stacey McKenna. The partnership will commence in January 2024 and will ...

02 Jan 2024

AHDB launches new Let’s Eat Balanced campaign

The theme for the vibrant January campaign is ‘THIS and THAT’, encouraging consumers to adopt a sustainable, healthy and nutritiously balanced diet. The campaign adverts will highlight that British beef, lamb, and dairy are natural sources of protein and vitamin B1...

21 Dec 2023

Final steps in securing Irish beef access to South Korea

Ireland has reached the final steps in securing beef access to South Korea. It has been announced this week the decision of the National Assembly of South Korea to advance Ireland’s application for beef access to the next stage. This follows Minister for Agriculture C...

21 Dec 2023

ABP Food Group expands pet-food factory in Ireland

ABP Food Group is to invest in a pet-food plant in Ireland, with plans to boost the site’s production capacity. Through C&D Foods, the pet food branch of ABP, the company is investing €48m ($52.6m) in the project at the factory in County Longford, Ireland. The project ...

19 Dec 2023

Saudi Arabia gives green light to Paraguayan meat exports

Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has given the green light to the purchase of beef from Paraguay after a successful audit, the South American country’s National Service for Animal Quality and Health (Senacsa) announced Monday in Asunción. The audit, w...

14 Dec 2023

Meat could be answer to ending world hunger, says UN report

A new study has urged developing nations to boost livestock production in order to provide essential nutrients Meat production could be the answer to addressing world hunger and should be ‘ramped up’, according to a UN report which was unveiled at COP28. The United Na...

14 Dec 2023

£4m fund launched to support smaller abattoirs in England

For the first time, smaller abattoirs in England will be able to apply for capital grants through a new £4 million fund designed to boost the sector. Smaller abattoirs are really important. They’re vital to farmers getting their products to market. Smaller abattoirs are a...

13 Dec 2023

China lifts restrictions on Australian abattoirs as trade tensions ease

China has lifted suspensions from three Australian abattoirs in a further easing of punitive trade sanctions. China’s customs agency has removed bans on Teys Australia in Naracoorte, South Australia, Australian Lamb Company in Colac, Victoria, and JBS in Melbourne. But e...

13 Dec 2023

Fears Australian lamb imports could topple firm market

Many sheep producers’ Christmas wish lists will have an end to bluetongue virus and continued goodwill between China and Australia written firmly at the top. Fears that containers of Australian lamb will flood the market have mounted across the UK after the country’s sheep...

13 Dec 2023

Jersey abattoir reopens after Storm damage

The only abattoir in Jersey has reopened earlier than expected after being damaged in Storm Ciarán. The St Helier facility sustained extensive damage and was forced to close in November. The abattoir will be operating on extra days to make sure all animals are processed in ti...

13 Dec 2023

Applications open for new £4 million fund to support smaller abattoirs

The government has today (Wednesday 13 December) launched the £4 million Smaller Abattoir Fund to boost the sustainability and efficiency of red meat and poultry smaller abattoirs across England. The smaller abattoir sector has an important role in maintaining British food se...

12 Dec 2023

Channel 4’s beef programme ‘amounted to an onslaught’ on British farming

Channel 4’s recent programme looking at the beef sector ‘amounted to an onslaught’ on British farming, the NFU has said. The union has sent a letter of complaint to Channel 4 and the producers of ‘The Big British Beef Battle’, aired on 1 December 2023. Th...

09 Dec 2023

Meat processors raise concern over new immigration rules

Meat processors have expressed concern that new rules will restrict access for migrants to fill critical labour shortages whilst liberalising access where no vacancies exist. The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) said the government was in danger of imposing blanket r...

04 Dec 2023

Bord Bia secures EU funding for an organic beef and lamb campaign

Bord Bia has won two new EU contracts to promote organic EU beef and lamb and a separate campaign to promote EU mushrooms, as announced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The combined value of the two campaigns is €5.7 million over three years. This compr...

30 Nov 2023

JBS Mulls More Investments In Saudi Arabia

J&F, parent company of food processor JBS SA, said the meat giant is mulling new investments in Saudi Arabia as a Brazilian government delegation that includes president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva meets local officials to boost business ties. “Every day we become m...

30 Nov 2023

Italy could face EU fines over ban on lab-grown meat

Italy could face EU fines over a ban on lab-grown meat aimed at protecting the country’s culinary heritage and farmers’ livelihoods. The law prohibits the production, sale and consumption of laboratory-produced food “from cell cultures or tissue derived from vertebrate...

30 Nov 2023

Australian sheep flock hits record high

Australia is reporting a record sheep flock, 78 million head, which means the price of mutton has collapsed, as low as 80 US cents per kilo, and many farmers are culling or not mating their ewes to cut costs and implement a workable sustainable food/flock relation ahead of the...

29 Nov 2023

Vegan diet to be ‘imposed’ on Warwick University students

Tens of thousands of students from one of Britain’s top Russell Group universities will now be served vegan food after activists won a vote to ban all meat and dairy products. Students at the University of Warwick supported a motion to ensure union-run catering outlets g...

29 Nov 2023

Welsh secure new lamb deal with Japan

Sushi, Tempora, Gyoza, Welsh Lamb…that could be a gourmet menu in Japan as early as next week after the announcement of a new export deal by Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair today. “I can tell you today that Welsh Lamb is on its way ...

29 Nov 2023

Irish Angus beef pushes for PGI status

Irish beef farmers are a step closer to achieving protected geographical indication (PGI) status in the EU for certified Irish Angus Beef. If successful, this could allow beef producers in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to receive a premium for Aberdeen Angus cat...

23 Nov 2023

AHDB: Beef market update for October

GB deadweight cattle prices varied throughout October. The all-prime average price started the month at 479.2p/kg and stabilised before a slight drop of around 2.5p for the last two weeks. Overall cow prices fell with some large drops through the month, down by 30p throughout...

23 Nov 2023

AHDB: Lamb market update for October

The liveweight SQQ averaged 255p/kg in October, up by just under 4p since September. Liveweight SQQ prices ended the month as they started, averaging 252p/kg for the week ending 4 November, having peaked at 258p/kg in the second week. The deadweight SQQ averaged 564p/k...

23 Nov 2023

Ireland: Work permit quotas for meat processors ‘exhausted’

The provision of work permits for meat processors have been supplied to the extent that their quotas have now been described as “exhausted” by a government minister. This was said by Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), Neale Ric...

22 Nov 2023

Californian market opens up to UK pork in January

NSF, the only Red Tractor Certification Body for pork, can now certify British pork for the lucrative Californian market. NSF has become one of the first UK certification bodies to offer California’s Proposition 12 (Prop 12) certification for UK pork. This certification is c...

21 Nov 2023

JBS resumes operations, expands beef plant in Brazil

JBS has resumed operations at its Friboi facility in Diamantino, Mato Grosso, Brazil, following a fire in June this year. The factory, which has a processing capacity of 3,600 heads of cattle per day, will stand as the largest beef facility in Latin America, employing 3,000 w...

21 Nov 2023

Jersey abattoir closure a ‘massive blow’ for farmers

The only abattoir in Jersey will remain closed until mid-December, the island’s infrastructure minister has said. The abattoir in St Helier was forced to close after sustaining extensive damage during Storm Ciarán. The government said there was “a large amountR...

21 Nov 2023

Farmer’s Alliance calls for lab grown meat to be banned in Ireland

The Farmer’s Alliance political party have called for lab grown meat to be banned in Ireland to protect “traditional” meat products. The announcement was made by the new political party on the social media platform X, as the group called for a ban on “the production, s...

21 Nov 2023

Italy bans lab-grown meat due to social and economic risks

Italy has become the first nation to ban lab-grown meat, in what the Italian Minister for Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida described as a bid to prevent social and economic risks. The law was passed by Italy’s lower house of parliament, having already been approved by the...

16 Nov 2023

NI beef farmers to benefit from all-Ireland protected status

Irish grass-fed beef is to be granted special recognition by the European Commission for its characteristics and geographical origin. The commission is in the final stage of granting Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, which has been passed with no objections. The ...

15 Nov 2023

5,600 pigs killed in Hong Kong after ASF outbreak

The Hong Kong authorities ordered the culling of around 5,600 pigs after African swine fever (ASF) was discovered at a local pig farm, Reuters reports. The pig farm at Lau Fau Shan, rural Yuen Long area, near the mainland China border, tested positive for the ASF virus after s...

14 Nov 2023

Serbian poultry farmers want access to the European market

Access to the European poultry market could effectively double Serbian poultry production, a local poultry association estimated. Poultry production in Serbia is thriving, especially by the gauge of the local livestock industry, Ivan Stanojlović, chairman of the Serbian assoc...

14 Nov 2023

Barclay named Defra Secretary as Coffey resigns

Former Secretary of State for Health Steve Barclay has been named as the new head of Defra. The appointment follows the resignation of Therese Coffey who announced she would be ‘stepping back from Government’ amid the Prime Minister’s emergency reshuffle. Ms Coff...

14 Nov 2023

Brazil projected to claim top spot for poultry exports in 2024

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts that global exports of chicken meat will increase by 2.91% to at least 14 million tons next year. Brazil is expected to dominate this market with a projected 36% of worldwide exports, while the United States, the worl...

13 Nov 2023

Tyson Foods to shut two more US sites

US meat processing company Tyson Foods is closing two of its case-ready meat production facilities. The sites affected will be in Jacksonville, Florida and in Columbia, South Carolina, the company confirmed to Just Food. Commenting in a statement, Tyson described the news as...

13 Nov 2023

ABP ‘cleared’ to acquire Scotbeef businesses

A competition regulator has ‘cleared’ Anglo Beef Processor’s (ABP) acquisition of Scotbeef after concerns the deal could have ‘undermined competition in the red meat sector’. The Competition and Markets Authority confirmed it had approved the Irish proces...

13 Nov 2023

Irish Cattle & Sheep Trade & Prices w/e October 29th 2023

Cattle & Beef Throughput: Up until the week ending October 29th 2023, cattle throughput in DAFM approved plants totalled 1,462,398 head, a 3% decrease from the corresponding period last year. Prime cattle have been presented for slaughter a few weeks later that normal th...

13 Nov 2023

Reviving UK Pork Exports to China

Defra Secretary Thérèse Coffey has discussed the suspension of pork exports to China from key UK pork plants during a visit to the country this week. China suspended the export licences from three key UK pork plants during the Covid epidemic – Pilgrim’s Ashton plant, w...

13 Nov 2023

Russian government issues poultry export ban

The Russian Agricultural Ministry has published a draft decree under which poultry and egg exports from the country will be banned for the next 6 months in order to bring price relief to the domestic market. The measure was rolled out shortly following a government meeting whe...

13 Nov 2023

Bird flu confirmed on South Lincolnshire turkey farm

Bird flu has been confirmed on a turkey farm in south Lincolnshire, just days after the government lowered the risk level of the disease. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed in commercial turkeys on 9 November at an indoor turkey farm near Donington. A 3km p...

10 Nov 2023

Irish beef exports to China suspended after BSE case

Beef exports from the Republic of Ireland to China have been suspended after a case of atypical BSE, commonly known as mad cow disease, was detected in a cow. Irish broadcaster RTÉ reports that the case was confirmed on Friday after tests were carried out by Irish Department ...

10 Nov 2023

Government’s live export ban ‘bad news’ for the home market

The government’s intention to ban live exports is ‘bad news’ for the home market, the industry has warned amid fears that farmers may see lower prices. The industry has responded with concern to the announcement of a live export ban which was included in th...

10 Nov 2023

GB pig prices for w/e November 5th 2023

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The EU-spec SPP fell by a further 1.1p during the week ended November 4 to stand at 217.78p/kg, meaning the price index has now fallen by nearly 8p since mid-August. The decline followed the previous week’s dip of 0.7...

10 Nov 2023

China’s economy back in decline as pork prices continue to plummet.

BEIJING, Nov 9 (Reuters) – China’s consumer prices swung lower in October, as key gauges of domestic demand pointed to weakness not seen since the pandemic, while factory-gate deflation deepened, casting doubts over the chances of a broad-based economic recovery. T...

10 Nov 2023

Australia: Meat inspectors and vets strike over pay

The meat industry says it will take days to recover after hundreds of workers walk off the job around Australia today. Plant veterinarians and food safety meat assessors — from the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fis...

07 Nov 2023

King’s Speech: Government commits to end live animal exports

The government has committed to end the live exports of animals from Great Britain for slaughter or fattening, despite warnings from the industry. The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill will deliver on a government promise – made in December 2020 – to end th...

07 Nov 2023

Portsmouth becomes latest council to defy vegan trend

Portsmouth is set to become the fourth council in recent weeks to defy the vegan trend in a show of support for farmers of all sectors. A campaign to push local councils into publicly expressing support for farmers while rejecting compulsory plant-based menus has now reached P...

03 Nov 2023

Japan opens doors to British cooked poultry meat

British cooked poultry meat products will soon reach Japanese tables thanks to a new market access deal that will benefit UK farmers, meat processers and exporters. The industry estimates that this market could be worth over £10 million in the next five years. UK poultry me...

03 Nov 2023

NZ: Plenty to bleat about as lamb price tumbles

New season lamb schedule prices are falling earlier and further than many predicted, reaching levels last seen in 2017. AgriHQ senior analyst Mel Croad says the lamb schedule fell by 10-30c/kg this week, further and a week or two earlier than expected, with some companies now...

03 Nov 2023

Red Tractor suspends its Greener Farms Commitment

Farm assurance body Red Tractor has put its controversial plans for a new Greener Farms Commitment (GFC) on hold, pending an NFU-commissioned review of the organisation’s governance. The voluntary GFC module is supposed to come into effect next April, providing a framework f...

02 Nov 2023

‘Significant disruption’ to pork production in Northern Ireland, as Government vets strike

There is set to be significant disruption to pork production in Northern Ireland this week, as Government vets carry out a five-day strike over an unsatisfactory pay deal. Union members of the Veterinary Service Animal Health Group (VSAHG) and the NIPSA union, which represents...

02 Nov 2023

Irish beef farmers need ‘significant’ price increase ‘without delay’

Factories must increase their prices to close the gap between prime Irish beef prices and the prime export benchmark price, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has urged. IFA president Tim Cullinan said that the Irish price is now over 40c/kg behind the Bord Bia prime e...

27 Oct 2023

Pig welfare outweighs climate concerns for consumers

Consumers would rather pay more for higher-welfare pork than for pork with a reduced climate footprint, according to a thought-provoking study by the University of Copenhagen. Researchers from the University looked at whether consumers from Denmark, Germany, the UK and Shang...

25 Oct 2023

China stops buying Dutch lamb & beef over bluetongue concerns

China has banned the import of beef and lamb from the Netherlands due to the spread of the bluetongue disease. The official prohibition applies to all ruminant animals and products derived from them. The Asian country has also banned the import of beef and lamb products from B...

25 Oct 2023

Strikes end at Browns of Kelloholm as pay deal agreed

A series of strikes at a meat processing firm in southern Scotland is over after workers secured a 13.2% pay rise. Unite union members at Browns in Kelloholm carried out several rounds of industrial action in August and September. It said workers had now secured an “exce...

20 Oct 2023

Jobs at risk as Avara factory closure announced

More than 300 jobs are at risk as poultry firm Avara has proposed closing down its Newent factory. Avara said the decision comes after facing significant inflationary pressure over the past two years. It hopes the closure will result in fewer, better-invested facilities and mo...

20 Oct 2023

Smithfield market traders’ anger over works delays

THE chairman of the Smithfield Market Tenants’ Association used a formal breakfast this week to complain about delays to the opening of the Museum of London on the Smithfield site. Speaking on Wednesday in the presence of Lord Mayor Nicholas Lyons at Butcher’s Hall in Bart...

20 Oct 2023

GB pig prices for w/e October 14th, 2023 – another big drop, EU prices plummet

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The EU-spec SPP was down by a further 1.62p during the week ended October 14 to stand at 220.12p/kg, after stabilising the previous week. This was the second biggest fall of the year, meaning the SPP has now lost 5.5p s...

20 Oct 2023

Shropshire trio face court date over meat fraud

THREE men convicted of conning foreign meat firms out of more than £600,000 will discover how much they will be expected to pay back next month. Dale Seymore, Darren Williams and Fahd Bux all pleaded guilty in April this year to being concerned in an arrangement which facilit...

20 Oct 2023

Irish Sheepmeat Prices – w/e October 15th 2023

Quotes: Base quotes for lambs from the major processors have held steady this week with 600-610c/kg (plus QA bonus) available. Market demand for lamb continues to be subdued in key export markets with inflation, higher levels of imports from non-EU markets and competition fro...

20 Oct 2023

Irish Beef Prices – w/e October 15th 2023

Throughput: Up until the week ending October 15th 2023, cattle throughput in DAFM approved plants totalled 1,381,842 head, a 3% decrease from the corresponding period last year. Prime cattle have been presented for slaughter a few weeks later that normal this autumn due to ...

17 Oct 2023

EU pork production down, prices down

Pork production in the EU was 8% down, at 11.9Mt, over the first seven months of this year, the second successive year of significant decline. The production figure for January to July was also 10% down on the five-year average. The EU Commission’s latest forecast is for p...

12 Oct 2023

GB pig prices for week ending October 7, 2023 – SPP stabilises after biggest loss of the year

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The EU-spec SPP stabilised, gaining 0.01p to stand at 221.73p/kg during the week ended October 7, after recording its biggest drop of the year, 1.75p, the previous week. The tiny increase ended a run of six consecutiv...

05 Oct 2023

Butchers excluded from Shortage Occupation List

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has expressed disappointment that the Government’s advisory body on labour has rejected calls to add butchers and poultry dressers to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). The Migration Advisory Committee have just published...

28 Sep 2023

ASF Italy: Almost 35,000 pigs culled

The number of culled pigs due to African Swine Fever (ASF) in the northern Italian region of Lombardy has grown to almost 35,000 on 22 farms. This number of pigs had to be culled to stop further spread of the virus. It was confirmed by the Italian veterinary authorities. Fra...

28 Sep 2023

China permits Russian pork supplies

MOSCOW. Sept 28 (Interfax) – China has granted Russia permission to supply pork to the Chinese market following ten years of Russia seeking entry to the country’s large pork market, the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor...

26 Sep 2023

Dawn Meats’ Kildare acquisition is cleared

The competition watchdog has cleared the proposed acquisition of Kildare Chilling by Dawn Meats after a full investigation of the deal. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) had determined in June that a full probe was needed to establish whether the propos...

21 Sep 2023

£4m small abattoir fund to open by end of 2023

A Small Abattoir fund will open by the end of this year, providing £4m of funding in England to help improve productivity, enhance animal health and welfare and encourage investment in new technologies in vital local plants. Small abattoirs have come under increased pressure ...

21 Sep 2023

Webinar will offer tips on exporting red meat to Canada

Red meat businesses will have the opportunity to gain valuable insight on exporting to Canada through a webinar scheduled for October 19th. The event will offer a comprehensive overview of key considerations, including tips for navigating route to market, compliance, and custo...

15 Sep 2023

New Zealand: Meat exports crash as China stalls

New Zealand’s largest red meat export market has hit the wall, with China taking much less of our sheepmeat and beef. Latest figures from the Meat Industry Association (MIA) show that China is still our largest red meat export market. However, during the month of July, t...

15 Sep 2023

Sweden faces pork export bans after ASF discovery

A number of countries have banned imports of Swedish pork after African swine fever was discovered in wild boar for the first time in the country. Armenia, Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Ukraine have halted pork shipments from the country even though ...

15 Sep 2023

New Zealand: Meat exporters face tough times

Meat processor and exporter Alliance Group concedes it is facing tough global market conditions with both weaker demand and pricing. In its latest newsletter to supplier/shareholders, chief executive Willie Wiese says, like all red meat exporters, Alliance’s livestock pr...

14 Sep 2023

Minerva set to become Brazil’s second-largest beef processor

Minerva Foods has made a major move to strengthen its position in the beef market with the acquisition of cattle slaughtering and deboning plants from Marfrig for BRL 7.5 billion (approx. $1.53 billion). This significant deal includes 11 plants and a distribution center in Bra...

11 Sep 2023

NZ: Staff cuts on the cards at meat processor Alliance

Alliance Group is currently conducting a review of its operational framework, which may lead to a few staff members being made redundant. The review aims to ensure that the company is adequately meeting the demands of its farmers, customers, and global market conditions. Conse...

11 Sep 2023

Irish Cattle & Sheep Trade & Prices w/e September 3rd 2023

Cattle & Beef Throughput: Up until the week ending September 3rd 2023, the overall cattle throughput in DAFM approved plants has totalled approximately 1,165,586 head, a 3% decrease from the corresponding period last year. Cattle are coming forward later that normal d...

11 Sep 2023

GB pig prices for w/e September 2nd 2023 – SPP drops back again

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The EU-spec SPP fell by 0.58p to 224.76p/kg during the week ended September 2, its biggest backward step since the first week of the year. This latest drop, following the previous week’s 0.32p reduction, means the SP...

11 Sep 2023

Farmers still cautious as pig numbers drop

Pig numbers in England have fallen to their lowest levels in over a decade as the impact of last year’s reduction in breeding sows filtered through the supply chain. Latest Defra livestock population figures revealed England’s pig herd fell by almost half a million...

11 Sep 2023

Lab-grown meat can be kosher and halal, experts say

(Reuters) – Lab-grown meat can be labeled kosher and halal as long as its cells are derived in methods compliant with religious standards, according to two panels of experts commissioned by the nascent industry. The opinions are a win for cell-cultivated meat companies, ...

11 Sep 2023

U.S. clears Smithfield’s acquisition by China’s Shuanghui

(Reuters) – The U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment has cleared the way for Shuanghui International Holdings Ltd’s proposed $4.7 billion acquisition of Smithfield Foods Inc. The deal, which would be the biggest purchase of a U.S. company by a Chinese firm, still needs...

07 Sep 2023

Swine fever detected in Sweden for the first time

STOCKHOLM, Sept 6 (Reuters) – A dead wild boar in Sweden has tested positive for African swine fever, Sweden’s Veterinary Institute said on Wednesday, the first such case in the country. African swine fever is harmless to humans but is highly contagious and deadly ...

05 Sep 2023

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices

Cattle & Beef Throughput: Up until the week ending August 27th 2023, the overall cattle throughput in DAFM approved plants has totalled approximately 1,100,616 head, a 3% decrease from the corresponding period last year. Cattle supplies are expected to see some seasonal i...

05 Sep 2023

France makes fresh bid to ban meat names for plant-based food

France has revealed revised proposals to ban the use of meat-related names, such as “steak” and “spare ribs,” for plant-based food produced in the country. The intention is to avoid “misleading claims” that some meat alternatives can make. A...

05 Sep 2023

Kepak appoints new CEO

Irish meat-processing group Kepak has announced the appointment of food business professional Brian Farrell as the new CEO of its foods division. Prior to joining Kepak, which is based in Co Meath, Mr Farrell held several senior executive positions with Glanbia and IBI Corpora...

05 Sep 2023

Uruguay to resume meat exports to Mexico

Uruguay announced the resumption of meat exports to Mexico after three years, with 22 slaughterhouses authorized to sell beef and sheep meat to that country for the next two years, it was reported in Montevideo. Mexico’s National Service of Agrifood Health, Safety, and Q...

31 Aug 2023

Shares take a tumble as investors beef about Minerva’s acquisition

SAO PAULO, Aug 29 (Reuters) – Shares in South America’s largest beef exporter fell sharply on Tuesday as investors digested Minerva’s BEEF3.SA move to acquire 16 slaughterhouses from rival meatpacker Marfrig MRFG3.SA for 7.5 billion reais ($1.53 billion...

30 Aug 2023

Australia: Shoppers paying high meat prices as farmers say sheep not worth sending to market

Farmers in Australia are shooting sheep rather than taking them to market because the price they are being paid for lamb is not enough to cover their costs. Retail prices for meat remain high and food relief charities say they are supporting record numbers of families strug...

29 Aug 2023

Marfrig and Minerva agree to major moves in the global meat markets

Marfrig and Minerva the two protein production and processing giants, from Brazil, and which dominate a significant share to the global market have agreed to concentrate in different spheres of the market, in a deal that has shaken the whole industry. Meatpacker Marfrig has ag...

29 Aug 2023

Brazil’s Marfrig sells abattoirs to Minerva in $1.5 bn deal

SAO PAULO, Aug 28 (Reuters) – Brazilian meatpacker Marfrig has agreed to sell 16 slaughtering plants to rival Minerva for 7.5 billion reais ($1.54 billion) in a deal that will significantly change its profile in South America, according to a securities filing. With the ...

26 Aug 2023

Sheep Meat Trade between the UK and Australia: Current State and Future Outlook

The UK and Australia signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on June 15, 2021, that allows for the free trade of various goods, including sheep meat. The FTA permits sheep meat to be traded without tariffs between the two countries, making it easier for UK consumers to enjoy Austr...

23 Aug 2023

US sheep farmers call for tariffs on NZ sheep meat imports

Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O’Connor has expressed concern over a bid by United States sheep farmers to impose tariffs on New Zealand sheep meat exports. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson echoed O’Connor’s concerns and said the ministry app...

23 Aug 2023

Reform poultry industry to halt bird flu, welfare charity demands

The poultry industry needs to be reformed in order to stop the spread of avian influenza, a new report released by Compassion in World Farming has warned. The report – called Bird flu: Only major farm reforms can end it – claims that, contrary to popular belief, wild bird...

23 Aug 2023

Ireland: Downward pressure on beef prices ‘unacceptable and must stop’

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has hit out at what it has called “downward pressure” being applied to beef prices by meat processors, saying it is “unacceptable and must stop”. Speaking this morning (Wednesday, August 23), Brendan Golden, the IFA’s Livestock ...

23 Aug 2023

Defra lifts bird flu ban

Defra has lifted its ban on gatherings of certain poultry and birds, including chickens, turkeys and pheasants, following the UK’s largest ever outbreak of bird flu. From Wednesday (23 August), gatherings of birds, which also include partridge, quail and guinea fowl, are...

21 Aug 2023

Young’s confirms closure of Grimsby site with loss of 200 jobs

Young’s Seafood will close its Marsden Road site in Grimsby, with the anticipated loss of more than 200 jobs. The company has been unable to find a way to keep operations going, with the loss of a retail contract understood to have led to the move. The Ross House team has wo...

21 Aug 2023

FSS launches food crime protection tool for businesses

Food Standards Scotland has unveiled its new online tool that it claims may prevent them becoming a victim of food crime. Unveiling its new online tool, Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has urged food and drink businesses to sign up to use it as it believes it “may prevent them...

21 Aug 2023

JBS posts $53 million net loss in second quarter

JBS released its Q2 2023 financial results this week, revealing a net loss of $53 million in Q2 2023, down sharply from a net profit of $803 million in Q2 2022. The decline was the result of an oversupply of poultry and tighter beef margins in the U.S., as well as an overall c...

21 Aug 2023

Researchers make plant-based meat “more palatable”

University of Leeds researchers have developed a colloidal technique that “could give a juicy sensation without adding fat” to plant-based meat. Hoping to encourage even more consumers to opt for plant-based meat, a team of researchers at the University of Leeds have devel...

21 Aug 2023

Frustrations grow at lack of progress over food import controls

Fears are growing that the UK government plans to delay food import controls post-Brexit for a fifth time, which poultry leaders argue will lead to a flood of cheap imports. The British Poultry Council says proportionate controls are key to a profitable, sustainable food sys...

21 Aug 2023

Opposition builds towards Cranswick’s proposed ‘mega farm’

Cranswick is facing significant opposition from locals at the proposed construction of a large pig and poultry farm in rural Norfolk. Hundreds of people in the villages of Methwold and Feltwell have objected to the company’s plans to build a site to rear millions of pigs and...

21 Aug 2023

Dawn Meats co-founder Peter Queally dies, aged 83

Peter Queally, the Irish entrepreneur who co-founded one of Europe’s largest meat processors, has died aged 83. The Waterford businessman was a well-known figure in the Irish food industry, having founded Dawn Meats – along with his brother John and business partner Dan Br...

16 Aug 2023

Australia: Lamb price to remain soft

Lamb consumption in China hasn’t taken off post-Covid, resulting in high inventories in coldstores. North Island prices last month dipped to $7.20/kg. In the same week a year ago they were $9.10/kg. The South Island lamb price was forecast at $7.30/kg compared to $9.20/kg th...

02 Aug 2023

UK ends strict controls for beef and poultry from Brazil

The UK has lifted reinforced inspections on meat products from Brazil after analyzing the country’s control system. The decision covers consignments of beef, poultry, and meat products and preparations exported from Brazil to England, Scotland, and Wales. It comes after an a...

27 Jul 2023

UK pork imports rise as domestic supplies dwindle

UK pork imports rose in May as supplies of domestic pork remained suppressed due to the contraction of the national breeding herd. Total pork imports for the month, at 68,600 tonnes, were nearly 9,300 tonnes (16%) up from April’s levels and 2% (1,600 tonnes) higher than Ma...

27 Jul 2023

Pressure on GB beef market as prices continue to fall

NFU Livestock Board chair Richard Findlay shares his concerns for the UK’s beef market following a sharp downturn in the price of British and Irish beef. There is growing concern that we’re seeing sustained falls in the GB beef price. In the last 8 weeks we’ve seen o...

27 Jul 2023

Takeover rumours mount for Irish meat processor

A major Cavan Town meat processor has refused to comment on speculation of an impending takeover, in the same week as an investigation into paperwork irregularities were revealed. The Anglo-Celt understands that McCarren & Co could potentially be taken over by Irish meat p...

25 Jul 2023

Abattoirs report lamb numbers up but carcase weights lighter

Reduced carcase weights are limiting production volumes despite sheep and cattle numbers climbing during the first half of 2023, according to the latest UK abattoir data. Prime lamb slaughterings have been strong so far this year with March recording the highest monthly throug...

24 Jul 2023

Hide and skin values remain under pressure

Prices for cattle hides and sheepskins are struggling amid lower demand and finished leather sales remaining uncertain. After a notable period of stability, UK heavy cattle hide values have taken a dip in recent weeks. The supply chain continues to be squeezed by increased cos...

20 Jul 2023

The Meatex Masterclass – A Tour de Force Through the Various Meat Cuts!

Welcome, meat enthusiasts and budget-conscious gourmands alike, to the most tantalizing and educational experience you’ll ever embark upon: The Meatex guide to the different cuts of beef, lamb, pork, and poultry. Get ready to explore the succulent universe of meat cuts, ...

20 Jul 2023

UK pig throughputs hit 10-year low

UK pigmeat production over the first half of this year was 13% down on 2022 and the lowest figure recorded since 2017, as pig supplies fell to a 10-year low. In June the UK produced 74,700 tonnes of pig meat, according to Defra data, 7% down from May volumes and down 11% J...

20 Jul 2023

City Corporation’s vision for a Food School takes shape with introduction at Billingsgate Market

A new pilot food school located at the historic Billingsgate Fish Market opened its doors to schools from Barking and Dagenham, as an introduction to the City of London Corporation’s vision for a permanent food school in the east London borough. The City Corporation is devel...

20 Jul 2023

Defra ditches compulsory animal welfare labelling plans

Defra has ditched plans to consult on proposals to roll out compulsory animal welfare labelling on food products following industry criticism. Under the plans, new regulations would have required products, initially pork, poultry and eggs, to be categorised in different tiers ...

19 Jul 2023

UK beef sector faces ‘catastrophic decline’, body warns government

The National Beef Association (NBA) has called for ‘urgent changes’ to current UK farming policies or else the beef sector will be pushed into a ‘catastrophic decline’. The organisation has sent a message to the Prime Minister, warning that ‘misgu...

19 Jul 2023

New chair of Isle of Man Meats company appointed

A new chair of the Isle of Man’s meat plant has been appointed after a period of uncertainty. Nigel Davis takes over from Clare Barber MHK who has held the position on an interim basis since November. She stepped in following a damning audit last year, which found that t...

18 Jul 2023

British gov’t lifts restrictions on Brazilian meat

British authorities have decided to lift the reinforced controls on Brazilian meat, Brasilia’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture announced Monday, according to Agencia Brasil. The measure was adopted nine months after a technical team visited the South Americ...

18 Jul 2023

Canadian meat industry urges MPs to reject U.K. membership in trade deal

Canadian beef and pork farmers, who have long been frustrated with an ongoing dispute with Britain over meat exports, are urgently appealing to members of Parliament to reject the UK’s inclusion in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership...

13 Jul 2023

NPA sets out case for ‘essential’ support of small abattoirs

The NPA has set out the case for how small and medium-sized abattoirs should be supported under Defra’s new funding scheme. Farming Minister Mark Spencer announced in February that Defra would be developing a Smaller Abattoir Fund. Small abattoirs have been in decline for...

13 Jul 2023

Brazilian beef industry adopting to lower prices for Chinese demand

Beef consumption in China is lower than what Brazilian exporters had anticipated for the post-pandemic period, according to a report by Datagro. Data compiled by the consultancy from China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs reveals that beef prices have fallen below...

12 Jul 2023

EU-NZ trade deal to make ‘an already bad situation worse’ for Irish sheep farmers

The EU and New Zealand free trade agreement will “make an already bad situation worse” for Irish sheep farmers. The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association sheep chairman Sean McNamara has said that the decision to allow an additional 38,000 tonnes of sheepmeat ...

07 Jul 2023

ASF Russia: thousands of pigs to be culled

An African swine fever (ASF) outbreak occurred at pig farms Leninsky-1 and Leninsky-2 operated by agricultural holding RusAgro in the Russian far east. ASF hit Leninsky-2 first. Andrey Bronts, the governor of Primorsk Krai, admitted that to contain the spread of the virus, the...

07 Jul 2023

Pilgrim’s Ashton pork processing site closes after 70 years

Pilgrim’s UK Ashton-under-Lyne pork processing site will process pigs for the last time today, as the sector called the firm’s decision ‘disappointing’. Pilgrim’s Ashton site will kill pigs for the last time on Friday (7 July), with existing operation...

07 Jul 2023

Shock following closure of Cumbrian abattoir

THE news that Black Brow abattoir near Wigton is closing has shocked producers and butchers. The abattoir, which was taken over in 2004, is used by north Cumbrian farmers who rely on it for slaughtering their livestock. Many farmers in the area market their meat from their ani...

06 Jul 2023

Sainsbury’s changes meat packaging again after previous switch

Sainsbury’s has made another change to its meat packaging, months after a move branded “disgusting” by customers. The supermarket giant has announced it is removing plastic trays from its steak range, replacing them with a cardboard alternative. The change, which will af...

04 Jul 2023

Outlook grim for Ukraine poultry industry

Ukraine will see a 6-7% decline in poultry production in 2023, Sergey Karpenko, executive director of the Ukrainian poultry farmers association, told local press. Despite a drop in domestic output in 2023, the Ukrainian poultry market still has a production surplus owing to im...

04 Jul 2023

Ireland: Spring lamb quotes slip by up to 65c/kg

The sheep trade has seen prices fall across the board this week, with spring lamb dropping by up to 65c/kg, and some factories not providing quotes for lambs. It will come as a further disappointment to farmers who had been anticipating the arrival of the Muslim festival Eid a...

04 Jul 2023

Croatia confirms its first case of African swine fever

On Monday the Croatian Veterinary Institute confirmed African swine fever in blood samples from sick pigs and in organ samples from dead pigs taken from two facilities in the area of Posavski Podgajac in Vukovar-Srijem County. All 48 domestic pigs were kept outdoors on ...

04 Jul 2023

QMS launches new five-year strategy to drive global Scottish meat sales

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has launched a new five-year strategy to ‘make Scotland the choice for premium red meat across the world’. The strategy was launched at QMS’s annual industry breakfast briefing at the Royal Highland Show on Friday. Its aim is to lead the deve...

04 Jul 2023

GB pig prices for week ending June 24, 2023

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The EU-spec SPP inched up by a further 0.19p to reach another new high of 222.84p/kg during the week ended June 24. The latest rise, the smallest since early February, follows the previous week’s increase of 0.57p an...

04 Jul 2023

China both a target and a risk for NZ exporters

WELLINGTON, June 23 (Reuters) – As New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins prepares to lead a trade delegation to China seeking greater access for both the country’s primary exports and emerging sectors such as gaming, producers are diversifying away from their bi...

26 Jun 2023

Investigation finds issues with meat sourced from Poland

Three UK retailers are buying meat from chickens in Poland that were given a group of antibiotics used to treat human Salmonella infections. An investigation by broadcaster ITV, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism and newspaper The Guardian found Asda, Iceland, and Lidl ...

26 Jun 2023

UK Meat and Fish Exports to EU Plunge by Nearly Half Since Brexit, Trade Analysis Reveals

A new analysis of trade figures has highlighted a significant decline in UK meat and fish exports to the European Union (EU) since Brexit. The data shows a sharp decrease in food trade, raising concerns about the impact of Brexit on the economy. The Labour Party is calling for...

26 Jun 2023

GB pig prices for week ending June 17, 2023

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The EU-spec SPP increased by a further 0.57p to reach another new high of 222.65p/kg during the week ended June 17. The latest rise follows the previous week’s increase of 0.74p and means the SPP has now risen for 22...

26 Jun 2023

Second council votes to resist anti-meat and dairy trend

Councillors in Northamptonshire have voted in favour of a ‘fight back’ motion as part of an ongoing effort to block anti-livestock farming sentiment seen at several other councils elsewhere. The motion will ensure the authority’s commitment to local farmers by proactivel...

26 Jun 2023

EU trade problems must be resolved, British Poultry Council says

Ongoing asymmetry in UK-EU trade threatens to push up food prices in the UK, BPC chief executive, Richard Griffiths, told attendees at new conference Trade Unlocked. Trade Unlocked – supported by UK Trade and Business Commission and Best for Britain – brought together parl...

23 Jun 2023

BLOG: Borough Market: An Adventure into London’s Food Haven

Southwark’s Borough Market is a testament to the culinary heritage of London. As the city’s oldest fruit and vegetable market it has a longstanding history going back over 1,000 years. It thrived as a wholesale market until the declining trade of the late 20th century open...

23 Jun 2023

Russian poultry groups increasingly rely on halal to boost exports

Russia sees a steady growth in halal food exports and hopes it will spur poultry sales to foreign customers in the coming years. Russia’s largest meat producer, Cherkizovo Group, expects the country to get the green light this year to export poultry and livestock products t...

23 Jun 2023

Pet Retailer Backs Cultivated Meat Dog Food Firm

Pets at Home has contributed to a £3.6m seed round by Good Dog Food (GDF), a pet food business which uses cultivated meat for its products. Other investors in the latest funding round include Agronomics, a listed company focused on the field of cellular agriculture which coun...

22 Jun 2023

US Regulator Allows First Sales Of Lab-Grown Meat

Two companies, Upside Foods and Good Meat have received final U.S. Department of Agriculture approval to sell lab-grown meat, paving the way for the nation’s first-ever sales of the product. With the approvals, the United States will become the second country after Si...

22 Jun 2023

EU Pork On A Lean Streak As Higher Standards Drive Up Costs

Record pig prices could have spurred farmers like Carole Joliff to expand their herd, but costly livestock regulations, flagging demand and spreading swine disease point instead to a long-term decline in the European Union, the world’s top pork exporter. “We’...

20 Jun 2023

Pig industry in Poland heads deeper into crisis

The coming months will be particularly challenging for the pig industry in Poland. Polish pig farmers are struggling to make ends meet, says Wiesław Różański, president of the Polish Union of meat industry producers and Employers. Currently, the industry is not in the best...

20 Jun 2023

UK-NZ FTA brings ‘exciting opportunities’ for NZ beef

New Zealand’s only 100% farmer owned red meat co-operative The Alliance Group, which has over 5,000 farmer shareholders, has spoken out on the UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which came into force Wednesday 31st May 2023. Under the FTA, the UK, which is New Zealand...

19 Jun 2023

GB pig prices for week ending June 3, 2023 – SPP up again

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The EU-spec SPP increased by a further 0.74p to reach yet another new high of 222.09p/kg during the week ended June 10. The latest rise follows the previous week’s increase of 0.58p and means the SPP has now risen fo...

19 Jun 2023

CAS deemed unsuitable for Halal poultry

The Australian Fatwa Council has concluded that the practice of CAS stunning, in its current form, is not fit for Halal consumption under the Islamic laws and principles of Halal slaughter. Stunning, in general, is discouraged under Halal slaughter. An Islamic verdict was prev...

19 Jun 2023

Growing demand for animal fats biofuels

Using rendered animal fats from poultry, pigs and cattle as transport fuels is causing alarm to climate scientists. Rendered animal fats from poultry, pigs and cattle have been used for many years in pet food and in the oleochemical sector for soaps and cosmetics. But, their u...

17 Jun 2023

Saudis lift 22-year ban on meat imports from Uganda

Saudi Arabia has decided to lift a ban imposed 2001 on meat imports from Uganda. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority said the decision to end the ban came after reaching a pact on health and technical terms and approving health certificates between the kingdom and Uganda on impo...

16 Jun 2023

Dawn Meats sells French beef stake back to joint venture partner

Dawn Meats is selling its 49pc stake in French beef producer Elivia to the business’s farmer-owned majority shareholder Terrena. The Irish company said it is eyeing alternative opportunities in France after determining it and Terrena’s ambitions for Elivia were “not alig...

16 Jun 2023

Taiwan lifts ban on Canadian beef over 30 months old

Taipei, June 15 (CNA) The Cabinet on Thursday approved a proposal to lift the ban on importing Canadian beef from cattle older than 30 months. Taiwan previously only imported Canadian beef from cattle under 30 months old. It lifted similar restrictions on imports of U.S. beef ...

16 Jun 2023

Waitrose pledges to sell British beef from 20 native breeds

Waitrose has pledged to sell British beef from 20 native breeds as part of a move to provide farmers with greater flexibility. The new breeds will come via the retailer’s beef provider Dovecote Park, based in Yorkshire, and will include Red Ruby, Belted Galloway, Welsh B...

15 Jun 2023

ABP acquires two Scotbeef Sites

ABP Foods is to purchase two major beef processing facilities from competitor Scotbeef. Scotbeef today announced the sale of their abattoir at Bridge of Allan and meat packing facility at Queenslie, Glasgow, to ABP Foods. The sale is expected to complete at the end of July 202...

15 Jun 2023

285 jobs at risk as Young’s Grimsby factory no longer ‘financially sustainable’

285 jobs are at risk after the announcement that a Young’s Seafood factory in Grimsby may close later this year. The site, on Marsden Road, is predominantly used to produce the company’s whitefish products with plans to move what’s left of the factory to Hu...

14 Jun 2023

Ireland: Lamb prices up 20c/kg as market recovers

Demand for lambs at the factories has increased as the processors begin to gear up for the Eid al-Adha celebrations at the end of the month. The quotes for lambs have been increased by up to 20c/kg this week, which is a welcome recovery in the returns for producers as they reg...

14 Jun 2023

Estimated GB slaughterings 12% down in May, as tight supplies drive pig prices

Estimated GB slaughterings were down 12% year-on-year during May, representing more than 100,000 head, AHDB data shows, as tight supplies continue to drive pig prices higher. Estimated GB slaughter for the five weeks ending June 3 totalled 761,700 head, a weekly average of 15...

14 Jun 2023

Mandatory CCTV is improving welfare in abattoirs, review concludes

The introduction of mandatory CCTV in all abattoirs in England in 2018 has been effective in improving animal welfare standards, a five-year post-Implementation review has concluded. Taking into account views from industry, animal welfare groups and retailers, the report,�...

14 Jun 2023

Former M&S food boss joins Farmison as chief executive

Just 50 days after coming under new ownership, online meat retailer Farmison & Co has appointed a chief executive and established a partnership with delivery service Gopuff. The retailer was acquired back in April by a consortium led by former Asda chief executive Andy Cla...

14 Jun 2023

Abattoirs face £30k fines over animal welfare breaches

Several workers and two abattoirs have been hauled before the courts following three Food Standards Agency (FSA) investigations into animal cruelty claims. Six members of staff at G & GB Hewitt Ltd pleaded guilty to a total of 25 animal welfare offences while the slaughter...

13 Jun 2023

Ireland Sheep trade: Lamb price lifts as Eid al-Adha drives demand

Sheep prices have started to show signs of the expected increase this month ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival, with spring lamb showing increases of up to 15c/kg since last week. The prices come this week with the announcement that the residency period from the export criteria...

13 Jun 2023

Meatless Farm: Vegan mince firm on brink of collapse

A vegan food company has stopped trading and let its staff go after it was unable to survive in the tough meat-free market. Meatless Farm made plant-based alternatives to meat and was stocked in major UK supermarkets, but made its 50-strong workforce redundant on Friday. In 20...

13 Jun 2023

Brazilian beef stranded in Chinese ports triggers a Lula phone call to Xi

Since some 70,000 tons of Brazilian beef are stranded at Chinese ports awaiting an official clearance resolution from Beijing since the identification of an atypical case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), known as “mad cow disease” in Brazil, President Lula da Sil...

12 Jun 2023

Kepak Merthyr to boost employment at Welsh plant

Kepak Merthyr has underlined its commitment to its 850-strong workforce in Wales with a £16 million investment programme for 2023, according to the meat processing company. Kepak has highlighted that its plant in Merthyr Tydfil contributes over £200 million each year to t...

12 Jun 2023

Irish beef imports up by 58%

Central Statistics Office trade data show that 14,119 tonnes of beef were imported in the first quarter – an increase of 5,154 tonnes (58%) on the same period in 2022. The United Kingdom (12,920 tonnes), Spain (511 tonnes), Netherlands (150 tonnes), Denmark (147 tonnes) ...

12 Jun 2023

JBS begins work on Spain’s first cultivated meat plant

Brazilian meatpacker JBS said on Tuesday that its subsidiary BioTech Foods started construction in Spain on its first commercial-scale plant to produce lab-grown meat, which is set to be completed by mid-2024. The factory, which JBS says will be the world’s largest lab-grown...

12 Jun 2023

NFU Scotland calls for UK Government to extend supply chain investigations to poultry meat

The UK Government should extend its examination of food supply chains to poultry meat as the threat of empty shelves increases. That was the message from NFU Scotland’s Poultry Working Group as it highlighted the ‘severe lack of profitability’ in producing chicke...

12 Jun 2023

Hungary enforces mandatory discounts on poultry

From 1 June, Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban, has imposed mandatory price cuts on 20 basic food items, including poultry, by large groceries in a move called to tackle food inflation in the country in addition to food price caps. Under the plan, big food retailers are o...

09 Jun 2023

Spring lamb prices off to a strong start

Average prices for new season lambs (NSL) are in a strong position as supply switches away from old season, with throughputs falling short compared to a year ago. The deadweight GB NSL Standard Quality Quotation (SQQ) averaged 709p/kg in the week ending 3 June, up 24p compared...

09 Jun 2023

Farmison & Co: Farmers out of pocket after collapse

Farmers and unsecured creditors owed a total of more than £7m following the collapse of an online butcher have been told they will not get money back despite a rescue deal. An administrator report revealed trade suppliers and about a dozen rare breed meat farmers were left ou...

09 Jun 2023

Vietnam ASF vaccine close to approval

Global and US veterinary officials have reported that African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccines being tested in Vietnam are close to approval. ASF has disrupted the global pork market for years and a vaccination would be a major breakthrough in tackling the deadly disease. After deca...

09 Jun 2023

EU pork production contracts further

EU pork production has contracted further during the first quarter of 2023, while prices continued to rise. “Pig producers in the EU continue to face multiple challenges impacting on the market. High input costs continue to prevail, impacting on production, while the threa...

09 Jun 2023

Inquiry launches into post-Brexit international trade deals

A cross-party parliamentary inquiry begins today on the impact the government’s post-Brexit trade policy has had, and will have, on food producers, consumers and businesses in the UK. Since leaving the EU, the government has signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Austr...

09 Jun 2023

Plant-based meat firm calls in administrators

A food manufacturer that produces 55,000 tonnes of plant-based meat alternatives a year from a huge facility in Lincolnshire called in administrators late last month. Plant and Bean, which also has a production site in Bubwith, North Yorkshire, created around 500 jobs when it ...

09 Jun 2023

Lidl next to vac pack mince despite Sainsbury’s ‘mush’ complaints

Lidl is the latest supermarket to announce it will start vac-packing mince to use less plastic and double its shelf life. Sainsbury’s hit the headlines when it made the same switch, and some shoppers complained it turned the meat to mush. An anti-plastic group criticise...

09 Jun 2023

Uruguay meat exports down

Uruguay’s revenue from meat exports dropped 25% year-on-year, some US$ 350 million less, according to data released this week by the National Meat Institute (INAC). In the first five months of 2023, US$ 1.055 billion worth of bovine meat was exported, clearly below the US$ 1...

09 Jun 2023

Defra urged to move quickly on small abattoir support

Industry bodies have welcomed an announcement from Government of a new fund for smaller abattoirs to improve productivity and enhance animal welfare. But Government must now move quickly if it wants to keep small abattoirs open. John Mettrick, National Craft Butchers legislati...

02 Jun 2023

Cargill to sell China poultry unit to private equity firm

BEIJING, May 31 (Reuters) – U.S. agribusiness giant Cargill said it is selling its poultry business in China to private equity firm DCP Capital, exiting a Chinese meat market that has become increasingly challenging, especially for foreign players. The sale of the unit k...

02 Jun 2023

AHDB launches UK red meat exports push

AHDB will unveil plans to encourage more UK agri-food businesses to export at its annual Export Conference at Butchers’ Hall on June 22. Included in the strategy are plans to utilise support from enhanced AHDB services for businesses to develop export potential, such as be...

01 Jun 2023

Momentum builds to restart Caithness abattoir

A group of farmers and butchers have set up a group with plans to reopen the Caithness abattoir in Keiss, north of Wick, to build a ‘meat hub’. The North Coast Abattoir Group is planning to refurbish the former premises of Caithness Beef and Lamb, with an estimated cost of...

01 Jun 2023

Vion to close beef plant in Germany

Netherlands-based Vion Food Group is planning to close its beef plant in Bad Bramstedt, Germany, in July. Approximately 250 employees who work at its northernmost German beef slaughterhouse are at risk of losing their jobs, although Vion said it will look at the possible tr...

31 May 2023

Defra’s pledge to end live exports effectively scrapped as bill dropped

The government’s pledge to end live exports – which was a key part of its Action Plan for Animal Welfare – has been effectively scrapped. Farming minister Mark Spencer has announced in the House of Commons that the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals Bill) will be dropped. ...

25 May 2023

UK free-trade deal with Australia and New Zealand looms

UK free-trade deals with Australia and New Zealand are due to come into force next week, on 31 May. Sections of the UK beef industry have been hugely nervous about the prospect of more Australian beef further pressuring a suckler cow herd that has shrunk 16.5% since 2005 to 1....

25 May 2023

Beef prices stay at record highs

Finished beef prices at abattoirs and auction marts remain exceptionally high, with tight supply and good retail demand. Further support for sales of steaks and burgers at retail for barbecues is projected with a period of warmer weather forecast. GB deadweight steers were up ...

25 May 2023

Butcher crowned first haggis world champion

A butcher from North Lanarkshire has won what organisers say is the first Haggis World Championship. Laura Black perfected a 40-year-old family recipe to take top prize at the event in Perth on Sunday. The owner of Coopers of Bellshill described the win as a career highlight. ...

25 May 2023

Abattoir sector vulnerable to collapse

Soil Association said abattoirs are an essential cornerstone of local supply chains but they are struggling due to a lack of government funding. Closures of abattoirs in the UK are creating a ‘fragile system that is vulnerable to collapse’, according to a report from t...

25 May 2023

New season lamb prices make strong start

New season lamb prices have made a firm start to the season as lambs have been slow to reach markets and abattoirs, according to Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). At Scottish marts, prices for new season lambs have been making around 350p/kg lwt in mid-May, up about 10% on the year...

25 May 2023

Redundancies announced at Morrisons Woodhead abattoir

Staff at a Morrisons owned site in Colne have been told they are at risk of losing their jobs. Morrisons Woodhead Bros made the announcement on Tuesday (May 23) morning, according to staff. Morrisons confirmed there would only a ‘small number of redundancies’ but did not s...

25 May 2023

Birmingham abattoir fined for causing distress to animals

An abattoir has been fined £10,000 for causing avoidable suffering to animals in the lead up to their slaughter. Leansale Limited, in Stratford Road, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to offences committed between November 2021 and January 2022. The company, which also operates as R...

25 May 2023

High-path bird flu confirmed on poultry farm in North Lincs

Highly pathogenic bird flu has been confirmed on a poultry farm in North Lincolnshire, just days after two workers tested positive for the virus. Avian influenza H5N1 was confirmed on Wednesday evening (24 May) at a farm near Scunthorpe, Defra said. A 3km protection zone and a...

25 May 2023

Food inflation continues to grow in double digits

Like-for-like grocery price inflation was 17.2% for the four weeks to 14 May 2023, according to the latest data from Kantar. Take-home grocery sales rose by 10.8% over the month in comparison with the same period last year. Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insigh...

25 May 2023

Avara Foods proposes closure of its Abergavenny site

Avara Foods has announcing it is planning to shut its Abergavenny factory in autumn 2023, which would result in the loss of all jobs at the site. The Abergavenny facility was part of the acquisition of turkey processor Cranberry Foods by Faccenda, in 2012. It is a ‘cut and...

18 May 2023

Beyond Meat investors are beyond mad

Beyond Meat — a brand that was once the face of plant-based protein — appears to be losing its stature. On top of two lawsuits in 2022, the company is now facing a class action lawsuit from its own investors. They are claiming that they were misled by the company’s m...

18 May 2023

Role of bird flu vaccination explored

The International Egg Commission (IEC) has released a new report that considers the essential components required for a vaccination against bird flu to be successful. The report explains the advantages of vaccination against the disease, as well as ways to overcome potential b...

18 May 2023

UK farming sector impacted by abattoir closures

A survey, conducted by the Sustainable Food Trust, of more than 1,300 farming and food businesses in the UK has revealed that local abattoirs are an essential service and two-thirds of respondents feel the lack of availability of abattoirs are impacting future business plan...

18 May 2023

Pilgrim’s proposes closure of Ashton abattoir

Pilgrim’s UK has announced proposals to close its abattoir and butchery facility in Ashton, Greater Manchester, with more than 500 members of staff potentially facing redundancy. The proposals form part of the company’s ongoing footprint review and as the business, which ...

17 May 2023

Council to vote on motion to support local farmers in face of meat bans

Rural campaigners are backing a motion which will see Cornwall Council support local farmers in the face of meat bans elsewhere in the UK. The motion, if passed, would see the authority commit to ensuring that all food provided at council meetings, including meat, dairy and ve...

15 May 2023

Bord Bia Embarks On Trade Mission To China

Bord Bia will host 14 Irish exporters on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s trade mission to China this week. It is the first trade mission since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, following three years of restricted borders. The focus of the trade mission...

12 May 2023

JBS swings to loss, citing grain costs and meat oversupply

SAO PAULO (Reuters) – JBS SA, the world’s largest meat company, on Thursday reported a net loss of 1.45 billion reais ($290.2 million) for the first quarter, blaming high grain prices and an over-supplied meat market for the worse-than-expected results. Analysts had expect...

12 May 2023

Teys, Cargill Reportedly on Track to Offload Australian Abattoir Business

Sources are reporting that advisers for the Teys family and Cargill are putting the finishing touches on a deal to sell their Australian abattoir business to Brazil’s Minerva S.A. (BOVESPA:BEEF3). It is one of the largest abattoir operations in the country and the asking...

12 May 2023

Animal rights group urged to hand over Pinchbeck abattoir footage to FSA

An industry body is calling on an animal rights group to hand over secret footage recorded at a Pinchbeck abattoir to the Food Standards Agency. The British Meat Processors Agency (BMPA) says the Animal Justice Project footage which was taken at Woodhead Brothers to be hande...

11 May 2023

Breed profile of the GB cattle herd

The choice of breeds involved in beef production vary for many reasons. Supply chain requirements, meat quality traits, on-farm performance and livestock husbandry all play a part. Consequentially, cattle breed populations change regularly, with trends visible over time. Data ...

11 May 2023

GB pig prices for week ending May 5, 2023 – SPP continues to rise

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The EU-spec SPP increased by a further 0.46p to reach 219.53p/kg during the week ended May 5, as tight supplies and strong EU prices continue to drive the pig price up. The latest increase follows slightly bigger incre...

11 May 2023

Lab-grown meat a potential climate killer, U.S. researchers warn

Meat produced from cells grown in a lab could be 25 times worse for the climate than the process used to produce regular beef, unless scientists find a way to alter energy-intensive production steps, according to an analysis by U.S. researchers. Laboratory production of meat h...

11 May 2023

NZ: Concern over dive in sheep meat exports to the UK

NZ Meat exports to the UK have taken a dive, with the amount of sheep meat being sent to the UK in February the lowest for that month in more than 35 years. New figures from the Meat Industry Association show overall exports dropped almost a fifth compared to last year. Sheep-...

11 May 2023

NZ: Red meat exports fall, China numbers recovering

The latest red meat export figures paint a grim picture for New Zealand farm-gate profits. Exports in March dropped four percent to $1.1 billion, from this time last year. Values of sheep meat and beef have come down 8 percent off last year’s high levels with the industr...

11 May 2023

South Africa: ‘Broken’ animal disease controls reach crisis levels

A government-appointed task team has warned in a damning report that the country’s veterinary and animal disease controls are “broken” and in a state of “crisis” that threatens the viability of SA’s livestock industry. The shocking final rep...

11 May 2023

Aston University labelled “leading light” in cultured meat research

Aston University has been named one of the UK’s “leading lights” in cultured meat research. With cultured meat being a hot topic in the food industry of late, Aston University has been labelled a “leading light” in lab-grown meat research. According to the University...

11 May 2023

USA: Supreme Court rejects challenge to California pork industry restriction

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a challenge to a California animal welfare law that would ban the sale of pork derived from breeding pigs housed in confined spaces. In a 5-4 ruling in which the court was divided along non-ideological lines, the majority...

11 May 2023

Innovation key to meat sector – AIMS conference

Marketing and innovation in the meat sector will be more important than ever as competition and sustainability demands weigh heavy. How to stay ahead of the curve was a key theme among speakers at the Association of Independent Meat Wholesalers (AIMS) annual conference, held i...

11 May 2023

Pilgrim’s announces new appointments after second high-profile exit

Leading pork processor and producer Pilgrim’s UK has announced a new structure for its agricultural operations, following a second high-profile departure in recent weeks. Mark Haighton, pig supply chain director, is set to follow former UK agricultural director Barney Kay ou...

11 May 2023

China’s ban on Canadian beef still in place 17 months later

CALGARY – A Chinese ban on Canadian beef that industry officials expected would be short-lived remains in place 17 months later, and industry representatives say they remain in the dark about the reasons. China has been blocking beef shipments from Canadian processing pl...

11 May 2023

Defra urged to restore pre-pandemic UK pork exports to China

A cross-party group of MPs has urged Defra to set out actions to help UK pork exporters regain access to the important Chinese market. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has highlighted that some of the UK’s largest abattoirs are still unable to exp...

10 May 2023

Livestock auction data being given away too freely

Auction marts have been giving away the data they accumulate too freely and the situation has to change. That was the message from Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers of Scotland (IAAS) chief executive Neil Wilson, speaking ahead of Lawrie and Symington’s last sale at Fo...

10 May 2023

Farmison & Co recommences phased re-opening

Online butcher Farmison & Co has begun a phased re-opening of operations following its acquisition by a consortium led by ex-Asda chief executive Andy Clarke. The company has announced that a selection of heritage breeds has gone on sale on its website with more ranges due...

10 May 2023

UK’s new Brexit plan: ‘Not for EU’ stickers

The European Commission and the UK government has agreed on requirements for the labelling on agri-food retail goods. The label will be placed at different levels starting from individual, box, shelf signs and posters Milk, butter, meat, fish and vegetables will start carrying...

10 May 2023

PGI Welsh Lamb and Beef Head to Tuttofood Expo

PGI Welsh Lamb and PGI Welsh Beef’s 2023 export drive moves onto key marketplace Italy this week for the prestigious Tuttofood exhibition in Milan. The trade show is a strategic target for Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales (HCC)’s export experts because Italy continues t...

06 May 2023

Kenya eyes meat exports on high global demand

With the rapid growth of the human population across the globe, the demand for meat and value-added products is expected to increase. The tremendous growth, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Co-operatives, offers Kenya a platform to explore mor...

05 May 2023

Latest Pig Prices

AHDB

04 May 2023

Australian red meat exports keep up the pace

Key points: Red meat exports totalled 126,445 tonnes in April, 17% above year-ago levels. Beef exports were 17% higher than April last year at 72,064 tonnes. Lamb exports rose 2% to 22,222 tonnes, while mutton exports rose 48% to 15,772 tonnes. Australia’s red meat exports m...

04 May 2023

Sausage maker scraps vegan bangers

A British sausage maker has axed almost its entire range of vegan products after admitting that the market was over-hyped. Heck, which is based in Yorkshire, said it had cut the size of its vegan range from around 15 products down to just two as shoppers swerved meat-free ...

04 May 2023

UK broadens Brazilian chicken import quota

The United Kingdom increased the import quota of poultry meat from Brazil by 20.7%, from 79,900 to 96.500 tonnes per year, according to the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA). The entity calculates an increase in revenue to Brazilian exporters by at least US$60 mil...

04 May 2023

AUS/NZ-UK free trade agreement comes into force 31st May

British businesses and consumers will soon be able to reap the benefits of the UK’s first trade deals negotiated from scratch since leaving the European Union with the agreements set to come into force this month. Expected to increase bilateral trade with Australia by 53% an...

04 May 2023

Export prospects on the horizon for UK lamb

British lamb and dairy produce could be in pole position for exportation to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) following strong population growth and limited domestic production. Latest analysis by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) in its Prospects...

03 May 2023

Defra rolls out Romania-specific ASF campaign

The government has followed advice from the pig sector to introduce an African swine fever (ASF) campaign targeting the UK’s Romanian community. Defra is working with a specialist marketing agency on communications with the Romanian community, such as Romanian language p...

03 May 2023

UN study throws out vegan health claims

Meat, eggs and dairy provide crucial sources of much-needed nutrients that should be enjoyed as part of a healthy balanced diet, according to a report from United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The study, which has been described as the ‘most comprehensi...

03 May 2023

Eat venison to help curb growing deer population, ministers urge

Government ministers have urged the public to eat venison to help curb the growing deer population as they launched a new quality assurance scheme. The programme will aim to protect British woodlands by boosting consumer confidence in the meat through the introduction of a...

02 May 2023

EFRA chair seeks answers from Coffey over China pork access

Sir Robert Goodwill, chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee, has written to Defra Secretary Thérèse Coffey to seek answers on what steps she is taking to help UK pork exporters regain access to the Chinese market. UK pork exports licences to China ...

02 May 2023

Australia reports strong outlook for beef exports

Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has highlighted a ‘strong outlook’ for Australian beef exports, as its main competitors face major challenges. Exports have started to rise as the country rebuilds its herd, with Australian exports so far in 2023 at 25 per cent above leve...

02 May 2023

UK pig price continues to new record as supplies remain tight

The UK pig price has continued to rise to a new record high as supplies remain tight, but prices in Europe have started to stall. The EU-spec SPP increased by a further 0.88p to reach new high of 218.22p/kg during the week ended 22 April, follows the previous week’s 0.6p ris...

02 May 2023

China ramps up pig production with more large farms

For more than 30 years, China has been the largest meat producer in the world and its output continues to grow, with total meat production in 2022 totalling 92.3m tonnes. Of this, pig meat made up 55.4m tonnes – with Chinese citizens consuming about 40kg of pork each annuall...

01 May 2023

RaboBank: weak economic growth affecting global pork consumption

The latest Rabobank quarterly pork report raises concerns for the global pork industry. Despite indications that inflation is slowing, the impact is likely to be felt throughout the industry in 2023. Pork demand is holding its position, as demand is less sensitive to economic ...

01 May 2023

Kepak discontinues slow-cooked product, cuts jobs

Ireland-based meat processor Kepak has enacted the discontinuation of one of its products, leading to job losses at its plant in Cork. Kepak said in a statement it decided earlier this year to discontinue its supply of “slow-cooked product into the UK” as part of a “comp...

01 May 2023

EU short-term poultry outlook driven by Ukraine/Russia conflict

EU poultry meat imports and exports continue to be affected by the Ukraine/Russia war, but there are signs that production could recover later this year. The suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports to the EU has helped alleviate the war-induced economic pre...

01 May 2023

Last live export ship sails from New Zealand

The last ship containing live animals for export by sea has sailed from New Zealand. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor confirmed the last ship departed from New Plymouth on April 20 as New Zealand meets its target to end live exports by the end of April 2023, after a two-...

01 May 2023

Salmon leads Irish seafood revival

According to the latest GDP figure from the Republic’s seafood support body Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the seafood sector’s contribution totalled €1.3bn (just over £1.15 bn) in 2022. BIM said increased consumption higher prices and the reopening of the foodservice secto...

30 Apr 2023

Meat crucial for human health, scientists warn

Meat is crucial for human health, scientists have warned, as they called for an end to the “zealotry” pushing vegetarian and vegan diets. Dozens of experts were asked to look into the science behind claims that meat eating causes disease and is harmful for the planet in ...

29 Apr 2023

AHDB campaign encourages consumers to ‘Love BBQ’

From 1 May to 4 June, the campaign will encourage consumers to fire up their grills and try delicious and easy barbecue pork, beef, and lamb recipes. With the King’s Coronation celebration and the Bank Holiday weekends taking place next month, friends and families are expect...

29 Apr 2023

Lamb prices supported into Easter

Liveweight In-line with seasonal trends, the average GB liveweight old season lamb (OSL) price saw month-on-month (MOM) increases, averaging 257.5p/kg, with prices in March up 9.9% (23.2p/kg) on those for February. However, this was 6.0p/kg (-2.3%) lower than the same month ...

27 Apr 2023

Brazil examining ways to better trace cattle origins

April 27 (Reuters) – The Brazilian government is looking at ways to perform more effectively the challenging task of tracing the origins of cattle raised for slaughtering, Carlos Favaro, agriculture minister of the world’s biggest beef exporter, said on Thursday. I...

25 Apr 2023

Exports of Irish beef to China resume after 2020 ban lifted

Exports of Irish beef have resumed to China, with the first shipment from Ireland to Shanghai arriving yesterday. The trade has resumed after a ban on Irish beef was lifted in January. The ban had been imposed following the discovery of a single case of atypical BSE in this c...

25 Apr 2023

EU trade agenda causing ‘extreme pressure’ on beef and sheep

The beef and sheep sectors in the EU are “under extreme pressure” due to the market access being given to other countries, according to an EU farm organisation. The fragility of the beef and sheep sectors and their importance for the vibrancy of EU’s rural areas should n...

25 Apr 2023

Great British Beef Week 23rd to 30th April

A weeklong initiative celebrating British beef has returned today on St George’s Day, with the ‘naturally delicious’ meat reinvented with infusions from around the world. Great British Beef Week (GBBW), taking place from 23 to 30 April, returns for a twelfth ...

25 Apr 2023

New breeding values for abattoir traits revealed

The AHDB is to make new breeding values for abattoir traits an integral part of the National Terminal Sire Evaluation through its Signet Breeding Services, following analysis of abattoir data. The National Terminal Sire Evaluation is a multi-breed genetic analysis, used by ram...

25 Apr 2023

Brazil meat exports to make significant gains – USDA

The outlook for global meat trade in 2023 is mixed, according to the most recent global outlook report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Only chicken meat is forecast to make gains while beef is virtually unchanged and pork falls lower for the second ye...

24 Apr 2023

NPA shocked at Government revelations on ASF import control deficiencies

The NPA has expressed shock and concern, after the Government admitted that insufficient import controls have resulted in meat being on sale in UK retailers that poses a ‘serious and immediate’ African swine fever (ASF) disease threat to the UK pig herd. The revelation ...

24 Apr 2023

Ongoing tight supplies set to support pig price for ‘foreseeable future’

The ongoing tight supplies of UK pigs is likely to support the pig price for the foreseeable future, according to AHDB. Defra’s latest monthly production figures show that the UK produced 83,000 tonnes of pig meat in March, a decline of 18% (-18,600 tonnes) on the record hi...

24 Apr 2023

Sarval processing plant extension could be rejected

A plan to extend a Nottinghamshire meat processing plant is set to be rejected over greenbelt and flooding fears. Sarval, which operates an animal processing plant on Stoke Lane, Stoke Bardolph, had proposed to add a new storage building to its site which makes pet food ing...

24 Apr 2023

Ex-Asda boss stages Farmison & Co rescue deal

A former chief executive of Asda has sealed a rescue deal for an online butcher which counts Fortnum & Mason and Harrods among its customers. Sky News understands that Andy Clarke, who left the supermarket giant in 2016, has agreed a transaction to buy Farmison & Co, w...

22 Apr 2023

Danish Crown closes abattoir, lays off 800 employees

Danish Crown has announced the proposed closure of an abattoir in the northern Jutland region of Denmark, risking 800 jobs. The company said that the proposed closure is due to a 10% decline in the number of pigs being supplied for slaughter in Denmark over the past year. D...

21 Apr 2023

EU bans food products linked with deforestation

The EU has banned products linked to deforestation in a move that could impact meat producers and cocoa and palm-oil suppliers. However, it has faced some pushback from palm-oil producing countries. Malaysia said it was disappointed with the move, describing it as “woefully-...

21 Apr 2023

Hogg and cull cow prices soar

A range of factors including rising beef demand, tumbling milk prices and religious festivals have seen hogget and cull cow prices soar. The convergence of Easter and Ramadan has provided a boost for the hogget trade, with auctioneers reporting prices were ‘as dear’ as the...

21 Apr 2023

Defra figures confirm big decline in March UK pig slaughterings

UK clean pig slaughterings during March were 15% lower than a year ago, confirming the severe tightening of supplies across the country. The latest Defra monthly livestock slaughtering statistics show a March clean pig kill of 899,000, compared with March 2022 figure of 1,059,...

21 Apr 2023

GB pig prices for week ending April 15, 2023

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The SPP has risen to another new high, although by a smaller margin than in recent weeks. The EU-spec SPP increased by a further 0.6p to reach 217.35p/kg during the week ended April 15, as tight supplies and strong EU ...

16 Apr 2023

GB prime cattle prices continued to exceed historic levels in March

GB prime cattle prices continued to exceed historic levels in March, with the all-prime deadweight average measure moving up to an average of 485.5p/kg. This was up 16% versus the same period last year, according to AHDB analysis, with the week ending 1 April seeing prices rea...

16 Apr 2023

Prize Ryeland show sheep stolen in suspected meat heist

A dozen prize pedigree show sheep have been stolen, probably to be sold as meat, a breeder says. One animal was also left tied up in the field during the “callous” theft from a field in the Droitwich area. The flock’s owner, Jack Deakins, 23, discovered his r...

15 Apr 2023

FSA crime hotline going unanswered after meat scandal

A key hotline for staff at food processing firms to report food crime went unanswered during working hours just weeks after claims of widespread rule breaches at a large meat processor. The Food Crime Confidential line, run by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), is for whistleblo...

14 Apr 2023

Administrators of Loscoe Chilled Foods vow to work with authorities

Administrators overseeing the closure of a Derbyshire firm suspected to be at the centre of a national food fraud investigation have said they will cooperate with authorities. Loscoe Chilled Foods Limited, based in Heanor, went into administration in late March and laid off...

12 Apr 2023

Scotbeef announce potential redundancies at Wolverhampton site

54 jobs at the Wolverhampton meat processor are understood to be at risk of layoffs, more than half of the 98 strong workforce currently employed at the site. A worker employed at the factory told the food company that in a letter received last week, he was told his job was at...

12 Apr 2023

New executive manager for SAMW

The Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Walker as its new Executive Manager. Mr Walker, who was previously the chief executive of NFU Scotland, takes on the role formerly held by Martin Morgan who sadly passed away in...

12 Apr 2023

Spain eyes Philippines pork market

Spain is looking to penetrate the Philippines‘ retail market for its pork exports as demand is seen to grow further on the back of higher consumption and an improving economy. Interporc, the Spanish association of the pork sector, is looking to tap the retail market as it ma...

11 Apr 2023

New pig sector reform will provide ‘fairness and certainty’, Defra says

Defra has today announced a new commitment to take action to repair what is widely seen as a broken pork supply chain, amid a warning that pig producer confidence remains at an all time low. New regulation for written contracts will provide ‘fairness and certainty’...

11 Apr 2023

New plan seeks to boost UK borders from animal disease threat

A new plan seeks to better protect UK animal health and agricultural productivity by strengthening borders against biosecurity threats and illegal imports. The draft Border Target Operating Model, launched by the government, sets out a plan to realise the ambition of creating ...

11 Apr 2023

Defra to introduce new regulation to govern pig contracts

Defra has confirmed that it will introduce new regulation to govern pig contracts, as it releases a summary of the responses to the consultation on contractual practice in the UK pig sector and sets out its next steps. The Department has also stated that it will share its find...

11 Apr 2023

GB pig prices for week ending April 1, 2023

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The EU-spec SPP increased by a further 1.54p to reach 215.49p/kg in the week ended April 1, as tight supplies and strong EU prices continue to drive the pig price to new highs. The latest increase follows the previous ...

11 Apr 2023

Edinburgh University students vote down plant-based motion

Students at Edinburgh University have voted overwhelmingly against a motion which, if successful, could have meant an end to meat and dairy products being served at any of the university’s catering outlets. It is the second time in recent years that such a vote has been he...

11 Apr 2023

Forfar livestock mart to close

The last sale will be on May 4 with the premises up for sale. Forfar looks destined to become yet another market town without a livestock market at it is heart. On Wednesday evening the owners of the Forfar Mart, Lanark- based Lawrie and Symington announced that the company in...

11 Apr 2023

Pig prices continue to hit new highs

Increasingly tighter supplies are driving pig prices to new record highs, but European price progression has slowed. The EU-spec standard pig price (SPP) rose by 1.41p/kg to reach 213.94p/kg in the week ended March 25, with tight supplies and strong EU prices pushing prices hi...

10 Apr 2023

Is the Food Standards Agency and its National Food Crime Unit fit for purpose?

As the future of the FSA is openly questioned due to its handling of the shocking meat fraud case, CEO Emily Miles has defended the actions it’s taken An “industrial-scale” meat fraud scandal has rocked the industry, with fresh claims surrounding food safety breaches so ...

07 Apr 2023

Irish processors urged to increase pig price above EU average

Irish processors are being urged to increase the price paid to pig farmers for next week’s pigs. Irish Farmers’ Association national pig committee chairman Roy Gallie said that the current EU average pig price is rising and the Irish price must move further to retu...

06 Apr 2023

UK Government publishes draft proposals for new border controls

The UK Government, in collaboration with the Scottish and Welsh Governments, has published its plan to strengthen our borders against biosecurity threats and illegal imports. Draft Border Target Operating Model sets out proposals for a new world-class border system to provide ...

06 Apr 2023

FSA launches consultation on developing a modernised food hygiene delivery model

The FSA has today (03 April) launched a 12-week consultation seeking views from local authorities and district councils, food business operators, third-party assurance organisations for food safety, professional awarding bodies for environmental health and trading standards, t...

05 Apr 2023

Cheale Meats’ Essex slaughtering operation moves to C&K in Suffolk

Cheale Meats’ cull sow and pig operation has transferred from its abattoir in Brentwood, Essex, to C&K Meats’ plant in Eye, Suffolk. The last kill date at Brentwood was Friday, March 31. Cheales has, for many years, been the primary outlet for cull sows in the UK, with...

03 Apr 2023

The Parson’s Nose and other unfashionable cuts of meat

With the costs of living and running a business still going up, let us introduce you to some of the more unfashionable cuts of meat that can be bought cheaply and, when handled right, will still create a delicious dish.

02 Apr 2023

Argentina restarts poultry exports

BUENOS AIRES, March 31 (Reuters) – Argentina has resumed poultry shipments weeks after imposing an export ban after bird flu was detected in the local industry, state safety regulator Senasa said on Friday, providing access to key export markets for the major agricultura...

31 Mar 2023

AIMS calls for Government to place FSA into special measures

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has called for the Food Standards Agency to be placed into ’special measures’ after reports of food fraud at a processor supplying major supermarkets. During questions to the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural...

29 Mar 2023

Wholesale meat: should I buy online or offline?

What do you prioritise when finding a wholesale meat supplier? The main things to consider when deciding whether to buy wholesale meat online or not are: convenience, cost, quality & freshness, variety and customer service.

29 Mar 2023

Italy wages war on lab-grown food in drive to protect tradition

ROME, March 28 (Reuters) – Italy’s government on Tuesday approved a bill banning the use of laboratory-produced food and animal feed as it aims to safeguard the country’s agri-food heritage, its agriculture minister told a news conference after a Cabinet meet...

29 Mar 2023

Defra’s new welfare labelling plans could add costs and confuse consumer – NPA PIG says

Producer and allied industry members of the NPA’s Pig Industry Group (PIG) have pointed out the flaws in Defra’s plans to introduce mandatory animal welfare labelling in the UK. The Department is expected to issue a formal consultation on the proposals at some point in the...

29 Mar 2023

Oxford City council faces furious backlash after meat ban

A city council has faced a furious backlash for banning meat from its meeting and events and going fully vegan. Butchers have accused Oxford City Council of a ‘kneejerk reaction’ after it voted unanimously to completely ban meat from all its internal events –...

29 Mar 2023

Sheep Meat Imports Jumped 17 Percent in 2022

The total volume of fresh and frozen sheep meat imported into the United Kingdom in the past twelve months saw a substantial rise of 17 per cent to 63,800 tonnes, the latest Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) Market Bulletin reports. Volumes received from the larges...

29 Mar 2023

Firm at centre of meat fraud investigation edges towards administration

A food company at the centre of a meat fraud investigation has edged towards appointing administrators. Three people were arrested at Loscoe Chilled Foods last week after police and Trading Standards officials turned up at the firm, which is being investigated over allegedly s...

28 Mar 2023

China’s pork industry faces another ASF outbreak

A surge in African swine fever infections in China is set to reduce hog output later this year, farm managers and analysts said this week, pushing up prices in the world’s top pork consumer as demand recovers. The hard to combat disease has plagued China for years, with an i...

27 Mar 2023

City Council bans meat at catered events

In what has been called ‘a kick in the teeth for local farmers’, Oxford City Council has joined Cambridge, Exeter and Norwich councils in providing only plant-based food at its catered events. At a full Oxford City Council meeting on March 20, the council unanimously vote...

27 Mar 2023

Big reduction in UK pig slaughtering/production in February

UK clean pig slaughterings and pigmeat production were significantly down in February, as the long-anticipated pig shortages finally became fully apparent. Clean pig slaughtering was down 17% on February 2022 at 762,000 head, following the surprisingly small 1% year-on-year di...

24 Mar 2023

Three arrested in fake British beef investigation

Three people have been arrested as part of an investigation into a food factory allegedly supplying beef wrongly labelled as British to a supermarket. The arrests were made at Loscoe Chilled Foods, near Heanor, on Wednesday, the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) said. An investi...

20 Mar 2023

Plant-based ‘chicken nuggets’ blocked from entering Australia

Impossible Foods has been blocked from selling its plant-based “chicken nuggets” in Australia after they were found to contain a banned substance. A random inspection by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry staff in January detected calcium pantothenate in the...

20 Mar 2023

Danish Crown acquires Denmark factory from ‘bankrupt’ Skare meat packers

Danish Crown has bought a factory site from Skare meat packers in an “unexpected opportunity” to expand its domestic footprint. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, includes a 120,000sq metre site in Vejen in southern Denmark, with 14,000sq meters of buildings. The ownership...

20 Mar 2023

Tonnies to cut 140 jobs

Tönnies has announced the closure of one of its export packaging departments for Asia, which is set to affect around 140 employees. The department is at a Tönnies plant in Weißenfels, Saxony-Anhalt has been part of Tönnies group since 1990. The site is Tönnies’ second-l...

17 Mar 2023

George Adams closing shop to focus on manufacturing

The owners of a well-established butchers has announced it will be closing its shop later this month. George Adams of Spalding will now be focussing solely on the manufacturing of artistan pies and pastry products after seeing a boost in that side of the business. Owners Steve...

15 Mar 2023

China’s pig farms battle new surge in ASF

BEIJING, March 15 (Reuters) – A surge in African swine fever infections in China is set to reduce hog output later this year, farm managers and analysts said this week, pushing up prices in the world’s top pork consumer as demand recovers. The incurable disease has...

12 Mar 2023

FSA to stop discounted meat enforcement charges

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is going ahead with plans to stop discounted enforcement prices in the meat industry despite strong opposition during a comment period. The consultation covered the proposal to remove discounts on charges for enforcement activity so non-complian...

12 Mar 2023

Brockleby’s steak, ale and stilton pie crowned 2023 winner at British Pie Awards

When a vegan and gluten-free pie triumphed at the British Pie Awards in 2022, traditionalist eyebrows were raised. But for many, order has now been restored after a steak, ale and stilton pie was crowned the 2023 winner. Ian Jalland, owner and managing director of Brockleby’...

11 Mar 2023

Tebay apprentice butcher named best in Great Britain

Emily Jackson, an apprentice butcher at Tebay Services, has been named Best Apprentice Butcher in Great Britain at the Institute of Meat at the Worshipful Company of Butchers annual prize-giving, held at the Butchers’ Hall in London. Emily competed for the title against appr...

11 Mar 2023

Booths is retailer embroiled in fake British beef case

It has emerged that the supermarket Booths is the retailer which has been caught up in a case of potential food fraud involving beef falsely labelled as British by a supplier. The National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) is investigating how the chain was supplied with products labelle...

10 Mar 2023

EU warms to unlocking stalled Mercosur trade deal

STOCKHOLM, March 10 (Reuters) – The European Union is warming to the idea of concluding a major free trade deal with Brazil and its Mercosur neighbours, with “decisive progress” possible by July, a senior EU official and Sweden’s trade minister said on ...

10 Mar 2023

Dunbia acquires H R Jasper and Son

Dunbia, part of the Dawn Meats Group, has expanded its West Country presence with the acquisition of a lamb processing site in Cornwall. The H R Jasper and Son lamb abattoir in Launceston will further enhance Dunbia’s position as Britain’s leading lamb and beef processor. ...

10 Mar 2023

Food fraud probe into beef falsely labelled as British

The National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) is investigating potential food fraud involving pre-packed sliced beef which was labelled as British but came from South America and Europe. A supermarket in the UK has been forced to remove products from its shelves. The unit has declined t...

09 Mar 2023

2 Sisters to close its Anglesey factory this month

The 2 Sisters Food Group will close its poultry processing plant in Llangefni on Friday, March 31. As of April 1, it is estimated that only some 20-25 of the current 730 strong workforce will be employed on-site. A joint statement from the 2 Sisters Food Group and Unite said:...

09 Mar 2023

Prime cattle prices set new record high levels at Scottish abattoirs

Prime cattle prices continued to set new record high levels at Scottish abattoirs last month, according to the latest market commentary from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). Latest figures from the industry body reveal R4L steers reached 489.2p/kg dwt in the week ending 25 Februar...

09 Mar 2023

Mexico opens market to Brazilian beef for first time

Mexico will open its doors to beef imports from Brazil for the first time as it looks to “diversify” its food chain in the face of rising inflation. Santa Catarina, a south Brazilian state, will be able to export fresh, chilled or frozen bone-in meat to Mexico. A further 1...

08 Mar 2023

Ireland: Processors ‘losing grip on beef prices’ – IFA

Meat processors are “losing their grip on beef prices” as tight supplies and strong market demand are driving the trade at the moment, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA). According to Brendan Golden, the association’s livestock chairperson, some processo...

08 Mar 2023

Singapore: Lab grown meat sales slow to catch on

SINGAPORE: Huber’s Butchery in Singapore’s lush Dempsey Hill is the only restaurant in the world selling lab-grown meat, but the supply is so limited there are just six servings — cultivated chicken in a salad or on kebab sticks, but only on Thursdays. Two ye...

08 Mar 2023

Planned Vet merger could mean costlier and lower quality inspections

CMA’s investigation into Eville & Jones’ acquisition of Vorenta has raised competition concerns in the provision of various veterinary public health inspections. Eville & Jones and Vorenta are leading providers of specialised veterinary services that support the UK...

08 Mar 2023

Philippines suspends beef imports from Spain

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has temporarily banned the entry of imported beef from Spain following the outbreak of mad cow disease in the European country. In a memorandum order, the DA said the ban covers the importation of live animals, meat, a...

07 Mar 2023

Increase in UK pork exports to Japan

With shipments now worth almost £5.1m, pork exports to Japan are up 54% on last year. HMRC report between January and November 2022, 1,423 tonnes of pig produce was shipped to Japan, an increase on 1,333 tonnes in 2021. AHDB are in Japan with six exporters at Asia’s largest...

06 Mar 2023

BFU hope to resolve Exeter Council’s proposed meat ban

IN a recent resolution, to highlight awareness of environmental impact and climate change, Exeter City Council voted to transition to plant-based catering at internal meetings, much to the dismay of local farmers, including many from the Exeter area. The British Farming Union ...

06 Mar 2023

Polish meat products seized by Jersey Customs

Officers of the Jersey Customs and Immigrations Service seized over 50kgs of pork products, including sausages, cooked hams and minced meat, which had been brought over from Poland. Jersey Evening Post report that the products, packaged in unmarked tins and plastic wrapping, ...

06 Mar 2023

Big uplift in EU pig prices adds further support to UK market

The EU reference price for pigs has gained a massive 18p in the space of just four weeks, providing strong support for UK pig prices. The EU reference price, which covers the major pig producing countries, stood at 195.44p/kg for the week ending February 19, following these...

06 Mar 2023

GB pig prices for week ending February 25, 2023 – SPP inches up

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The UK pig price continues to rise, although the rate of increase is slowing. Following last week’s 0.73p increase, the EU-spec SPP moved up by a further 0.58p during the week ended February 25 to reach 207.71p/kg, y...

06 Mar 2023

ASF confirmed in domestic pigs in Germany again

African swine fever (ASF) has been detected on a small farm in eastern Germany, dealing a further blow to the country’s struggling pig sector. The Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) confirmed the virus on a holding with just 11 animals in the city of Cottbus, in Brandenbur...

06 Mar 2023

Joint operation sees one tonne of illegally imported pork seized in Suffolk

A tonne of pork has been seized in a joint operation between Border Force and the Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority (SCPHA), following vehicle searches of traffic entering the ports of Harwich and Felixstowe from the EU. The officers searched for pork that doesn’t meet D...

04 Mar 2023

Where next for GB cattle prices?

GB deadweight cattle prices have shown remarkable strength so far in 2023, with prime cattle and cull cows posting weekly gains since the start of the year. In the week ending 25 February, the GB overall average steer price reached 480p/kg, up 71p from the same week a year ag...

04 Mar 2023

Irish beef outlook 2023

Ireland is the largest supplier of beef to the UK, with Irish product continuing to be a mainstay in the UK market. According to Bord Bia’s 2023 Irish beef sector outlook, c.90% of the value of Irish beef exports go to the EU and UK marketplace. With the UK making up 43% of...

04 Mar 2023

Mad cow case in Brazil dubbed ‘atypical’ after export bans

SAO PAULO, March 2 (Reuters) – A confirmed case of mad cow disease in Brazil discovered last month is “atypical,” the agriculture ministry said on Thursday, adding it will work to lift beef export suspensions swiftly enacted by several countries in Asia. The ...

02 Mar 2023

Iran: Meat prices reach new highs

Amid reports about a sharp increase in food prices in Iran, officials say that over the past year demand for red meat has decreased by 50 percent. Head of the Meat and Protein Industry Association of Iran, Masoud Rasouli told ILNA news website Sunday that “Compared to th...

02 Mar 2023

Argentina halts poultry exports after case of avian flu confirmed

Argentine authorities Tuesday suspended poultry exports after the first case of avian flu was confirmed in the province of Río Negro. The South American country’s poultry exports last year amounted to US$ 383 million, with China buying 75% of them. With 2.5 million tons...

02 Mar 2023

Cheale Meats expansion approved

A Brentwood slaughterhouse is to be built on green belt land after the local council approved the proposal. West Horndon-based Cheale Meats which currently supplies around 400 tonnes of meat per week to mainland Europe and other worldwide destinations, and 300 tonnes per wee...

28 Feb 2023

Brazilian meat processor BRF posts fourth-quarter loss

SAO PAULO, Feb 28 (Reuters) – Brazil’s BRF reported a 601 million real ($114.7 mln) net loss in the fourth quarter on Tuesday, significantly above a loss of 130.62 million reais forecast by analysts, as management scrambles to improve the company’s operating...

28 Feb 2023

Northern Ireland ‘Windsor Framework’ unveiled

The Windsor Framework, agreed by the Prime Minister and European Commission President, replaces the old Northern Ireland Protocol, providing a new legal and UK constitutional framework. Fundamentally rewriting the Treaty with new ‘Stormont Brake’ means UK can veto new EU g...

24 Feb 2023

Brazil to halt beef exports to China after mad cow disease case

SAO PAULO, Feb 22 (Reuters) – Brazil’s beef exports to China will be halted starting Thursday after a case of mad cow disease was confirmed in the northern state of Para, the country’s agriculture and livestock ministry has said. The suspension is part of an ...

24 Feb 2023

2 Sisters ‘moving ahead’ with closure of Anglesey factory

Food giant 2 Sisters is ‘moving ahead’ with its closure plan for an Anglesey chicken abattoir. The firm announced the Llangefni site was at risk last month – with over 700 jobs under threat. The 2 Sisters Food Group said the site was old and would require s...

16 Feb 2023

Exporters join AHDB at Gulfood

Beef, lamb and dairy from the UK will be under the spotlight this month at one of the world’s largest food and drink trade shows in Dubai. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the exhibition runs from February 20 to 24, attracting thousands of buyers from the food and bever...

16 Feb 2023

Americans are quitting plant-based meat

Plant-based meat looked poised to change the world — but then Americans stopped buying it. In 2020, retail sales of plant-based meat grew 45%, surpassing the $1 billion mark for the first time. Increasing awareness of companies like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, in ad...

14 Feb 2023

Interest in Veganuary wanes

Sales of meat-free products declined this ‘Veganuary’ compared to the year before, according to analysis by the AHDB. More than a million fewer households bought meat-free products this January compared to 2022, with only 13.7% of households buying one. This compar...

08 Feb 2023

Lab-grown meat created with algae

PARIS, Feb 7 — It’s an area that is currently witnessing a lot of innovations: cellular meat. We have seen recipes based on barley and even tobacco. But, in the Czech Republic, a start-up is working to make the economic model of this meatless meat a viable reality, turning...

07 Feb 2023

Vietnam: ASF vaccine to be circulated nationwide this month

The vaccine against African swine fever (ASF) AVAC ASF LIVE developed and produced by AVAC Vietnam Co., Ltd. is expected to be distributed nationwide this month, according to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien. Speaking at a meeting on the ...

07 Feb 2023

NCB updates hygiene advice for butchers

National Craft Butchers (NCB) has reviewed existing assured advice and launched a food safety management system for butchers. Since partnering with Horsham District Council in 2013, NCB members have been able to register for a Primary Authority (PA) system and the legally back...

07 Feb 2023

Positive signs as pig prices rise in the UK and Europe

There are more positive signs for pig producers, as prices continue to increase on the back of tightening supplies and rising EU prices, according to Thames Valley Cambac. In its latest market report, TVC said it held a well-attended producer meeting in York earlier last we...

07 Feb 2023

EU pork production forecast to decline

EU pork production is expected to decline by around 3 to 4% this year, according to the latest quarterly pork report from Rabobank. EU pork production fell by 5% between January and October 2022, with most countries suffering declines, albeit to varying degrees. In October 202...

05 Feb 2023

Farmgate lamb prices under pressure from old-season livestock

Farmgate lamb prices are under pressure in Wales from reduced demand and high numbers of old-season lambs yet to be sold. A new report by Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) has provided little cheer for lamb producers; dry weather in 2022 led to lambs taking longer to finish, it says, and t...

04 Feb 2023

Hopes rest on fast rule changes for desperate abattoirs

A beleaguered abattoir sector, seeking regulatory reform to ease costs and burdensome paperwork, is optimistic following government crisis talks last week. Independent abattoir owners facing a maelstrom of bureaucracy, exorbitant electricity bills and labour shortages called o...

04 Feb 2023

Skare Meat Packers ‘files for bankruptcy’

Skare Meat Packers has reportedly applied for bankruptcy in a court in Denmark after a number of retailers halted orders due to a lack of meat traceability. A representative for the NNF food workers’ union in Denmark told Just Food that employees of Skare Meat Packers were...

04 Feb 2023

NZ dairy manufacturer Fonterra bans bobby calf slaughter

The welfare of calves in the dairy industry is back in the spotlight after New Zealand milk giant Fonterra ordered its farmer-suppliers to stop killing very young calves, after the cooperative changed its contracts. From June this year, Kiwi suppliers will be banned from eutha...

04 Feb 2023

Uruguay cattle breeders fear ‘monopoly conditions’

Brazil’s protein producer giant Minerva Foods issued a note to the market communicating the purchase of state-of-the-art Breeders and Packers Uruguay (BPU Meat) abattoir and processing plant for USD 40 million. The conclusion of the deal is still pending approval by the ...

01 Feb 2023

Danish Crown Says Chinese Pork Demand Subdued, Set To Cut 550 Jobs

Chinese consumption of pork remains subdued and normalisation could take up to six months, said Danish Crown’s CEO, who also told Reuters the company would lay off 550 staff in Denmark and Germany and cut capacity at its Essen plant by 40%. Chinese pork demand is weak...

31 Jan 2023

Bord Bia launches €4.8 million beef and lamb campaign

A new campaign launched by Bord Bia is set to invest €4.8 million in the promotion of Irish beef and lamb in key overseas markets over the next three years. The ‘European Beef and Lamb -Ireland, working with nature’ campaign is co-funded by the European Union and will ta...

31 Jan 2023

Lamb prices under pressure

Higher carryover stocks of lambs, reduced demand, and imports are all adding pressure to farmgate lamb prices. A report by Welsh levy board Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) – Meat Promotion Wales – shows how dry weather in 2022 led to lambs taking longer to finish, which has left a la...

28 Jan 2023

Irish sheep sector in crisis

Irish sheep farming is in danger of being ‘obliterated completely’ with prices continuing to drop while input costs soar. Irish Cattle and Sheep Association sheep chair Sean McNamara has warned sheep farmers urgently need answers from the Government on what support the sec...

28 Jan 2023

List of 24 Irish sites approved for export of beef to China

The resumption of Irish beef exports to China was announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, at the beginning of this year. Chinese buyers of Irish beef have placed orders with a number of processors and cattle eligible for export to C...

27 Jan 2023

Scottish beef numbers fall but sheep on the increase

THERE has been a 4% fall in beef cows, as farmers and crofters appear to have kept more sheep. That’s one of the key stats revealed by NFU Scotland’s 2023 Intentions Survey, which closed on January 10. Crucially, it pointed to a further shrinkage of Scotland’s iconic...

26 Jan 2023

Is Atlantic salmon the most versatile fish ever?

Once it was considered strictly a luxury, but now salmon is the most popular fish species in the US, Europe and Japan. We think that’s because you can do almost anything with it and easily find an option to suit your budget and your audience.

25 Jan 2023

730 jobs at risk as Anglesey poultry factory faces closure

A chicken factory is facing closure, putting 730 jobs at risk. Poultry giant 2 Sisters Food Group said the site in Llangefni, Anglesey, was old and would require significant investment to bring it up to the same standard as its other locations. The firm also said Llangefni was...

25 Jan 2023

Greek authorities report case of ASF

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have confirmed that a wild boar found in northern Greece had contracted African swine fever. Measures to prevent and control spreading of the disease have been announced in a statement from the Greek agricultural ministry fol...

25 Jan 2023

Danish Crown closes German pork plant

Global pork giant Danish Crown has announced the closure of a major pork plant in Germany, in response to falling pig production in what has traditionally been one of Europe’s biggest pork producers. The group’s plant in Boizenburg, east of Hamburg, will close, affecting m...

24 Jan 2023

China official urges farmers to reduce sow herds

Jan 18 (Reuters) – China’s agriculture ministry urged farmers on Wednesday to take measures to reduce excess pork output and pressure on prices, which an official said have fallen below the cost of breeding due to weak consumption. China is the world’s top ...

24 Jan 2023

Ireland: Meat processors welcome the resumption of beef exports to China

Decision taken in 2020 to temporarily suspend trade was due to a single case of atypical BSE, which the Department notified to the Chinese authorities. Meat Industry Ireland (MII), the Ibec sector organisation representing the country’s main primary beef processing companies...

24 Jan 2023

Red Tractor’s ASF warning to UK pig farms

Pig farmers have been urged to tighten their biosecurity against a disease which threatens to “devastate” the sector if it arrives in the UK. Stewart Houston, pig sector chairman for the Red Tractor farm assurance scheme, has warned about the growing risk of Afric...

24 Jan 2023

Dawn Meats in deal to buy Kildare Chilling

Meat processor Dawn Meats is set to purchase fellow processor Kildare Chilling, Agriland understands. The deal will have to go through the statutory checks by the Competition and Consumer Protection (CCPC) before being finalised. Although the deal has not yet been formally a...

23 Jan 2023

Public switched away from turkey at Christmas, figures say

Consumers switched away from turkey during Christmas 2022 and favoured other meats such as lamb, new figures suggest. The data from retail specialists Kantar show that consumers across GB spent £2.7m less on turkey crowns and joints compared with the previous Christmas period...

18 Jan 2023

The history of butchery

Did you know that the trade and craft of butchery as we know it today was introduced to the British Isles by the Romans? The Romans brought new skills and a savvy eye for what the growing towns needed, paving the way for commercial meat production.

18 Jan 2023

S.Korea: U.S. beef imports at record high in 2022 amid high demand

U.S. beef imports in South Korea reached an all-time high in 2022, with over 250,000 tons shipped during the year. According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation on Tuesday, Korea imported 256,910 tons of American beef in 2022, accounting for 54 percent of its total beef imports...

18 Jan 2023

Cattle prices ended 2022 on a high

Cattle prices ended 2022 on historic highs, with prices peaking at 448.1p/kg, the highest on record, according to new AHDB analysis. In the four weeks to 31 December, average prices for all prime cattle were slightly above the previous period at 442.6p/kg. In the final week of...

18 Jan 2023

Minister criticised for saying NZ lamb ‘better for environment’

A government minister and a peer have been criticised after stating that New Zealand lamb was ‘better for the environment’ than home-produced lamb. Lord Hannan of Kinsclere and the Minister for International Trade, Lord Johnson of Lainston spoke on international tr...

18 Jan 2023

Chinese pork production on eight-year high

Chinese pork output rose by 4.6% in 2022 to reach its highest level in eight years, official Government data shows. China produced 55.41 million tonnes of pork last year, compared with 52.96mt in 2021 and the highest figure since the 56.71mt recorded in 2014, signifying th...

18 Jan 2023

Sentences handed out in French horse meat trial

A number of people have been sentenced for their roles in a network that sold horse meat that could have been unfit to eat. A total of 15 people from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands were sentenced at a Marseille court this past week in a case that began in June 2022, acc...

18 Jan 2023

NZ: Meat industry still has staffing issue

Meat processing companies remain short of more than 2000 workers in a tight domestic labour market. Further pressure on staffing is coming from staff absenteeism as workers isolate at home because of Covid. Easing some of this pressure was the Government announcing in August a...

18 Jan 2023

Ireland: 60,000-70,000 lambs to carry over into 2023

There is expected to be 60,000-70,000 lambs/hoggets carried over into 2023, as a difficult 2022 shows it colours. This is what Joe Burke, beef and livestock sector manager with Bord Bia, said during his presentation of the ‘Review of the lamb sector during 2022 and market ...

17 Jan 2023

Kepak offers 200 funded training courses

Leading British food manufacturer Kepak has become the first food business in the UK to offer free training places in partnership with The National Skills Academy for Food & Drink, encouraging individuals to consider a career the sector. The Food Passports initiative gives...

12 Jan 2023

LibDem MP blasts minister over UK lamb ‘insult’

Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan has accused a Government minister of ‘insulting’ British farmers, after he championed the benefits of buying New Zealand lamb. Conservative Minister of State for International Trade, Lord Johnson, praised Kiwi lamb saying it was better for ...

12 Jan 2023

Australian beef exports slumped to 19-year low in 2022

Australian beef and veal exports slumped to a 19-year low in 2022 as farmers rebuilt livestock numbers after years of wild weather, inflationary pressures and labour shortages. Total beef exports reached just 854,592 tonnes in 2022; the lowest they have been since 2003, when m...

10 Jan 2023

How to choose the right cut of chicken

Chicken is an incredibly versatile meat and this is partly down to the variety of different cuts it offers. Whatever you or your customers are looking for, you can almost certainly find a cut of chicken that will give you what you need.

08 Jan 2023

TVC Pig Marketing Report w/c 8th Jan

Slaughter Pig Marketing Summary – TVC Stark contrast following the festive season since our report same week last year, herd reductions are now starting to play a part in there being fewer pigs around. Farm businesses have been able to be better prepared this year for th...

05 Jan 2023

Scotland: Red meat industry campaign launched

Quality Meat Scotland, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Meat Promotion Wales / Hybu Cig Cymru, and the Livestock and Meat Commission have joined forces to positively manage the reputation of red meat. Their 2023 package comprises several assets and materials, i...

05 Jan 2023

Farmers’ fury as Exeter City Council axes meat products

Farmers in Devon have expressed their outrage following Exeter City Council’s motion to transition to plant-based catering, neglecting the county’s wealth of local livestock producers. The motion, which received “overwhelming” backing from councillors before Christmas,...

31 Dec 2022

China to stop COVID testing chilled & frozen foods from January 8th

HONG KONG, Dec 30 (Reuters) – China’s meat trade on Friday cheered the imminent end of testing and disinfecting chilled and frozen foods for COVID-19, more than two years after Beijing started the controversial practice, adding substantial costs to the trade. The S...

28 Dec 2022

NPA seeks clarity on regionalisation in event of ASF outbreak

The NPA is seeking clarity on whether the regionalisation approach in the EU would apply to pork exports in the event of an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in the UK. Under the EU’s ASF regulations, where an outbreak occurs, the sale of pork products from the affected reg...

21 Dec 2022

Economic downturn dims positive outlook for poultry, Rabobank says

Economic downturn and operational challenges have dimmed the positive outlook for poultry markets, according to Rabobank research. Demand remains strong and supply limited, but the context is changing, the firm said in its latest analysis, published on Monday (19 December). An...

21 Dec 2022

Ireland: No festive cheer for lamb producers

There has been no reason for festive cheer among lamb producers with factory-ready supplies for the pre-Christmas trade. Producers had been hoping for a recovery in the trade pre-Christmas to regain the slippage in their returns over the past month, but it has not turned out t...

21 Dec 2022

Welsh lamb is big in Japan

Exports of Welsh lamb to Japan are picking up again after the Covid-19 pandemic stalled sales. Trade secured in Japan by Welsh red meat levy body Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) was strengthening in 2019, before it was interrupted by restrictions linked to the pandemic. But that market i...

21 Dec 2022

Jersey: investigation into 112 cattle deaths ongoing

A Major investigation is continuing to seek the cause of the illness that killed 112 cattle on a dairy farm in St Helier. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Island’s farming community, with more than three-quarters of the 137-strong Jersey herd at Woodlands Farm, w...

19 Dec 2022

Poultry set to take nearly half of the global meat market by 2031

Poultry will continue to be the fastest growing meat over the next decade and by 2031 will take 47% of the market, according to the latest OECD/FAO Agricultural Outlook. The long-term shift towards poultry will continue to strengthen, in part due to a preference for white meat...

19 Dec 2022

Danish Crown aims for competitive edge with patented automation

Danish Crown suggests automation can create growth and new jobs. “Danish Crown is really making its mark as a significant developer of automation. By developing the solutions ourselves and patenting them, we in Danish Crown will turn the automation agenda from challenge to c...

19 Dec 2022

Tesco considers closing fresh food counters as part of new cost-cutting drive

Tesco is poised to call time on the supermarket butcher and fishmonger as shopper interest in them wanes. Britain’s biggest supermarket is the only member of the current “Big Four” – Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Aldi – to still offer fresh food counters, which sell...

18 Dec 2022

Irish meat industry condemns cull plans to take out 200,000 cows

The body representing the beef sector in the Irish Republic, has condemned a proposed cow cull scheme to bring the country into line with EU expectations on ‘greening’. Meat Industry Ireland (MII) said it would cost the Irish rural economy €1.5bn in beef output a...

17 Dec 2022

Leading turkey farmer calls for fast tracked bird flu vaccine

One of the UK’s leading turkey producers has called for a bird flu vaccine to be fast tracked to help combat the growing threat of the disease. The call is part of a five-point strategy set out by Paul Kelly, managing director of Kelly Turkey Farms in Essex, in order to ...

17 Dec 2022

November GB cattle prices

GB deadweight cattle prices maintained their strength through the month of November. In the five weeks to 3 December, GB steers averaged 444p/kg overall, up 8% (32p) compared to the same period a year ago. This was also a notable 21% (77p) above the equivalent five-year ave...

14 Dec 2022

GB pig prices for week ending December 3, 2022

Weekly pig prices and slaughter data for Great Britain. The EU-spec GB SPP dropped below the £2/kg mark for the first time since mid-September, as it fell back by a hefty 0.62p to 199.74p/kg in the week ending December 3, 2022. Ever since the average price index breached t...

14 Dec 2022

China pork exports 60% down

Chinese imports of pig meat have more than halved this year, according to trade data, but shipments to the world’s biggest pork consumer are forecast to grow next year. Over the first nine months of the year, China imported 1.2 million tonnes of pig meat, a massive 1.8 mil...

14 Dec 2022

Little festive cheer from pork processors

There was little festive cheer from the processing sector for the last full week before the short Christmas weeks, according to Thames Valley Cambac. “Meanwhile, pig supply gets ever tighter, but most processors still seem deaf to this fact,” TVC said in its latest market ...

14 Dec 2022

Cost of living crisis sparks rise in livestock theft

A growing number of farmers have seen sheep thefts across the country, with Lycetts insurance brokers warning the financial impact could be ‘crippling’. West Midlands sheep farmer Louie Rose had more than sixty sheep taken. “If I hadn’t been insured, I would have been ...

14 Dec 2022

Lamb prices increase but remain under pressure

Deadweight lamb prices increased for four consecutive weeks during November and early December. GB prices rose to average 561.1p/kg deadweight in the week ending 3 December, up by almost 50p/kg on month-earlier levels. Despite this growth, prices are 57.5p/kg below the same we...

09 Dec 2022

FSA accused of hindering progress on small abattoirs

Accusations that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is dragging its feet on support for small abattoirs gathered pace this week, after it rejected proposals for a dual system of meat controls for export and domestic consumption. Introducing separate regulatory regimes would exemp...

01 Dec 2022

Pilgrim’s UK to produce 4 million pork products as demand surges

Pilgrim’s UK has announced it will produce over four million pork products in the run up to Christmas to keep up with a surge in consumer demand. With the cost-of-living crisis leaving many families cash-strapped, the festive period could bring a boost to red meat, particula...

01 Dec 2022

China predicted to up import volumes as pig herd is hit by heavy losses

China is expected to increase its pork imports in the coming months, as its pig herd is hit by the knock-on effect of industry losses suffered last year. The reduction in pig output in China appears to be larger than official data suggests, industry experts claim. Surging pork...

28 Nov 2022

Cranswick flies in 400 butchers from Philippines to replace lost EU workers

One of the UK’s biggest pork producers has spent £4 million hiring butchers from the Philippines, after a staffing crisis threatened to hamper production. Cranswick Plc, which supplies supermarkets with pork and poultry, is paying for 400 butchers to travel from the Asian...

27 Nov 2022

German meat industry warns of empty supermarket shelves, another 40% jump in meat prices

The German meat industry has warned of impending supply bottlenecks, especially concerning pork, and a board member is putting at least some of the blame on Germany’s current left-wing government, which is well-known for its attacks on meat and efforts to transition to a pla...

23 Nov 2022

British Pig & Poultry Fair to move to NEC in 2024

Press Release The Royal Agricultural Society of England is delighted to announce that its flagship event, the British Pig & Poultry Fair, will be moving to a new venue at the NEC for 2024 and beyond. The next Fair will take place on 15-16 May 2024. “We know the Fair is h...

23 Nov 2022

Moy Park secures new supply deal with Getir

Moy Park has secured a supply deal with Getir, a delivery service, which means eight of its chicken products will be available to purchase from the grocery app. Getir will offer delivery of Moy Park branded lines – including its Flame Grilled Chunky Chicken Pieces and South...

22 Nov 2022

Danish Crown reveal plans for £100m bacon factory in Greater Manchester

A new £100m bacon factory planned to open in Greater Manchester next year is set to create 300 jobs. Global food company Danish Crown has revealed plans to open a pork processing plant in Rochdale in 2023. The facility will produce over 900 tonnes of bacon and gammon a week a...

21 Nov 2022

Iceland Seafood to exit its UK operation

Iceland Seafood International is set to exit its loss-making UK operation, with the board saying it “no longer feels it’s justifiable to continue”. Iceland Seafood UK previously invested in operating facilities in Grimsby and merged its operations from Bradfo...

21 Nov 2022

Smithfield and Billingsgate markets to relocate from central London to Dagenham

Billingsgate and Smithfield markets will relocate to a purpose-built site at Dagenham Dock in east London as part of a £1bn regeneration project. THE historic meat market is almost certain to leave its 1,000-year-old Smithfield site and move to Barking after traders agreed to...

17 Nov 2022

Surprise as FSA puts vet in-sourcing plan on hold

The Industry has been left surprised by a Food Standards Agency (FSA) decision to put its plans to directly employ abattoir vets on hold. The move was broadly supported by the meat sector as it was expected that job security and civil service career pathways would help with re...

17 Nov 2022

Veterinary group acquisition deal probed by competitions agency

The Competition Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation following the acquisition of veterinary and livestock services company Vorenta Group by official veterinarian specialists Eville & Jones. The CMA issued an Initial Enforcement Order earlier this month st...

16 Nov 2022

Eustice urges Government to learn lessons from Australia trade deal

Former Defra Secretary George Eustice has launched a blistering attack on former Prime Minister and International Trade Secretary Liz Truss over her handling of the Australian trade deal. The deal included giving Australia or New Zealand full access to the UK market to the b...

16 Nov 2022

More than three times the number of sheep as people in Wales

There were more than three times the number of sheep as people in Wales last year, contributing an estimated £744 million to Welsh red meat production and accounted for 43 per cent of the total value of Welsh agricultural output during 2021. Those are just three of the fascin...

16 Nov 2022

Lab-Grown Meat Gets FDA Approval

WASHINGTON, Nov 16 (Reuters) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the first time cleared a meat product grown from animal cells for human consumption, the agency announced on Wednesday. UPSIDE Foods, a company that makes cell-cultured chicken by harvesting c...

16 Nov 2022

Requirement for ‘regular vet visits’ for EU exports or NI movements pushed back another year

Just confirmed today, the requirement for veterinary visits attestations for export certs pushed back another year to 13/12/23 Certification of ‘regular vet visits’ for EU exports or NI movements Date issued: 16 November 2022 Purpose To inform Official Veterinarians (OVs...

16 Nov 2022

Consultation launched on mandatory Abattoir CCTV in Wales

The Welsh Government have opened a consultation on requirements for slaughterhouse operators: To have CCTV in areas where there are live animals To allow enforcement agencies to access footage To store footage for a specified period The consultation includes questions on our...

16 Nov 2022

Moy Park decides against Ashbourne closure

Moy Park has said it will keep its Ashbourne poultry processing facility open but will downsize operations and reposition the site as a business-to-business supplier. It comes after the company reported a sharp drop in profits, which it blamed on rising costs. The GMB union, w...

16 Nov 2022

Avian Influenza – Update

There have been 111 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in England since 1 October 2022. There have been 245 cases of (HPAI) H5N1 in England since the H5N1 outbreak started in October 2021. Check if you are in a bird flu disease zone on the map....

16 Nov 2022

IOM Farmers Union issues statement in response to audit report

Manx National Farmers Union issues statement in response to audit report Manx farmers have “consistently raised concerns” about the Island’s Meat Plant over the past few years. That’s according to the Manx National Farmers Union, which has released a st...

16 Nov 2022

Guernsey restricts pork imports over ASF

New restrictions on the import of pork meat and pork products have been introduced in Guernsey to limit the spread of African swine fever. It has been made illegal to bring certain pork or pork products into the Bailiwick from Europe, excluding the UK. The disease is found in ...

16 Nov 2022

NZ Lamb processing delays expected due to staff shortage

Farmers are being told to expect delays for this years peak lamb kill, with the season expected to be longer due to labour shortages. Processors have been struggling with staff shortages for the past two years due to the border closure and staff being off sick with Covid-19. ...

15 Nov 2022

Pilgrim’s UK announces closure of Dalehead Foods site

A Bury St Edmunds meat plant is to close, it has been confirmed, placing hundreds of jobs at risk of redundancy. Pilgrim’s UK has decided to close its Dalehead Foods site in a phased process. Another of the company’s sites, at Coalville, in Leicestershire, will als...

11 Nov 2022

Isle of Man meat plant failings highlighted in damning report

Serious failings in the running of the Isle of Man’s loss-making meat plant have been revealed in a damning report. Its authors found poor management and an “extremely slow pace” meant the government-owned facility in Tromode was not operating efficiently. En...

10 Nov 2022

Tight supplies in lamb markets

Lamb supplies remain tight as inflation will play a major role in the supply of lamb onto the market, as well as impacting consumer demand. Sheep prices were declining following seasonal trends in October. According to AHDB, the average GB liveweight SQQ for the week ending Oc...

10 Nov 2022

Meat fears keep Brazil trade talks on ice

A UK Government decision to maintain import barriers for Brazilian meat products is holding up progress on a trade deal, according to the team of Brazil’s new president-elect, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Ministers set out plans for an Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) with Bra...

10 Nov 2022

Grocery price inflation hits new record

Take-home grocery sales rose by 5.2% in the 12 weeks to 30 October 2022 according to the latest figures from Kantar, the fastest rate of market growth since April 2021. Four-week grocery price inflation has also hit another record high since Kantar began tracking prices in t...

08 Nov 2022

Relief for meat sector as FSA strike averted

Food Standards Agency (FSA) staff will not be striking over pay in the run up to Christmas, following a ballot of UNISON members, in what will come as a huge relief to the meat industry. UNISON, the UK’s largest union, had warned that the dispute involving several hundred in...

02 Nov 2022

Pilgrim’s UK launches Butchery and Abattoir Academy

Global pork producer Pilgrim’s UK is launching a Butchery and Abattoir Academy, to help fill the sector skills gap by developing UK-based industry talent. The aim of the Academy is to recruit and support the training and skills development of UK-based workers, as well ...

01 Nov 2022

China seafood show cancelled due to COVID restrictions

The China Fisheries and Seafood Expo scheduled for Nov. 9 -12 has been cancelled because of ongoing concerns that mass events will fuel the spread of COVID 19 in China. The show was originally scheduled for October, but was postponed to November in hopes the COVID restrictions...

01 Nov 2022

Significant dip in UK sheep meat production, figures show

UK sheep meat production saw a significant dip in September on the back of a low slaughter, according to the latest Defra figures. Production last month fell by 11% – or 21,400 tonnes – compared to a year earlier, while carcase weights saw little change on average....

31 Oct 2022

Bird flu measures stepped up as all poultry ordered to be kept indoors

A national housing order will be introduced across England on Monday 7 November making it a legal requirement to house flocks. Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds are to be introduced to all areas of England from 00:01 on Monday 7 November, following a...

30 Oct 2022

Defra policy to ease Christmas poultry rules

British poultry producers will be able to slaughter Christmas turkeys early, freeze, defrost them and still sell the meat as fresh, Defra has announced. Retailers and suppliers had been calling on the government to make such a move as they look to kill turkeys early to avoid t...

30 Oct 2022

Bird flu outbreak prompts UK to ease Christmas turkey rules

British poultry producers will be able to slaughter Christmas turkeys early, freeze and then defrost them but still sell the meat as fresh as the country deals with its worst ever bird flu outbreak, the country’s farm ministry announced on Friday. Retailers and suppliers...

28 Oct 2022

Bird flu support package does not go far enough, say farmers

Norfolk poultry farmers said a new government bird flu support package does not do enough to help virus-stricken businesses. Defra has announced a series of new measures to assist farmers hit by the UK’s worst-ever outbreak of avian influenza. Norfolk has become the epic...

28 Oct 2022

UK attractions serving more British meat

Family attractions in the UK are serving more British meat and local ingredients despite battling rising costs and staff shortages, according to a Soil Association investigation. The food and farming charity has ranked 16 of the UK’s leading attractions in a new league table...

28 Oct 2022

New government bird flu support for the poultry industry

New government support for the poultry industry has been announced today (Friday 28th October) to assist farmers and producers with the impacts of bird flu. The United Kingdom is dealing with its worst ever bird flu outbreak with over 200 cases confirmed across the country in ...

26 Oct 2022

UK Meat industry warns new red tape could hammer exports to EU

LONDON, Oct 25 (Reuters) – New UK government regulations set to come into force in December could prevent thousands of British meat producers from exporting to the European Union, the industry warned on Tuesday. The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) said a requi...

26 Oct 2022

FSA vets and meat inspectors balloting on pre-Christmas strike action

Staff at the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are being balloted for strike action that could affect meat supplies during the festive season, says UNISON. The dispute involving several hundred inspectors, vets, and office-based staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland could br...

25 Oct 2022

Large volumes of illegally imported meat discovered at Dover Port

A 24-hour operation at Dover port has uncovered large amounts of raw animal products, including from countries with African swine fever (ASF) in their pig herds. The checks were carried out by the Dover Port Health Authority, following the move by the Government to clamp down ...

25 Oct 2022

Pilgrim’s invests £800,000 in Bromborough site

Pilgrim’s UK has announced an £800,000 investment in its Bromborough site as part of its ongoing strategy to maximise operational efficiency across its UK operations. Two new inline processes have been installed at the site, a benchmark for operational excellence within the...

25 Oct 2022

Minerva Foods buys the Australian Lamb Company

The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, and Minerva Foods announce the acquisition of 100% of issued shares in the Australian Lamb Company (ALC), for AUD 400 million (approx. SAR 970 million). Th...

24 Oct 2022

NZ trade deal: MPs call for analysis of risk to UK food security

The International Trade Committee today calls for an analysis of potential risks to the UK’s food security arising from the New Zealand trade deal. In a new report on the UK’s trade agreement with New Zealand, the cross-party Committee of MPs raises concerns over the elimi...

24 Oct 2022

Australia’s Kimberley Meat Co. plans $35 million expansion

Northern WA’s only major abattoir will undergo a $35 million expansion in a bid to boost its processing capacity by 60 per cent. It comes just six months after Kimberley Meat Company (KMC) reopened the facility — about 100 kilometres east of Broome — after it was ...

24 Oct 2022

Angus beef proves popular in UK supermarkets

New research has shown that British Aberdeen-Angus beef is a one of the most popular premium meat brands for UK supermarkets to stock. The mystery shopper data analysis was carried out by the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society and revealed that the native breed is a popular choice ...

24 Oct 2022

Butcher Simon Howie accuses energy firms of ‘bullying’ as costs soar 10 times higher

Perthshire butcher Simon Howie has revealed his energy costs have increased 10-fold since the start of the crisis. The entrepreneur has said it’s bringing a “significant” challenge to his butchery business. He has been left with no choice but to pass on increased costs t...

24 Oct 2022

Poultry firm calls for bird flu vaccinations

A poultry producer who has lost 100,000 birds to avian flu said vaccination was “the only solution” to the outbreak. Great Britain has been declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) following measures in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex last month. Mark Gorton, ...

24 Oct 2022

China releases 20,000 tons of central pork reserves

Chinese authorities on Friday stepped up efforts to stabilize pork prices with the release of 20,000 tons of pork from central reserves while reiterating their resolution to combat the fluctuation of pork prices. A batch of 20,000 tons of pork from central reserves was release...

24 Oct 2022

Botswana Welcomes Lifting of EU Beef Export Ban

Cattle farmers in Botswana, one of Africa’s top beef exporters to the European Union, have welcomed renewed beef exports to Europe. The move follows a two-month ban that followed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and the culling of thousands of cows. Botswana officials o...

21 Oct 2022

Hoxton Farms raises $22 million for cultivated animal fat

Oct 20 (Reuters) – London-based Hoxton Farms said on Thursday it had raised $22 million from investors to build a pilot plant to produce animal fat from stem cells, aiming to tap into the growing market for less carbon-intensive foods. Many people in developed countries ...

21 Oct 2022

Welsh lamb exports to new markets up 227%

Exports of Welsh lamb to new markets have rocketed by 227 per cent, demonstrating ’real appetite’ for renowned red meat brands, Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) chair Catherine Smith has said. The countries now taking the meat include Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Add...

17 Oct 2022

Avian influenza: Prevention Zone declared across Great Britain

Avian influenza Prevention Zone has been declared across Great Britain making it a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures. Following an increase in the number of detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild birds and on commercial prem...

17 Oct 2022

FSA struggling with skills gap post-Brexit says report

Authorities such as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are struggling with a skills gap after the United Kingdom left the European Union, according to a report. The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee said there is a problem for agencies in recruiting and keeping the skill...

17 Oct 2022

New pork ad campaigns to ‘feed the family for less’

A new pork advertising campaign by the AHDB has been rolled out with an aim to ‘feed the family for less’ as the cost-of-living crisis continues. As consumer demand for affordable meals grows, the levy organisation’s autumn pork marketing campaign launches wi...

17 Oct 2022

Bord Bia announces €1m beef promotions across UK and EU

Bord Bia has today announced a €1m investment in beef marketing across key UK and EU markets this autumn to support this sector faced with increasingly difficult trading conditions. Bord Bia’s autumn promotional activities this year will specifically spotlight Irish qualit...

17 Oct 2022

China’s Inflation Rate Hits Two-year High

The National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS) released official data on Friday indicating that China’s consumer inflation touched a two-year high in September. This was driven by rising pork prices and inclement weather’s impact on China’s farmers. The nat...

14 Oct 2022

China dips into pork reserves again

China released more pork reserves Friday, state media said, after prices of the staple meat soared by almost a third, triggering inflation concerns. Beijing’s top economic planner has already dipped into the state reserves three times this month and has ordered suppliers...

14 Oct 2022

ASF on large farm in in Romania

Romania confirmed an outbreak of African swine fever on a large pig farm in the western county of Timis, on Wednesday October 13. It was also confirmed that 39,000 animals will be culled and that local authorities and the food safety agency were meeting up to agree on next...

14 Oct 2022

GB pig prices for week ending October 8 – SPP inches up again

Weekly pig prices, slaughter data for Great Britain The EU-spec GB SPP continued moving in the right direction in the week ended October 8, inching up by 0.18p to reach 200.55p/kg. This is the second successive weekly increase, following the reverse in the week ended September...

14 Oct 2022

Scottish researchers advance tech for growing meat in a laboratory

Technology to grow meat in a laboratory has entered the next stage of testing in more than 10 sites around the world after successfully completing proof of concept in Scotland. The new approach to generating pig cell lines for cultivated meat has been developed by Roslin Techn...

13 Oct 2022

Half of all geese destined for Christmas table culled as bird flu worsens

More than half of all geese destined for Christmas dinner tables have been culled after another outbreak of bird flu. Government vets confirmed the outbreak at a farm in Breckland, Norfolk, as bird flu spreads across the east of England. The Department for Environment, Food an...

12 Oct 2022

NZ farmers to face livestock emissions tax under new plan

(CNN) – A burp or fart at the dinner table might land you in trouble – but if you’re a cow or sheep in New Zealand, it might land your owner a hefty tax bill. Prime Minister Jacinda Arden confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday that her government will push ahea...

12 Oct 2022

Lacklustre demand for British pork continues

Processors blamed lacklustre retail demand for British pork for poor uptake of pigs last week, according to Thames Valley Cambac. TVC described the 19% year-on-year increase in pork import volumes, as highlighted in the last issue of Pig World, as ‘disappointing’, but n...

12 Oct 2022

Vaccinations, not culling, Australia’s best response to FMD, experts say

VACCINATION rather than mass culling of livestock should be Australia’s response to foot and mouth disease (FMD), according to livestock biosecurity experts. Addressing an MLA biosecurity breakfast in Brisbane on Tuesday, the three speakers endorsed vaccination over the ‘t...

08 Oct 2022

Danish Crown pares job cuts at two abattoirs

Meat group Danish Crown has pared its plans for potential job job cuts at two local slaughterhouses. Last month, Danish Crown flagged 350 redundancies at abattoirs in Sæby and Ringsted because of fewer pigs coming in for slaughter as farmers grapple with “record-high” f...

08 Oct 2022

British lamb exported to US for first time in over 20 years

British lamb has now been exported to the United States for the first time in over 20 years, in a deal estimated to be worth £37m in the first five years of trade. The first consignment since the deal was struck last year was flown to the US this week, containing lamb produce...

06 Oct 2022

Salmonella rising in British raw meat pet food

The occurrence of Salmonella in raw pet food seems to be rising in Great Britain. Raw meat pet food had the highest number of Salmonella contaminated samples of all the feeds tested by the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency scientists. The agency report “Salmonella�...

06 Oct 2022

48m birds culled in UK and EU due to record avian influenza crisis

The 2021-2022 avian influenza outbreak has been the largest ever observed in the UK and Europe, according to a new report. Around 48 million birds have been culled across Europe, including the UK, as a result of the crisis, the latest data from EU disease and health bodies s...

06 Oct 2022

GB pig prices for week ending October 1, 2022

AHDB Pork’s weekly pig prices, slaughter data for Great Britain The EU-spec GB SPP increased by 0.36p to reach 200.37p/kg for the week ended October 1, following the previous week’s 0.21 backward step, the first since February. The previous week’s reverse was from a r...

06 Oct 2022

Small abattoirs should benefit from earned recognition, says Farming Minister

Farming Minister Mark Spencer has said he will push for small abattoirs to be able to benefit from earned recognition in order to reduce veterinary presence. His comments came shortly after John Mettrick, owner of the multi-award winning Glossop-based butchers J W Mettrick, c...

03 Oct 2022

New Zealand votes to end livestock exports by sea

Exports of livestock by sea will cease from April next year, following a 2019 review of the trade in response to concerns around the ongoing risk to New Zealand’s reputation. The Bill, which passed in Parliament today, does not cover the export of live animals by air, fo...

03 Oct 2022

Maersk launches Spain-UK rail service

Madrid: Sealand – A Maersk Company – is launching a new rail product from Spain to the UK, designed for temperature-sensitive cargo such as fruit and vegetables. The new transport option will initially have three weekly departures from the Valencia terminal to the Barking ...

03 Oct 2022

Worst bird flu outbreak in UK history puts Christmas turkeys at risk

Christmas turkey supplies could be at risk if the worst avian flu outbreak in UK history continues to spread, the National Farmers’ Union has warned. More than three million birds have had to be culled so far, with Avian Influenza Prevention Zones introduced in Norfolk, ...

03 Oct 2022

UAE beef importers in Trade Mission to Spain

Abu Dhabi: Provacuno, a Spanish beef interprofessional association, organised a delegation of top UAE beef importers to visit several Spanish plants and farms as part of its Wonderful Beef 2.0 campaign as a trade mission. Participants learned about the safety and quality of EU...

02 Oct 2022

Banham Poultry fined £300,000

A poultry company has been fined £300,000 after neighbours complained about the smell of “rotting bodies and flesh” coming from an abattoir. People living near Banham Poultry in Attleborough in Norfolk reported the smell to the Environment Agency nearly 350 times between...

02 Oct 2022

US beef breeder – British beef needs to change direction

The UK beef sector needs to chase better eating quality rather than yield, because consumer satisfaction is everything. According to influential US Stabiliser breeder Lee Leachman: “You should be worried you are not producing lovely steaks. As a beef consumer I would say tha...

30 Sep 2022

NZ meat bound for Chinese vending machines

Consumers will soon be able to buy ready-to-eat meals, made with New Zealand beef and lamb, from vending machines in Shanghai. Major red meat exporters Beef + Lamb NZ, Alliance and Silver Fern Farms are piloting beef and lamb vending machines with meals ready for time-poor con...

29 Sep 2022

Argentine beef exports grow but not in China

Argentine beef exports have grown interannually but demand from China is 20% lower than in July and decreasing, with a marked downward trend in prices, according to a report from the Argentine Beef Exporters (ABC) Consortium in Buenos Aires. In the first 8 months of 2022, ship...

29 Sep 2022

NSA appeal for government support for abattoirs

Growing concerns over the survival of small abattoirs and farm supply companies have prompted the National Sheep Association (NSA) to appeal to government for “meaningful” support. The NSA points to the increasing dominance of large companies in agricultural markets which ...

29 Sep 2022

Botswana resumes beef exports from areas free of FMD outbreak

GABORONE, Sept 28 (Reuters) – Botswana has resumed exports of live cattle and beef from areas declared free of foot and mouth disease (FMD) but sales to Europe, which has tougher import restrictions, remain suspended, a senior government official told Reuters on Wednesda...

28 Sep 2022

Beyond Meat has lost a second senior executive.

Beleaguered plant-based food producer Beyond Meat has lost a second senior executive days after it suspended its chief operating officer. Bernie Adcock will step down as chief supply chain officer at the end of the month “to pursue another opportunity”, the US company an...

28 Sep 2022

German meat processor Tönnies cuts jobs

Meat processor Tönnies has cut hundreds of jobs since June at two pig plants in its home market of Germany as slaughter numbers continue to “slump”. Between 500 and 600 slaughtering and cutting positions have been eliminated across the sites in Sögel, Lower Saxony, and W...

27 Sep 2022

Pig prices pass landmark £2/kg

The EU-spec SPP has passed the £2 per kg mark, but the rate of increase is slowing and prices are still well below costs of production. The SPP averaged 200.22p/kg in the week ending 16 September, up 0.3p from the previous week – the smallest increase since early March....

27 Sep 2022

Fake meat sales slide on price and being ‘too woke’

Just a few years ago, with a blockbuster initial public offering from Beyond Meat Inc and the unveiling of an Impossible Whopper at Burger King locations in the US, plant-based meats were ascendant. Now, after once enjoying double-digit growth, sales in the plant-based meat ca...

27 Sep 2022

Bird flu restrictions imposed across eastern England

All of Norfolk and Suffolk, and parts of Essex, have been made subject to avian flu restrictions. The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) had been established to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said. It ...

25 Sep 2022

Fire at the Paris Rungis wholesale market

PARIS (AP) — A billowing column of dark smoke towered over Paris on Sunday from a warehouse blaze at a massive produce market that supplies the French capital and surrounding region with much of its fresh food and bills itself as the largest of its kind in the world. Firefig...

20 Sep 2022

Inflation kills off plant-based meat boom hopes

A sector once favoured by investors is coming under pressure amid rising prices for consumers. The increasing pressure on consumers has extinguished any hopes of a rebound in sales of plant-based meat this year, dealing a blow to a sector that was an investors’ favourite whe...

20 Sep 2022

Container shipping rates crash

Spot rates on transpacific routes have halved since the end of April. The huge increase in freight costs that began during the early stages of the pandemic is beginning to unwind, with rates for shipping containers from China to the US Pacific coast halving over the past two m...

16 Sep 2022

Europe’s biggest pork producer cuts jobs as supplies decline

COPENHAGEN, Sept 15 (Reuters) – Europe’s biggest pork producer, Danish Crown, said on Thursday it would cut 350 jobs at two factories in Denmark as a result of declining supplies from farmers hit by rising energy and feed prices. The war in Ukraine has resulted in ...

15 Sep 2022

Aldi overtakes Morrisons as fourth biggest supermarket

Aldi has increased its market share as shoppers tighten their purse strings in response to the rising cost of living. Aldi has overtaken Morrisons to become the fourth biggest UK supermarket, with Lidl the fastest growing grocer for the fourth month in a row. The discounters a...

15 Sep 2022

AHDB considers Stoneleigh Park move

Agricultural levy board AHDB is considering quitting its Stoneleigh Park base in favour of smaller premises, it has been revealed. The organisation, which has been based in a £5m, 5,000 sq ft building on the farming and agricultural centre just outside Coventry in Warwickshir...

15 Sep 2022

Maelor Foods plans to double production

Maelor Foods has submitted an application to increase operations at its Wrexham processing plant that would double production to two million birds a week. The company currently employs 250 staff, with 86% of the staff coming from the North Wales area. The increase in productio...

14 Sep 2022

AIMS announces conference line up

After three years away during which time the meat and poultry processing sector has experienced many challenges, the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has announced its annual conference will take place in person this year on 1 October. It will be held at the Ed...

14 Sep 2022

China releases additional pork reserve to maintain price stability

China will release additional pork into the market from central reserves this week to ensure pork supplies and maintain stability in prices, the country’s top economic planner has said. This will be the second batch of pork released from the country’s central reser...

13 Sep 2022

Public told to buy British to ‘save’ pig sector

Consumers and retailers must back British as the long-running pig sector crisis continues to take its toll on farms across the country, the National Pig Association (NPA) has said. The body today (13 September) warned that there could be a reduced choice of favourite British p...

13 Sep 2022

Call to deem food production as ‘vulnerable’ amid surging energy costs

Hard-pressed farming businesses are to be included in new measures to address soaring energy costs, but calls have been made for the government to go further and deem food production as ‘vulnerable’. Businesses will get help with surging energy bills, with prices c...

13 Sep 2022

Weak demand continues to blight pork market – TVC

Weak demand on the domestic market continues to apply a brake to the UK pork market, although rising EU prices are providing a glimmer of hope. “Trade seems to be reflective between last week and this coming week with signs of little change regarding demand being still les...

13 Sep 2022

EU farming organisations warn of threat to food supply as costs spiral

Many operators in the EU’s agri-food sector are struggling to maintain business in the face of rapidly rising input costs and extreme weather events, according to agri-food chain associations Copa-Cogeca, the Primary Food Processors (PFP) and FoodDrinkEurope. In a statement,...

12 Sep 2022

British pigs in blankets scarce this Christmas as UK pork industry shrinks 20pc in a year

Shoppers looking for British pigs in blankets and locally reared gammon to serve this Christmas may be forced to buy EU meat instead, the industry has warned. Supermarkets will be stocking less British meat this winter, after higher feed prices forced farmers to rear fewer ani...

12 Sep 2022

China battles ‘porkflation’ as price of popular meat soars

SHANGHAI — China’s pork prices surged again in August, as the government dips into national reserves to stabilize costs and ensure supply in the world’s biggest consuming nation of the meat. The country’s headline consumer price index (CPI) slowed in A...

10 Sep 2022

Two men face Chester court over abattoir charges

TWO Whitchurch men will enter pleas after being charged with illegally using a cattle prod against animals at a Chester abattoir when they return to court in November. Matthew Arden, 32 and of Fields View, Burleydam and 48-year-old Paul May, of Belton Road, in Whitchurch, appe...

08 Sep 2022

Pilgrim’s to close two sites – potential loss of nearly 700 jobs

Leading pork processor Pilgrim’s UK is planning to close two sites, at Bury St Edmunds, in Suffolk, and Coalville, in Leicestershire, and reduce production at its Ashton site, resulting in the potential loss of nearly 700 jobs. The existing operations at the two plants wi...

08 Sep 2022

Shocking Defra figures show huge contraction in English pig herd

The English pig breeding herd has contracted by 18% in the space of a year, as the devastating impact of the pig industry crisis takes its toll, Defra’s June Agricultural survey reveals. The figures, which are reinforced by the latest UK-wide data released by AgroVision, sho...

08 Sep 2022

Asian markets boost for UK meat exports

The Far East has remained an important destination for UK red meat exports during the first half of the year, adding significant value to the UK red meat sector. According to the latest data from HMRC, despite an easing of shipments due to a number of challenges on the market,...

08 Sep 2022

Butchers worry food fraud is on the rise

There are concerns that an increase in animal theft could be linked to the cost-of-living crisis, as criminals look to cash in on rising meat prices. Around £2.4 million of cattle and sheep were stolen last year, according to an annual rural crime survey. Overall, livestock t...

08 Sep 2022

Moy Park to close Ashbourne processing plant

Moy Park has announced a consultation with staff at its Ashbourne facility, hatchery and logistics operation in Derbyshire as it proposes changes to its processing model following a strategic review. The business said it wanted to move its fresh primary operations from a four-...

08 Sep 2022

Rain could save impending store lamb glut

September may have brought essential rain to build grass covers and get winter root crops growing to service demand for an anticipated bumper store lamb season. National figures from Defra and AHDB suggest many lambs remain on farms after creep prices and dry weather slammed t...

08 Sep 2022

Lab grown Lamb on the way

Future Meat Technologies of Rehovot, Israel, has produced its first cultivated lamb. The lab-made product is said to look, cook and taste like conventional ground lamb meat ready to make into burgers, kebabs, and more. Future Meat’s development of cultivated lamb started in...

07 Sep 2022

Australia Tightens Meat Import Rules for FMD

Australia has announced harsh new bans on some meat imports from 70 countries, as a disease with the ability to wipe out an entire industry spreads. Pate, pork crackling and other processed meat products have been slapped with a wide-reaching import ban in an effort to keep fo...

07 Sep 2022

Namibian Meat Board wants sheep marketing scheme abolished

The Meat Board of Namibia is seeking the agriculture ministry to abolish the sheep marketing scheme as it failed to meet its primary objective. The small stock marketing scheme was introduced on 1 July 2004 to stimulate value addition to sheep and sheep products locally and ...

06 Sep 2022

Saudi Arabia plans $5bn investment to become self-sufficient in poultry meat

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia plans SR17 billion ($5 billion) investment to boost poultry production as the Kingdom aims to achieve a poultry meat self-sufficiency rate of 80 percent by 2025, Saudi Press Agency reported. By targeting 1.3 million tons of broiler chickens per year, th...

06 Sep 2022

China Has No Basis to Ban Australian Beef, PM Albanese Says

China has no basis for using foot-and-mouth disease as a reason to suspend beef imports from Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Tuesday in response to reports that Beijing has restricted trade. Australia remains free of the disease and biosecurity officials were a...

06 Sep 2022

Food supplies under threat amid second CO2 shortage

Fresh fears of a carbon dioxide shortage means UK food security is “under threat”, the boss of the UK’s biggest chicken processor has warned. Ranjit Singh Boparan – who runs 2 Sisters Food Group and has been dubbed the Chicken King – said a key food industry CO2 supp...

06 Sep 2022

Charlotte Evans appointed as head of engagement for pork

AHDB has appointed Charlotte Evans as its first ever head of engagement for pork, a brand new role, which she will start in mid-November. The new position incorporates responsibilities from the head of knowledge exchange role held by Jen Waters, who leaves AHDB on September 2...

06 Sep 2022

China’s pork market begins a new cycle

According to a report from Rabobank, China’s pork industry has begun a new cycle which will offer considerable growth potential and opportunities for local and global players. The new ‘upward’ cycle began in June 2022, say Rabobank, and is expected to run for less ti...

06 Sep 2022

Pig producers lost £52/pig in Q2

Average pig production losses have topped £50 per head for the second successive quarter, as soaring costs continue to cripple an industry that has now lost more than £600 million since the autumn of 2020, according to AHDB estimates. The latest AHDB quarterly cost of produc...

06 Sep 2022

France bans imports of poultry from animals on antibiotics

In a decree that will affect the poultry market, primarily, France announces the ban of animal meat imports treated with growth antibiotics as of 22 April. Reuters reports that France is anticipating an EU-wide measure that had been due to enter into force late January but wa...

06 Sep 2022

Meat industry devastated by electricity bills

In response to pleading reports from its members around unrelenting energy prices, the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has outlined several recommendations for the new UK Prime Minister to address. “AIMS have been alarmed to hear from our members of the im...

05 Sep 2022

Lacklustre demand continues to hold back pork market

Weak demand continues to put a brake on the pork market, despite tightening supplies, according to Thames Valley Cambac. “While the calendar noted a change in season and historically better trade for pig meat, demand remained lacklustre at best. It is hoped improvements wi...

05 Sep 2022

China remains largest importer of UK pork, as Asian market boosts UK red meat exports

The Asian market has had a significant impact on the value of UK red meat exports in the first half of 2022. The latest data from HMRC shows that China remains the largest importer of UK pig meat, as export values reached nearly £88 million in the year to date. Furthermor...

05 Sep 2022

GB prime cattle prices make marginal gains

For the week ending 27 August, the average GB all-prime deadweight cattle price made a small gain for the second week, up 0.1p to 433.5p/kg. Despite being back on the higher prices of June, the latest average price was almost 24p above that seen last year. The different cattle...

05 Sep 2022

Pig carcase weights and SPP prices steady

The GB EU-spec SPP stood at 198.4p/kg for the week ending 27 August, an increase of 0.34p/kg on the previous week. This means prices are currently running at more than 41p above the 5-year average and 40p above the price seen at this point last year. An estimated 167,900 clean...

05 Sep 2022

Co2 supply situation deteriorates

This week the security of UK Co2 supplies to critical industries like health, nuclear and food took a a major blow. We had the twin announcements of the imminent cessation of production at CF Industries’ last remaining UK fertiliser plant alongside the planned September shut...

05 Sep 2022

Premium price for Irish beef flown weekly to Singapore

ABP Food Group has begun flying beef from Ireland to a high-end retailer in Singapore, where certified Angus striploin steaks are retailing at around €72/kg. Ryan’s Grocery, will also stock lamb from Irish Country Meats (ICM), ABP’s specialist sheepmeat company, at their...

04 Sep 2022

Farmers fears as closure of independent abattoir spells start of business problems

The closure of an independent abattoir that has been in business for more than a hundred years over five generations will spark anxiety amongst farmers who rely on such operations for their own livelihoods. Mettrick’s abattoir in Glossop on the South Yorkshire border close...

04 Sep 2022

Higher retail prices impact meat sales

With the cost of living crisis hitting households across the UK, Cedric Porter takes a look at the impact on consumer spending. Consumers are cutting back on meat consumption as they change purchasing habits to cope with the cost of living. Food price inflation has been rising...

03 Sep 2022

UK’s native sheep breeds in spotlight following US taste test

The UK’s many native sheep breeds have been put in the spotlight after US meat processors arrived in the country and took part in a mutton taste test. The British Heritage Sheep scheme and the AHDB championed the unique flavour brought to the table by native sheep breeds...

02 Sep 2022

Spain to put video cameras in abattoirs

Spanish slaughterhouses will have to install video surveillance to ensure animals are not mistreated before being killed, the government has announced, claiming a first in the EU. “This rule puts Spain at the forefront of Europe in this area and, as well as ensuring the welf...

02 Sep 2022

Walmart acquires stake in sustainable beef startup

Walmart is acquiring a minority stake in a rancher-owned, premium beef company to expand its sourcing of sustainable meat, the retail giant has announced. Terms of Walmart’s deal with North Platte, Nebraska-based Sustainable Beef LLC were not disclosed. But Walmart said the ...

01 Sep 2022

Dry pastures force Texas ranchers to slaughter ever more cows

CROCKETT, Texas, Aug 24 (Reuters) – With almost all of Texas in drought, ranchers are sending ever more cattle off to slaughter, a trend likely to increase beef prices over the long term due to dwindling supply from the largest cattle region in the United States. Since m...

01 Sep 2022

Brazilian food processor BRF CEO resigns

SAO PAULO, Aug 30 (Reuters) – Brazilian food processor BRF SA said on Tuesday that chief executive Lorival Luz has resigned and will be replaced by Miguel Gularte, a top executive at beef-packer Marfrig Global Foods SA. Shares in the poultry and pork processor were aroun...

01 Sep 2022

Vietnam suspends African swine fever vaccine after pig deaths

Vietnam has temporarily suspended the use of its African swine fever (ASF) vaccine after dozens of pigs inoculated with the shots died this month, the country’s state media has reported, according to a report by Reuters. The pigs were among around 600 pigs at several farms i...

01 Sep 2022

Strict new controls on pork imports introduced to curb ASF

Strict new controls restricting the movement of pork and pork products into Great Britain to help safeguard Britain’s pigs from the threat of African swine fever (ASF) have been announced today (Wednesday 31 August 2022). African swine fever poses no risk to human health, bu...

31 Aug 2022

Tyson Foods fires international group head

Tyson Foods Inc. has terminated its international division group president, according to a Monday filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The Springdale-based meat giant terminated Chris Langholz, group president international, on Aug. 26 according to...

31 Aug 2022

Argentine beef exports hit new records

Argentina’s Rosario Stock Exchange Friday reported the first semester of 2022 showed record beef exports 39.4% above figures from the same period last year, worth US$1.75 billion. Beef shipments grew US$ 457 million from US$ 1.293 billion. “Analysing the evolution of 2...

31 Aug 2022

NFU seeks ‘urgent clarity’ as UK ammonia plant stops production

The NFU has requested an urgent meeting with CF Fertilisers on the impact of its decision to suspend ammonia production at its Co Durham plant. In a statement, CF Fertilisers attributed its decision to halt ammonia production, a key ingredient to produce fertiliser, to market ...

31 Aug 2022

Support urged for Love Lamb Week

Consumer support for Love Lamb Week is more important than ever with the sheep sector continuing to be hit hard by soaring input costs, according to the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU). Working together on the promotion of the annual event, UFU will focus on the production of la...

31 Aug 2022

Medical journal asked to ditch ‘cancer-link’ study

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has requested that ‘misleading content’ linking red meat to cancer and other fatal diseases be immediately removed from respected medical journal The Lancet, after leading scientists questioned the validity of its claim...

31 Aug 2022

Carrefour CEO says inflation crisis seeing consumers snub organic food

Cost-conscious French consumers are ditching fish, buying cheaper meat and snubbing organic food to save money on their shopping, the head of Europe’s largest food retailer said on Tuesday. Carrefour Chief Executive Alexandre Bompard said economists’ debates about ...

31 Aug 2022

China Halts Some Meat Imports From US Processor Tyson Foods

(Bloomberg) — China has suspended some meat imports from US processing giant Tyson Foods Inc., the country’s customs office said on Monday. The halt affects products from a plant owned by Tyson Fresh Meats Inc., the beef and pork subsidiary, for shipments from Aug. 29,...

31 Aug 2022

Glossop abattoir closes after 100 years

Mettrick’s abattoir in Glossop, Derbyshire will close after over 100 years, with campaigners calling the news ‘extremely worrying’ for local farmers. The abattoir is run by brothers John and Steven Mettrick, the fifth generation since the business was founded...

31 Aug 2022

Pork supplies remain tight, as Europe gives UK pig market impetus

Rising European pig prices continue to support the UK pig price at a time when domestic supplies are tightening. The late summer Bank holiday caused some disruption with factory closures, but supplies remained on the tight side with slaughter weights well under control, Thames...

31 Aug 2022

BMPA calls for Government intervention over planned CO2 plant closures

The British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has called for Government intervention amid concerns over future CO2 supplies, after CF Fertilisers UK announced its intention to temporarily halt ammonia production at its Billingham Complex. The plant is a major supplie...

31 Aug 2022

AHDB to showcase red meat and dairy in Singapore

AHDB will be in Singapore next week at a major international food and drink showcasing red meat and dairy to buyers from around the world. The export team will be attending Food and Hotel Asia (FHA), which runs from Monday to Thursday, and attracts more than 40,000 trade deleg...

30 Aug 2022

China develops new beef cattle breed ‘Huaxi’

China has successfully bred a new beef cattle variant “Huaxi” and owns the independent intellectual property, which will likely strengthen competitiveness of China’s beef industry and the nation’s food security, Xinhua News Agency reported on Wednesday....

30 Aug 2022

Botswana suspends beef exports over suspected FMD outbreak

GABORONE (Reuters) – Botswana has suspended beef exports after a suspected outbreak of foot and mouth disease, the Department of Veterinary Services said on Wednesday, a move that could hurt the country’s earnings from the lucrative EU market. Along with South Africa a...

29 Aug 2022

Namibia suspends livestock imports from Botswana after FMD scare

WINDHOEK, Aug 29 (Reuters) – Namibia on Monday announced the suspension of livestock imports and other related meat products from Botswana after its eastern neighbour announced last week that it is investigating a suspected outbreak of foot and mouth disease. Suspected c...

29 Aug 2022

Tyson pork plant in U.S suspended from exporting to China -USDA

CHICAGO, Aug 29 (Reuters) – Tyson Foods Inc’s pork processing plant in Logansport, Indiana, has been suspended from exporting products to China, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Monday. The suspension is effective Aug. 29, the agency said. Neither USDA no...

26 Aug 2022

EU-NZ deal more favourable than UK’s

Two Scottish Ministers have hit out at the UK Government’s trade deal with New Zealand, noting the EU has secured more favourable terms for its farmers. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon and Trade Minister Ivan McKee pointed to a ‘stark contrast’ between the two agre...

26 Aug 2022

GB cattle prices stabilise

The average GB prime cattle deadweight price saw its first increase for seven weeks, appreciating 0.9p to average 433.4p/kg in the week ending 20 August. This increase means average prices are now 65p above the 5-year average, and 25p above prices this time last year. Within t...

26 Aug 2022

GB pig prices for week ending August 20

AHDB Pork’s weekly pig prices, slaughter data and commentary for Great Britain The GB EU-spec SPP edged closer to the 200p/kg mark in the week ending August 20, averaging 198.06p/kg. This was up 0.66p from the previous week. The measure stood 39p above the equivalent wee...

26 Aug 2022

BMPA calls for Government intervention as planned plant closure threatens CO2 supplies

26 Aug 2022

Butcher fears closure amid rising energy costs

A butcher said he could be forced to close his business due to rising energy costs. Martin Mottershead has been paying £12,000 a year at his Stafford shop, but this will rise to £35,000 when his fixed price contract ends in 18 months. Other small business owners in the town ...

26 Aug 2022

CO2 and fertiliser worries as last factory shuts

Britain’s only domestic fertiliser factory producing carbon dioxide is being shuttered due to high energy prices, raising alarm for the many organisations that depend on the gas for surgical operations, meat processing and production of beer and fizzy drinks. With ferti...

22 Aug 2022

Labour crisis sweeps Australia’s food supply chain

Australia’s key food industry bodies have calculated the food supply chain is currently short at least 172,000 workers from paddock to plate. This massive labour shortage will have significant long-term impacts on price and the availability of food for the consumer unless so...

16 Aug 2022

Australia, NZ deny ‘rumours’ of meat ban to China

Response comes after Chinese media reports imports could be suspended over foot-and-mouth disease concerns. Australia and New Zealand have said shipments of meat to China are clearing as normal despite Chinese media reports of a ban on imports from both countries. The Australi...

12 Aug 2022

Farmers fed up of being ‘easy target’ for emissions cuts

Farming groups have warned the industry has had enough of being seen as an ‘easy target’ for Governments seeking to cut emissions levels. The comments come after the Irish Government introduced a sectoral emissions ceiling for agriculture of 25 per cent by 2030. Thomas Bin...

12 Aug 2022

Pig abattoir numbers in England continue to decline

The latest figures show that just 87 slaughterhouses killed pigs in 2021, 6 fewer than in 2020 and 38 fewer than a decade ago. The number of specialists plants* has also reduced, now standing at 11, down 1 from 2020 and 5 fewer than a decade ago. These specialist plants accoun...

12 Aug 2022

GB pig prices for week ending August 6, 2022

AHDB Pork’s weekly pig prices, slaughter data and commentary for Great Britain The EU spec SPP stood at 196.46/kg for the week ending August 6, a marginal increase of 0.60/kg on the previous week. Although the SPP is still creeping up week-on-week, AHDB said it is still fall...

12 Aug 2022

Pilgrim’s UK Lamb launches, with ambitions to reinvent British lamb

Pilgrim’s UK has now officially launched its lamb business, which will ‘connect a country wide lamb supply chain, bringing farmers and customers closer together’. This latest step for Pilgrim’s UK follows the company’s 2021 acquisition of Randall Parker Food’s ...

12 Aug 2022

Turkish President announces meat sales discount

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that the government will initiate a new discount in sales of meat to curb the high prices in the market. “We will start selling cattle with a 30-35 percent discount. This will also align those who upset the balance of the ma...

12 Aug 2022

Beyond Meat reports revenue loss

Beyond Meat has reported that net revenues were down 1.6% year-on-year as the company prepares to cut 4% of its global workforce, according to its latest trading statement. Founded in 2009, Beyond Meat is a plant-based meat company with products available at approximately 183,...

12 Aug 2022

RSPCA calls for a ban on exporting non-stunned meat

UK meat which has been slaughtered without being stunned beforehand should be banned from export. According to animal welfare charity RSPCA, in recent years the number of animals slaughtered without stunning has been falling – but the proportion of those being exported to ot...

10 Aug 2022

Pork Processor throughputs stall but market prices see positive boost – TVC

Thames Valley Cambac’s (TVC) pig marketing summary, for the week concluding August 7, shows that GB and European pig prices saw a positive boost regardless of slowing throughputs and sales. GB SPP was up 1.58p from a week ago, for a figure of 195.86p; Tribune Spot Bacon ...

10 Aug 2022

Farmers fed up of being ‘easy target’ for emissions cuts

10 Aug 2022

Love lamb week returns with ‘naturally delicious’ theme

The annual week-long celebration of UK lamb will be returning next month for an eighth year, with sheep producers set to shine a light on the sustainability of their sector. Love Lamb Week, running from 1-7 September, aims to remind consumers of the taste and quality that UK l...

08 Aug 2022

Dutch government plans to drastically cut livestock numbers

Dutch farmers are continuing to protest over the government’s plans to cut emissions, which will see more than half of livestock farmers having to give up or drastically slim down their businesses. Recently, farmers in the Netherlands have blockaded food distribution...

08 Aug 2022

GB pig prices for week ending July 30

AHDB Pork’s weekly pig prices, slaughter data and commentary for Great Britain The GB deadweight EU-Spec SPP rose by 1.58p in the week ending July 30, to reach 195.86p/kg. The estimated number of clean pigs saw a slight increase on last week to 177,600 head, a 1% increase i...

08 Aug 2022

The UK-USA pork export trade is proving prosperous in 2022

The latest HMRC figures show that the UK’s pork exports to the USA, between January and April of this year, nearly doubled on 2021 figures; making the US the third largest export market for UK pork. In the first four months of 2022, UK pork exports to the USA were worth�...

08 Aug 2022

FSA considers rule change for meat during Muslim holiday

A Food Standards Agency (FSA) consultation is looking at changing the rules around the sale of meat during a religious festival. Qurbani is a religious practice that takes place during Eid al-Adha. Some Muslims prefer to collect meat and offal shortly after slaughter as this s...

08 Aug 2022

Seasonal pressure on lamb prices continues

In the week ending 3rd August, the GB NSL liveweight SQQ dropped slightly to average 243.88p/kg, down 4.36p from last week. Reports indicate that well covered animals were still commanding plenty of interest and the best prices, but lighter, less-finished animals weighed on a...

08 Aug 2022

French sheep farmers warn against EU/NZ trade deal

A PROPOSED trade deal between New Zealand and the EU would see 38,000 tonnes lamb arrive at half the price of its competitors, French farming leaders have warned. The president of the French National Sheep Federation, Michèle Boudoin, warned: “This agreement foresees se...

08 Aug 2022

EU sheep prices remain firm

Despite recording some seasonal pressure recently, GB finished lamb prices remain at historically high levels. Throughput for the year-to-date is slightly up on last year, indicating that there is no shortage in supply, with production forecast to remain higher for the rest o...

03 Aug 2022

Saudi Arabia bans Polish poultry products

RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has imposed a temporary ban on the import of poultry meat, table eggs, and their products and equipment from the Wielkopolskie region of Poland. The authority’s move came after receiving an immediate notification report i...

03 Aug 2022

Beyond Meat sales under threat as plant-based boom withers

Aug 3 (Reuters) – Beyond Meat Inc is headed for an unappetizing second quarter as the plant-based food craze withers in the face of several weak product tests at restaurants and mediocre reviews. Analysts have slashed forecasts for Beyond Meat’s sales on supply-ch...

02 Aug 2022

First UK pork exports heading to Chile this month

British pork will be heading to Chile this month, to complete the first commercial export order since market access was granted in March 2022. The new agreement granted access for 27 UK pork processing sites to export to Chile, with AHDB estimating that the market access ...

25 Jul 2022

Extinction Rebellion blocks Avara Foods site

Extinction Rebellion protesters have blocked the entrance to a poultry firm in Hereford. The environmental group gathered with banners from about 06:00 BST in front of an Avara Foods site in Allensmore where chickens are reared. Avara Foods supplies poultry to UK supermarkets ...

22 Jul 2022

AHDB to host US lamb importers visit to the UK

Five of America’s most respected red meat importers will join AHDB on a five-day mission next week to explore opportunities for UK lamb, ahead of the first commercial exports. On Sunday, a delegation of importers and processors from the eastern region of the US, will be arri...

21 Jul 2022

German court rejects case against meat industry restrictions

BERLIN — Germany’s highest court said Wednesday it has thrown out complaints against a ban on the use of subcontractors in slaughterhouses that was prompted by coronavirus outbreaks early in the pandemic. The Federal Constitutional Court said it rejected complaints by a sa...

20 Jul 2022

Australia raises guard against FMD after Indonesia cases

SYDNEY, July 20 (Reuters) – Australia on Wednesday said it has stepped up protection against foot and mouth disease at its international airports following an outbreak of the disease in Indonesia. Travellers arriving in Australia from Indonesia will now be asked to walk ...

20 Jul 2022

Down Under: Electronic ear tags for millions of sheep backed by NSW to prepare for FMD

The NSW government has thrown its support behind the urgent development of mandatory electronic ID tags for millions of sheep and goats to ensure any outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) can be traced. Australian cattle are already individually tagged but millions of she...

20 Jul 2022

UK ministers accused of failing to fight for farmers with NZ trade deal

Welsh farmers’ leaders have criticised the UK Government’s new trade deal with New Zealand and says ministers have failed “to fight for the interests of our farmers”. The government is also accused of blocking scrutiny of the deal which is currently awaiting MP’s app...

13 Jul 2022

Seasonal worker visa scheme for poultry confirmed until 2024

The seasonal worker visa scheme for poultry has been confirmed until 2024, following efforts by the NFU to engage with Defra and the Home Office. On 5 July, Defra and the Home Office hosted an online meeting, which was attended by poultry businesses and NFU chief poultry advis...

13 Jul 2022

GB liveweight lamb prices jump up

For the week ending 6 July, the GB liveweight NSL SQQ stood at 317.54/kg, over 15p/kg above the previous week. The SQQ for OSL stood at 231.99/kg, just over 14p/kg above the previous week. An estimated 132,500 lambs (NSL & OSL) were sold at auction markets during the week,...

13 Jul 2022

Pig prices up again, lighter weights

The GB EU-Spec deadweight SPP rose by 2.49p in the week ending 2 July, bringing it to 188.88p/kg. Estimated slaughter in the week ending 2 July was 172,500 head, nearly 4,000 more than last week, and 13,000 more than the same week last year. This brings annual clean pig slaugh...

13 Jul 2022

GB cattle prices still strong, numbers up.

In the week ending 2 July, GB deadweight cattle prices gained further ground despite more cattle coming forward. The average price for prime cattle procured deadweight in GB gained a further 1.8p on the week before to average 443.9p/kg, 45p above where it was this time a year ...

13 Jul 2022

UK ASF risk increased to ‘High’ from human mediated routes

The Government has increased the UK’s African swine fever (ASF) risk status in response in response to worrying new outbreaks in Germany, sparked by human spread. The virus has recently been confirmed in domestic pigs in a new region of Germany, in Emsland, Lower Saxony, r...

13 Jul 2022

Cost of living crisis driving down meat sales

The cost of living crisis is forcing consumers to cut back on their meat intake, according to AHDB analysis. Inflation is now neck and neck with health as the top driver of meat reduction, the levy board says. Consumers who believe that beef and red meat currently have good pr...

11 Jul 2022

Poor demand continues to frustrate pork market

Poor demand for pork and low prices in Europe are continuing to hold back the UK pork market, according to Thames Valley Cambac. Today, the Tribune bacon price edged towards £2/kg, hitting 196.5p/kg, while the SPP was up another 2.49p to 188.9p/kg last week – a new record, ...

08 Jul 2022

USA – 4 largest beef accused processors of price fixing

OMAHA, Neb. — The nation’s largest food distributor has joined the other businesses accusing the four largest meat processors of working together to inflate beef prices. Sysco recently filed a federal lawsuit in Texas accusing Tyson Foods, JBS, Cargill and National Beef of...

07 Jul 2022

AHDB to review all pork services

AHDB is reviewing all its services for pork levy payers, as it faces up to a future with a reduced levy and undergoes a restructure following the recent Shape the Future vote. The pork levy, which totalled around £9m in 2021/22, is under pressure two fronts. HMRC informed AHD...

07 Jul 2022

Brazilian beef exports booming

Brazilian exports of beef during the second half of the year should keep their bullish pace anticipates a report from Netherlands Rabobank, given the strong demand from China, United States, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, reflected in an estimated 10% tonnage increase ove...

06 Jul 2022

FMD casts shadow over Eid festival in Indonesia

JAKARTA, July 6 (Reuters) – An outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Indonesia threatens to disrupt a ritual of slaughtering animals to mark the festival of Eid al-Adha this year, with livestock traders in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation bemoaning low sa...

04 Jul 2022

Meat supply chain buckles down for a bumpy ride

2022 and beyond will go down as being among the most challenging periods for Scotland’s red meat sector since the industry faced the foot-and-mouth outbreaks of 2001 and 2007 and the emergence of BSE in the 1980s. “Rising costs, continuing labour shortages and the challeng...

01 Jul 2022

NZ farmers disappointed in EU trade deal

WELLINGTON, July 1 (Reuters) – New Zealand dairy, sheep and beef farmers are largely disappointed by the newly signed New Zealand-European Union free trade agreement, lamenting it provides little new access to the profitable market for meat and dairy. The agreement, whic...

01 Jul 2022

Red Tractor loses beef and lamb members

The industry source who shared the figures, but wished to remain anonymous, added the data did not include those members who had left the scheme since it published its updated standards in November 2021. RT admitted there had been a decline in the number of beef and lamb produ...

01 Jul 2022

Sheep kill: Over 50,000 less lambs processed compared to this time last year

Last week’s sheep kill (week ending June 25) witnessed a decrease on the week before, with all categories of sheep seeing a decline in throughput. Spring lamb throughput once again broke 40,000 head last week, but was still back on the previous week, while hogget supplie...

01 Jul 2022

France to ban ‘meat’ names for items made with plants

France plans to ban the use of ‘meat’ names like “steak” and “sausage” on plant-based protein food, according to a new decree, in a bid to avoid confusion over the meat alternatives. France is the first country in the European Union to make ...

30 Jun 2022

EU opens up market to more NZ beef, lamb and dairy

The European Union and New Zealand completed negotiations on Thursday for a free trade agreement that could boost goods and services business between the two partners by 30pc. However, the EU will open up to more dairy products and beef from New Zealand, a sensitive area for s...

29 Jun 2022

Brazilian beef exports continue to flourish

In the first quarter of 2022 Brazil slaughtered a total of 6.96 million head of cattle, a 6% increase (+362,000 head) compared to 2021. The year-on-year increase in slaughter has driven beef production to increase 6% (+105,000 tonnes) to 1.84 million tonnes. Brazil is the worl...

29 Jun 2022

UK market opportunities for Australia

The Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UK FTA) was signed on 17 December 2021 and will open up new opportunities for Australian red meat exports after it enters into force, anticipated in the second half of 2022. In Q1 2022, MLA conducted three new research studi...

29 Jun 2022

Mexico meat processor’s mission to UK

One of Mexico’s largest meat processors recently journeyed to the UK to meet with pork industry leaders, to find out more about the UK pork sector following the £50 million UK-Mexico market access deal in 2021. Senior leaders from SuKarne took part in a two-day mission t...

29 Jun 2022

Butcher gets the chop for stealing a ton of meat

An employee at a Bedfordshire meat company who stole meat worth thousands of pounds escaped going to prison on Monday, June 27, 2022. Instead, Piotr Selonke from Poland, was given a suspended sentence and told he must pay £2,400 to his former employers, York House Meat Compan...

28 Jun 2022

Pork market improves slightly

The market improved slightly last week through better prices in places. However, other than the fresh meat market, driven by what seems to be a minor improvement in summer BBQ trade, generally demand was lacklustre with reduced kills, and some processors reporting very poor sa...

28 Jun 2022

Man jailed for involvement in illegal meat operation

A Ceredigion man living in Ireland has been extradited and sentenced after his involvement in illicit farming and trading of meat that was unfit for human consumption. Robert Thomas, 45, originally from Ferwig near Cardigan, was found to be part of an organised crime group (OC...

27 Jun 2022

Pork exports to the Philippines up on record year

Exports of pork from the UK to the Philippines reached almost £17 million in the first four months of 2022 – up 14% on the same period last year. According to the latest figures from HMRC, between January and April, the amount of pig meat shipped to the country in Southeast...

21 Jun 2022

Pork demand lukewarm, despite barbecue weather

Despite the obvious excellent barbecue opportunities encouraged by the current warm spell, demand was surprisingly subdued from many of the majors last, according to Thames Valley Cambac. Processor price contributions stood on, but other market fundamentals, such as SPP �...

21 Jun 2022

German pork production in decline

Data from the European Commission shows that Germany’s overall pork production has suffered as a result of the sector’s poor profitability and ASF pressures. Germany’s finished pig slaughter volumes fell 9% (790,000 head) year-on-year, in the first two months of 2022, ...

20 Jun 2022

Baths have higher carbon footprint than beef

Running a bath can have a higher carbon footprint than eating 4oz of British beef, the author of a new book has said. Jayne Buxton, whose work The Great Plant-Based Con advocates a common sense approach to diet, blamed the growth of the ‘epidemiology industry’ for an ‘...

20 Jun 2022

Emissions levy planned for New Zealand farms

New Zealand’s Government is considering proposals from its agricultural groups for a farm-level levy system on emissions from 2025. Farming organisations, including Beef and Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and Dairy New Zealand, felt they had to make proposals or face the Governmen...

16 Jun 2022

Maelor Foods poultry plant jobs boost

Poultry processor Maelor Foods is looking to increase operations at its Pickhill Lane facility in Cross Lanes near Wrexham. There is the prospect of 125 additional jobs and a boost of £13 million to the Wrexham economy. The company – part of the wider Salisbury Poultry ...

16 Jun 2022

ASF discovered in domestic pigs in Italy

African swine fever (ASF) has been found in domestic pigs in Italy for the first time, delivering a major blow to the country’s pork sector. Two cases were detected on a farm in Rome’s Lazio region last week. The infected pigs were culled immediately, along with seven othe...

16 Jun 2022

Malaysia bans poultry exports

At a time when the price of poultry feed is historically high, and unpredictable hot weather has resulted in the death of day-old chicks due to heat stroke, Malaysia has banned the export of poultry products. Rising food prices since the second half of 2021 have led the Malays...

16 Jun 2022

Cull sow prices tumble on the back of over-supplied EU market

Cull sow prices are falling rapidly due to an over-supplied EU market, as rising finished pig prices are still no match for record costs. The news that the SPP had breached 180p for the first time in its history should, in normal times, be lauded by the industry, according to ...

16 Jun 2022

Councillors fight back in vegan meal row

Members are launching a local food fight back, after Oxfordshire County Council’s decision to switch to plant-based only menus has been called into question. Councillor Eddie Reeves will ask members at a full meeting of the council in July to reinstate meat and dairy on to t...

16 Jun 2022

Mild strength in cattle prices

As killing returned to normal in the week following the Jubilee bank holiday weekend, cattle prices stood their ground. In the week ending 11 June, the GB all-prime average gained 0.7p to 440.7p/kg. Overall, steer prices rose by 1.4p to 441.6p/kg, while those meeting the R4L s...

16 Jun 2022

GB pig prices for week ending June 11, 2022 – SPP picks up

The EU spec SPP rose in the week ending 11 June to 183.10p/kg, an increase of 2.53p on the week before. Estimated slaughter was up at 177,600 head, an increase of 15% on the week previous due to bank holidays. Carcase weights averaged 90.20kg/head, in line with weight record...

16 Jun 2022

France tests avian influenza vaccine

France has started a trial to vaccinate ducks against highly pathogenic avian influenza. The Ministry of Agriculture reports that 2 vaccines are being tested that can protect the birds against infection and prevent the virus from spreading. Minister Julien Denormandie had prev...

16 Jun 2022

Export demand fuels Irish cattle market

Robust demand from the UK and the EU has supported Irish cattle prices, despite more Irish cattle on the market during the first quarter of 2022. Irish cattle slaughter has been running ahead of 2021 levels during the first four months of 2022, according to data from Central S...

16 Jun 2022

Indonesia launches nationwide foot and mouth vaccinations

JAKARTA, June 13 (Reuters) – Indonesia will this week launch a nationwide livestock vaccination programme, its agriculture ministry said on Monday, as the number of cattle infected with foot and mouth disease surged to more than 151,000. Some of vaccines arrived on Sunda...

16 Jun 2022

Stark drop in pig numbers

Pig industry figures have called on Government to provide some ‘proper support’ to halt the decline in production as the industry contracts. New anonymised data from AgroVision, shared with the National Pig Association (NPA), has shown supplies will quickly switch from sur...

16 Jun 2022

Cattle hide prices remain subdued

The market for ox hides has changed little in recent weeks, according to The Sauer Report, although price reductions might be expected if Chinese buying remains weak. Italian tanners are reported to be well stocked, but with reduced sales orders of their own. However, UK suppl...

06 Jun 2022

Scotbeef director elected to lead Scottish meat wholesalers

Scotland’s meat wholesalers have elected Ian Bentley, a non-executive director of Scotbeef, as their new president. Mr Bentley acknowledged the challenges the industry faces which he said were common to both farmers and processers. However he said he was optimistic about the...

06 Jun 2022

Strong livestock prices offer respite as costs rise

Strong livestock prices at market continue to offer some respite for farmers in a period when the cost of agricultural inputs is rising sharply due to the price of energy and the war in Ukraine. Latest monthly analysis of trends in the lamb, beef and pork sectors by Hybu Cig C...

01 Jun 2022

New Zealand red meat sector concerned at reports of ‘weak’ EU offer

The NZ red meat sector is concerned at reports of a poor quality draft agricultural access offer from the European Union (EU) to New Zealand. A looming end of June deadline to conclude an Agreement in Principle was also a worry. European Trade Ministers were due to meet this w...

01 Jun 2022

Malaysia bans chicken exports

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Diners in Singapore are bracing for prices of their national chicken-and-rice dish to soar as neighbouring Malaysia prepares to block exports starting June 1st to increase supplies in its own markets and hold down surging prices. Prime Minister ...

31 May 2022

British beef breeds ‘unique selling point’ for US trade

The UK’s various cattle breeds are a ‘unique selling point’ and could be capitalised upon in future US trade, representatives from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) have said. Speaking exclusively to Farmers Guardian as part of the FALUK 2022 trip, Ethan...

30 May 2022

Swine fever warning after case confirmed near French border

African Swine Fever (ASF) has been detected on a German pig unit close to the French border – a 500km (311 miles) jump from previous known cases. The outbreak was in a small herd of outdoor pigs near Baden-Wuerttemberg, in western Germany. Scientists at the Friedrich-Löffle...

27 May 2022

Tesco gives £6.6m to pig producers following plea

UK pig farmers have welcomed a decision by Tesco, their biggest customer, to pay an extra £6.6m to pork producers. It follows a National Pig Association (NPA) letter to Tesco urging it to “do the right thing” and pay more or risk losing its British pork supply bas...

27 May 2022

British meat to boost Jubilee BBQs

A new drive to encourage people to buy British meat has been launched to tie-in with the Platinum Jubilee. AHDB’s ‘Royal up your BBQ’ campaign features a number of recipes designed to inspire consumers to use British beef, lamb and pork as part of their bank holiday cele...

25 May 2022

New Zealand sheep meat trade update

New Zealand has slaughtered 12.8million sheep and lambs in the first half of the 2021/22 season (which began in October), totalling 256,000 tonnes of sheep meat, down 14% on the same time last year. Exports of sheep meat for first half of the 2021/22 season totalled 200,858 to...

25 May 2022

China bans meat purchases from three Brazil exporters for a week

BRASILIA, April 15 (Reuters) – China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) has suspended imports from three Brazilian beef exporters – JBS SA, Marfrig and Naturafrig – for one week, the newspaper Valor Economico reported, citing a statement sent to...

25 May 2022

Co-op lifeline for UK pig farmers

Convenience retailer Co-op has called on other leading supermarkets to back UK pig farmers by selling more British produced pork. Pig farmers have been struggling since before the pandemic and around 60 per cent of the pork consumed in the UK is imported. Now more retailers ha...

23 May 2022

UK beef exports up nearly 50% year-on-year

UK exports of beef are up nearly 50 percent compared to the same period a year ago, new figures from HMRC show. The UK exported 12,600 tonnes of fresh and frozen beef in March, up 14% from February and up 46% compared to the same month a year ago. While significantly higher ye...

09 May 2022

Liveweight lamb prices ease

In the week ending 4 May, liveweight sheep prices lost some ground gained in previous weeks, with nearly all grades losing value apart from heavier spring lambs. The OSL SQQ averaged 271.1p/kg, down nearly 8p from the previous week, while the NSL SQQ lost nearly 6p to average ...

09 May 2022

Waitrose announces £16 million package to support pig prices

Waitrose has announced a further support package for its British pork farmers worth up to £16m to ensure prices paid for pigs to cover producers’ soaring costs of production. The retailer said the move means it will cover the full cost of rearing and producing pigs – in...

09 May 2022

Expansion plans for Bowland Foods

A family-run meat supplier in Preston is looking to expand its premises due to the “underlaying pressure upon the meat processing industry”. Bowland Food’s Ltd is a meat-cutting plant where chilled animal carcasses are readied for further cutting and processi...

09 May 2022

China meat imports drop 36% on year in April

BEIJING: China imported 592,000 tonnes of meat in April, down 35.7 per cent from the same month a year earlier, customs data showed on Monday (May 9), as a surge in domestic pork output curbed appetite for shipments from abroad. Imports have also been impacted by strained logi...

03 May 2022

Brazil meat exporters face hurdles shipping product via Shanghai

SAO PAULO, April 20 (Reuters) – Brazil’s ABPA, a lobby group representing large pork and chicken processors said on Wednesday its member companies are facing difficulties shipping products through the Port of Shanghai. The statement, sent in response to a question ...

03 May 2022

Shanghai lockdown sends chill down meat trade

BEIJING, May 2 (Reuters) – The protracted lockdown in Shanghai, China’s financial hub, is slowing the nation’s normally booming meat trade, with stringent COVID-19 measures causing logistics logjams across the food industry in a sign of the broadening disrupt...

26 Apr 2022

Russian army targets food production in Ukraine

An Eastern European agricultural organisation has issued a plea to farmers and agricultural companies across Europe to help get aid to Ukraine, where Russian troops have stepped up attacks on the farming sector. Maksym Kryvonis, executive director of the Eastern European Agric...

26 Apr 2022

EU beef price surpasses UK – Irish price lags behind

The European (EU) average beef price has now surpassed that of the UK’s, while Irish price remains well behind, according to data from Bord Bia. The Irish food board’s cattle price dashboard’s most recent data from April 2, shows that Irish beef price is running 40c/kg b...

26 Apr 2022

Irish pig producers to receive new aid package

Irish pig producers will receive a further aid package worth around €13m (£10.9m) as farmers there continue to see losses due to surging costs. The new package will provide farmers up to €70,000 (£58.9k), but access to it is conditional on them cutting production by 10%,...

13 Apr 2022

Pig prices must continue to rise – TVC

As new figures highlight the staggering losses pig producers are currently enduring, the need for pig price increases becomes even more stark, according to Thames Valley Cambac. AHDB estimates the current reported cost of production at 203-216p/kg on the back of soaring feed...

13 Apr 2022

Seasonal boost for lamb

Easter and the Islamic festivals have provided a boost to both prime lamb and cull sheep prices across the UK. Prime lamb prices have reached the highest levels since the festive period. In Scotland, the market cleared 268p/kg in the week to April 6, according to Quality Meat ...

13 Apr 2022

Producers losing up to £61/pig, as costs soar beyond £2/kg

Pig producers are currently losing, on average, between £46 and £61 per slaughter pig, with costs of production typically above the £2/kg mark, according to AHDB. These staggering losses and costs of up to 216p/kg highlight yet again the urgent need for pig prices to rise ...

13 Apr 2022

ASF detected in Malaysia

The Negri Sembilan Veterinary Services Department (JPVNS) has confirmed that the African Swine Fever (ASF) was detected at a farm in Kampung Baru Tanah Merah Site A, in the town of Port Dickson, Malaysia. According to a report from Malay Mail, Datuk Bakri Sawir, the State...

13 Apr 2022

Cull cows break 350p/kg deadweight

The overall average deadweight cow price in GB reached 351.6p/kg in the week ending 9 April, up another 12p on the week before. The measure was up 78p from the same week in 2021. The number of cows slaughtered during the week at British abattoirs was estimated to be 9,200...

11 Apr 2022

Hauliers want priority for perishable goods at Dover

UK hauliers carrying perishable goods say products are losing quality and value as they are forced to sit in long queues to cross into Europe at Dover. Bad weather, Easter holidays and P&O Ferries routes being suspended have all led to congestion around the port. The queue...

04 Apr 2022

UK beef exports to US frozen

UK beef exports to the US are frozen for the remainder of 2022, with the blockage set to hit UK exporters. The UK transported 2,574 tonnes of beef worth £11 million in 2021 and £1.3 million in January 2022, but the US quota for this year has already been filled. Dr Phil Hadl...

23 Mar 2022

UK red meat exports up on pre-pandemic levels

Exports of red meat from the UK were worth more than £1.45 billion in 2021 – up £33 million on pre-pandemic levels despite a challenging year for exporters. Many markets increased imports of UK red meat, in particular in Asia, figures by AHDB show, despite a number of fact...

23 Mar 2022

Cull cow prices up, up and away

In recent weeks, cull cow prices have been climbing, with the GB overall cow price reaching a record breaking high last week. In the most recent week, ended 12 March, the price climbed a further 7p, to 316.7p/kg. Meanwhile, the GB all prime average increased 2.1p, to 410.8p/kg...

23 Mar 2022

Sheep prices dip

Finished lamb prices fell in the latest week. The GB liveweight OSL SQQ was 259.10p/kg in the week ending 16 March, down half a penny on a week earlier. Good supplies were available; auction market throughputs were 7% higher than a week ago, at 114,400 head. Deadweight prices ...

23 Mar 2022

Warning of 15% inflation as feed prices soar

Food security is set to crumble in light of potential hyper-inflation caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to the boss of the UK’s largest poultry manufacturing company. Ronald Kers, 2 Sisters Food Group CEO, said he believed hyper-inflation could be the highest...

23 Mar 2022

GB deadweight pig prices

The UK-spec SPP rose to 136.24p/kg for the week ending 12 March, an increase of 0.41p/kg from the week before. Although reports suggest some processors have substantially increased their weekly contributions, as these sometimes only form part of the contract price, it will tak...

23 Mar 2022

Ukraine conflict prompts feed shortage

ROME, March 18 (Reuters) – Carlo Vittorio Ferrari, who runs a farm holding 2,000 pigs with his brother near the town of Cremona in northern Italy, fears his fourth generation family business could be lost due to conflict in Ukraine. The country is a major global supplier...

23 Mar 2022

KFC and McDonald’s halt operations in Russia

Yum! Brands, the parent company of fried chicken chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), as well as McDonald’s, have announced the suspension of operations in Russia. “This action builds on our decision to suspend all investment and restaurant development in Russia and redirec...

23 Mar 2022

Pig producers welcome big Morrisons price increase

Pig producers have hailed Morrisons and urged other retailers to follow suit after it significantly increased the price it pays to its farmers. Morrisons will increase the weekly contribution paid by its processor Woodheads by a massive 30p to 180p per kg. Other processors wer...

23 Mar 2022

AHDB predicts weakening of EU pig prices

The Agriculture and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) has predicted a weakening of EU pig prices in the months ahead as farmers are thought to have held back pigs from slaughter in anticipation of higher prices. The speculation rests on the idea that EU producers have ...

21 Mar 2022

Russia destroys Ukraine’s poultry industry

Ukraine poultry companies report major losses caused by the Russian invasion and direct attacks on poultry production assets and warehouses. Ukraine’s largest egg producer, Avangard, said that the Russian aggression caused significant losses in production capacity, with seve...

17 Mar 2022

Ukraine war: Meat sector braces for renewed market volatility

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to renewed market turbulence across the red meat supply chain, new analysis by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) shows. After two years of market volatility caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic, some may have hoped for a quieter ...

17 Mar 2022

UK secures pork market access to Chile

UK pork is to be exported to Chile for the first time. The new deal is estimated to be worth £20million over the first five years. Authorities have today (March 17) given the green light to 27 pork processing sites from across the UK to start commercial exports. The UK has an...

17 Mar 2022

UK pork trade continues to struggle against global pressures

The UK pork trade continues to struggle on the main stage as issues including waning Chinese demand and oversupply within the EU persist into 2022, according to a report from AHDB. UK pig meat exports were down by 11% in January on the previous month as the country struggles...

16 Mar 2022

Banham Poultry takeover may have broken competition rules

The takeover of Banham Poultry by Boparan Private Office (BPO) hangs in the balance as the deal may have broken market competition rules. The Competitions and Market Authority (CMA) is investigating whether the takeover of the Attleborough poultry firm would result in the...

15 Mar 2022

New MD for Soanes Poultry

Yorkshire-based Soanes Poultry has recruited its next managing director from within the business. Ben Lee, the current director of sales and marketing will succeed Nigel Upson when he retires after 10 years in his post. Lee joined the family business in 2008 after completing h...

15 Mar 2022

Russia to ban more meat imports

Russia has extended the number of companies from which it no longer will obtain poultry meat or pork. In total around 70 companies have their name on a black list. Meanwhile the import ban on poultry meat and pork is costing more than €100 million, EU administrators said. Co...

15 Mar 2022

Ripon online butcher acquired

INVERLEITH, the Edinburgh-based investment company, has expanded its portfolio by acquiring a majority stake in a Yorkshire online butchery specialist. Ripon-based Farmison declared it now has the “backing to take the business to the next stage” further to the deal, whic...

14 Mar 2022

Butchers JC Rook & Sons goes into administration

One of Kent’s oldest and biggest butchery firms with 11 shops across the county has gone into administration, putting more than 130 jobs at risk. JC Rook & Sons has been established for more than 55 years after opening its first butchers in Dover in 1965. But today a...

07 Mar 2022

Lamb prices fall well below last year’s levels

Deadweight lamb prices are under pressure, dropping for a second consecutive week to put them 43p/kg below the same week last year. The GB SQQ for the week ending 26 February averaged 570.9p/kg, a decrease of 15.1p/kg on the previous week, according to the AHDB. Throughput for...

07 Mar 2022

Plans for new Scotbeef abattoir remain on hold

Plans to build a new abattoir in the north-east of Scotland will remain on hold, Scotbeef Inverurie has confirmed in its latest accounts. The company – which is jointly owned by Scotland’s largest red meat processor JW Galloway and north-east farmers’ co-operative ANM...

02 Mar 2022

UK-NZ trade deal criticised by farmers

Farmers are expressing their deep concerns following the signing of a free trade deal between the UK and New Zealand on Monday (February 28). Hailed by the government as a deal that will slash red tape for companies exporting their goods, British farmers have pointed out the U...

21 Feb 2022

Education Secretary: ‘Families decide if meat is part of child’s diet, not schools’

The Education Secretary has expressed concern with schools that have banned meat from their lunch menus, declaring the issue is ‘for families to decide’. The news comes as parents at Barrowford Primary School in Lancashire were told earlier this month that meat was ban...

19 Feb 2022

‘Scotch premium’ for beef takes hit in processing sector

Increased supply and bottlenecks in the processing sector have contributed to the recent loss of the “Scotch premium” for beef, which traditionally saw prices for cattle born and bred in Scotland stand higher than those in the rest of the UK, it has been claimed. With pric...

17 Feb 2022

Saudi Arabia lifts Irish beef export restrictions

Saudi Arabia has lifted restrictions on age limits associated with Irish beef exports to the desert kingdom. Following meetings with Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority agreed in principle to lift the current restriction which mea...

17 Feb 2022

Pig sector urges retailers to copy Waitrose’s price pledge

The pig sector has urged UK retailers to follow Waitrose after it made a fresh pledge to pay farmers a fair price during the backlog crisis. Waitrose said it would be extending its commitment to pay a ‘fair and sustainable’ minimum price for pork to all of its pig ...

14 Feb 2022

AHDB challenges council’s plans to ditch meat and dairy

AHDB has challenged Oxfordshire County Council’s plans to ban meat and dairy from council events, as the move ‘fails to reflect’ the true impact of UK farming. Oxfordshire County Council is seeking to move toward providing only plant-based food at future coun...

14 Feb 2022

Waitrose pledges renewed support for troubled pig sector

Waitrose has announced it will strengthen its emergency support package to help pig farmer suppliers as the backlog crisis worsens. The move comes amid growing concerns over the pig sector, which is facing the biggest crisis it has seen in a generation. The current estimate is...

10 Feb 2022

Mixed week for deadweight cattle prices

There was a small drop in the GB all-prime average deadweight cattle price for week ending 5 February, down 0.6p to 405.1p/kg. Despite this drop, the all-prime price is still 28.3p above the same week a year ago and 52.4p above the 5-year average. Although steers and heifers�...

10 Feb 2022

Summit held to address ‘desperate’ crisis facing pig industry

Pig farmers are in a “desperate” position – with culls of thousands of healthy animals and producers quitting the industry, they warned as a summit was held on the crisis. Farmers demonstrated outside a meeting in York on Thursday as industry representatives met with t...

10 Feb 2022

Lamb price firmness remains

In the week ending 9 February, the GB old season lamb liveweight SQQ averaged 267.3p/kg, 2.2p lower than the week before. The measure stood at just over 4p below the price recorded for the same week a year ago. Despite this, it was still over 50p/kg dearer than the five-year a...

10 Feb 2022

Parliament urged to reject Australia deal

National Beef Association chief executive Neil Shand has called on Parliament to reject the Australia trade deal in a bid to force the Government back into negotiations. Speaking to Farmers Guardian after appearing before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) commit...

10 Feb 2022

China suspends Lithuanian beef as Taiwan row grows

BEIJING/VILNIUS (Reuters) -China suspended imports of beef, dairy and beer from Lithuania this week, Lithuania’s veterinary control agency said on Thursday, amid a growing trade dispute over the Baltic nation’s relations with Taiwan. China’s General Administration of Cus...

09 Feb 2022

Randall Parker Foods: 20 new jobs at Powys abattoir

A meat processing company is looking for people to fill 20 new job vacancies at its abattoir near Llanidloes. Randall Parker Foods is seeking new recruits to train for a variety of posts, ranging from the slaughterline and butchers to quality assurance supervisor. The Dolwen m...

09 Feb 2022

Abattoir plans £15m expansion in Bamber Bridge

Dunbia has applied for planning permission for a new beef chilling unit and other modernisation works on its site at Walton Summit to add to the £20m it has already spent there in the past two years. The plans will go before South Ribble’ s planning committee on Thursd...

07 Feb 2022

Brechin abattoir takeover boosts pig sector confidence.

The cloud of uncertainty hanging over the future of Scottish pig processing has been lifted following the purchase of Brechin abattoir by Browns Food Group. The specialist pig slaughterhouse, which employs around 100 staff, has been owned by Quality Pork Ltd (QPL), in a close ...

03 Feb 2022

Defra agrees to urgent summit with pig sector as crisis deepens

The government has agreed to convene an emergency summit of the entire pig supply chain as the sector’s crisis deepens. Defra farming minister Victoria Prentis today agreed to the joint National Pig Association (NPA) and NFU request for a roundtable event amid a worsenin...

03 Feb 2022

NZ Red Meat Sector Achieves Record Exports During 2021

New Zealand’s red meat sector exports reached $10 billion in 2021 despite the disruption caused by COVID-19, according to an analysis by the Meat Industry Association (MIA). The exports represented a nine per cent increase on 2020. The value of red meat and co-products expor...

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