Latest Meat Industry News & Insights | Meatex

Meatex News delivers independent, trade-focused reporting and market insight across the UK and European meat industry. Our coverage includes wholesale price movements, supply and demand trends, regulatory updates, and market developments relevant to professionals across the meat trade.

From beef and lamb pricing to food standards and policy changes, Meatex News provides practical analysis designed to help wholesalers, processors, butchers, and industry decision makers stay informed and respond to market change.

All articles are independently written summaries and analysis based on publicly available information. Clear attribution and links to original sources, including publication dates, are provided for transparency. Content is produced as original commentary in line with UK copyright law.

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Meatex News

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18 Feb 2026

Premium Scottish Butcher Considers Closure

Premium Meat Retailer Donald Russell Enters Consultation Over Potential Closure Scottish premium butcher brand Donald Russell has entered a consultation process that could result in the closure of its operations. This places around 120 jobs at risk. According to reporting by t...

17 Feb 2026

ABP Reshuffles Senior Leadership Across Ireland, UK and Poland

Senior Leadership Changes at ABP Across Key Markets ABP has confirmed a senior management restructure affecting its operations in Ireland, the UK and Poland, with new appointments aimed at strengthening regional oversight. This ABP leadership reshuffle is expected to have an i...

17 Feb 2026

USDA Seeks Faster Processing Speeds for Meat Plants

USDA Moves to Relax Line Speed Limits for Pork and Poultry Plants The US Department of Agriculture has proposed regulatory changes that would allow higher processing line speeds in pork and poultry facilities, in a move aimed at boosting competitiveness and efficiency. These c...

17 Feb 2026

Kazakhstan Plans Premium Beef Export Drive

Kazakhstan Targets Shift from Commodity Beef to Premium Exports Kazakhstan has outlined plans to reposition its beef sector from a volume-based commodity supplier to a premium, value-added exporter. The new strategy targets higher-margin markets. According to reporting by The ...

17 Feb 2026

Gap Widens Between Irish and Spanish Lamb

Irish Lamb Trade Flat as Spanish Prices Push Towards €11/kg Irish lamb prices remain static this week, with factory quotes holding around €7.50/kg, while Spanish and French markets continue to trade at significantly higher levels. According to reporting by Agriland, the av...

16 Feb 2026

$1.3bn Investment Signals Major Upgrade for US Pork Processing

Smithfield Plans $1.3bn Automated Pork Facility in South Dakota Smithfield Foods has announced plans to construct a new $1.3 billion pork processing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, replacing its long-standing downtown plant. According to reporting by Agweek, the company...

16 Feb 2026

Calls Grow for Support as Welsh Suckler Numbers Slide

Welsh Suckler Herd Shrinks by Nearly 40% Amid Industry Pressure Fresh figures show Wales’ suckler herd has contracted by almost 40% over the past two decades, prompting renewed calls for urgent government intervention to stabilise the beef sector. According to reporting by W...

15 Feb 2026

Factory Kill Numbers Slip as Irish Cattle Supply Tightens

Irish Cattle Slaughter Running 5,000 Head Per Week Behind 2025 Irish beef kill numbers are currently running more than 5,000 head per week below the same period last year, adding further strain to an already pressured processing sector. According to reporting by Agriland, week...

15 Feb 2026

Gene Editing Breakthrough May Fast-Track Elite Beef Genetics

Gene Edited “Surrogate Sires” Could Accelerate Premium Beef Supply A new gene-editing approach developed in the United States could enable premium beef genetics to be scaled rapidly. The use of gene edited surrogate sires is central to this breakthrough. As a result, this ...

13 Feb 2026

Strong Throughput Fails to Lift Irish Pig Prices

Irish Pig Prices Ease as Throughput Remains Strong Irish pig prices have edged lower in recent weeks, despite robust slaughter throughput in early 2026. According to the latest market update from Bord Bia, the average reported deadweight price for Grade E pigs for the week end...

13 Feb 2026

Irish Sheep Throughput Rises Despite Price Dip

Irish Hogget Trade Eases as Heavy Carcases Pressure Market The Irish hogget trade has softened this week, with base quotes falling back to around €7.50–€7.60/kg, plus Quality Assurance bonuses. According to the latest market update from Bord Bia, factories have trimmed q...

13 Feb 2026

Mixed Signals Across Australian Livestock Trade

Australian Livestock Markets Steady as Slaughter Levels Adjust Australian cattle and sheep markets showed mixed movements in the latest reporting week, with prices stabilising while overall slaughter volumes adjusted following recent volatility. These developments highlight tr...

13 Feb 2026

Australia Beef Sector Sees Highest Slaughter Since 2019

Australian Cattle Throughput Hits Highest Weekly Level Since 2019 Latest updates show that Australia cattle slaughter rates have reached their highest weekly total since 2019. This signals sustained processing activity despite recent weather disruptions. According to reporting...

13 Feb 2026

EU Faces Pressure Over PlantBased Sausage Naming

Food Industry Pushes Back on EU Sausage Labelling Proposal Major food companies and trade groups are urging European policymakers not to prohibit plant-based products from using traditional meat terms such as “sausage”. This issue is central to the current EU sausage label...

13 Feb 2026

South Africa Livestock Sector Battles Expanding FMD Crisis

South African Farmers Face Escalating Losses as FMD Spreads South African livestock farmers are reporting mounting financial losses as outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) continue to disrupt production and trade. According to reporting by Reuters, the spread of FMD has l...

13 Feb 2026

ABP Reviews Waterford Operations as Supply Tightens

ABP Opens Redundancy Talks with 230 Staff at Waterford Site ABP has begun a formal redundancy consultation with around 230 employees at its cutting and deboning facility in Waterford, citing tightening livestock supplies and rising operational costs. According to reporting by ...

12 Feb 2026

UK Sheep Sector Sees Brighter 2026 Outlook

Producers Given Confidence Boost on Lamb Prices The UK sheep sector has been given cautious encouragement for 2026. Industry leaders suggest there is reason for confidence in market performance. According to reporting by Irish Farmers Journal, National Sheep Association chief ...

12 Feb 2026

Ramadan Demand Boosts Cull Ewe Prices

Mutton Market Firms Ahead of Ramadan Cull ewe prices have strengthened in recent weeks as demand builds ahead of Ramadan, providing timely support to the UK sheep sector. According to reporting by Farmers Weekly, processors and exporters are actively sourcing ewes in preparati...

12 Feb 2026

Subdued Slaughter Numbers Shape Irish Cattle Trade

Irish Cattle Throughput Down 15% as Prices Hold Steady Irish cattle throughput remains below last year’s levels, although factory quotes have held broadly steady in recent weeks. According to the latest update from Bord Bia, 30,906 cattle were processed in the week ending 31...

12 Feb 2026

Beef and Lamb Retail Trade Faces Volume Pressure

Red Meat Retail Sales Show Mixed Start to 2026 Red meat retail performance in Great Britain delivered a mixed picture in the latest reporting period, with value growth supported by pricing, while volumes remained under pressure. According to new consumer insight from AHDB, tot...

12 Feb 2026

GB Livestock Prices Adjust Amid Higher Throughput

GB Cattle Prices Ease as Lamb Market Faces Pressure Prime cattle prices in Great Britain edged lower in the latest reporting week, while lamb values also came under pressure amid softer demand. According to the latest market wrap from AHDB, greater numbers of finished cattle c...

12 Feb 2026

NZ Red Meat Sector Delivers Record Export Returns

Global Demand Lifts NZ Red Meat to Historic High New Zealand’s red meat and co-products exports reached a record NZ$11.7 billion in 2025. This marked a 19% increase on the previous year. According to reporting by NZ Herald, the growth was driven by strong global demand and c...

12 Feb 2026

Record Brazilian Slaughter Reflects Surging China Beef Demand

Brazil’s Cattle Slaughter Hits Record as China Drives Demand Brazil’s cattle processing volumes are reaching record levels, supported by sustained import demand from China, according to industry data. Reporting by Reuters indicates that Brazilian slaughter rates have climb...

11 Feb 2026

Brazil Reviews Allocation Model for China Bound Beef

Brazil Weighs Company Level Limits on Beef Shipments to China Brazil is considering introducing individual export limits for beef companies supplying China, in a move that could reshape how the country manages access to its largest overseas market. According to reporting by Re...

11 Feb 2026

Illegal Meat Imports Hit Record Levels at Dover

Dover Seizes Record 34 Tonnes of Illegal Meat Nearly 34 tonnes of illegally imported meat were seized at the Port of Dover in January 2026. This marked the highest monthly total since records began. According to reporting by BBC News, the seizures have triggered renewed concer...

11 Feb 2026

UK Suspends Botswana Beef Imports

UK Bans Botswana Beef Over Foot and Mouth Outbreak The UK has imposed a complete ban on red meat exports from Botswana. This follows confirmation of a Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak. According to reporting by Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the precautio...

11 Feb 2026

JBS Builds $150M Halal Protein Hub in Oma

JBS Invests $150M in Oman to Build Multi-Protein Export Hub Brazil-based meat giant JBS has announced a US$150 million investment to establish a major multi-protein processing hub in Oman. This will be done in partnership with the Oman Investment Authority. The project will pr...

10 Feb 2026

Australian Abattoir Safety Standards Sharpened

Australian Regulators Reinforce Abattoir Standards The Western Australian Government has announced strengthened oversight of meat processing facilities. This follows the completion of a targeted inspection programme across the state’s abattoirs. These measures are part of ...

09 Feb 2026

Offal Back in Focus as Sustainable Protein Option

‘Forgotten Meats’ Touted as Future Superfood Opportunity So called “forgotten meats”, including offal and lesser-used cuts, are being highlighted as a potential nutritional and sustainability win for the UK food system, as pressure grows to make better use of the whole...

09 Feb 2026

Irish Factory Cattle Supplies Tighten at Start of 2026

January Beef Kill Down 26,000 Head as Factory Supplies Tighten Factory cattle supplies in Ireland have fallen sharply at the start of 2026, with the cumulative January beef kill down by 26,000 head compared with the same period last year, according to the latest slaughter data...

09 Feb 2026

Manx Farmers Call for UK Trade Safeguards

Isle of Man Farmers Urge UK Trade to Be Made a Priority Farmers on the Isle of Man are calling on their government to make continued, friction free trade with the United Kingdom an urgent priority. They warn that any disruption would have serious consequences for the island’...

08 Feb 2026

Irish Beef Trade with China Hits Another Dead End

Stop Start China Access Undermines Irish Beef Strategy Hopes of building a meaningful Irish beef trade with China have been effectively extinguished once again. This follows the suspension of imports just weeks after the market reopened. According to reporting by Irish Farmers...

08 Feb 2026

UK Buyers Turn to Southern Hemisphere Beef

NZ Beef Floods UK Market as Imports Triple New Zealand beef exports to Great Britain have more than tripled in both volume and value during the first eleven months of 2025, adding fresh competitive pressure to the UK beef import market and intensifying challenges for Irish and...

07 Feb 2026

UNECE Backs Meat 3G System to Boost Beef Quality

UNECE Issues New Beef Eating Quality Recommendations The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has issued new international recommendations aimed at improving the prediction and consistency of beef eating quality, building on the Meat 3G assessment system. The ...

07 Feb 2026

UK Farm Exports to EU Down Over 37% Since Brexit

Post-Brexit UK Farm Exports to EU Fall by Over a Third Exports of British farm products to the European Union have fallen by 37.4% in the five years since 2019. This underlines the lasting structural impact of Brexit on UK agricultural trade with its largest former market. Acc...

06 Feb 2026

Irish Cattle Kill Falls 11% as Prices Stabilise

Irish Cattle Throughput Down 11% as Beef Prices Hold Firm Lower levels of cattle processing in the second half of 2025 have contributed to a stabilisation in Irish cattle numbers. Slaughter throughput remains notably subdued at the start of 2026. To date, 114,900 cattle have b...

06 Feb 2026

Irish Sheep Prices Ease Amid Processor Pressure

Hogget Prices Ease as Heavy Carcases Pressure Irish Sheep Trade The Irish hogget trade has come under renewed downward pressure, with heavier carcase weights creating challenges for processors and dragging on prices across the market. Base hogget quotes have eased back to arou...

06 Feb 2026

MLA Maps Global Meat Trade Trends for 2026

MLA Releases 2026 Global Meat Market Snapshots Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has published its 2026 Global Market Snapshots to provide insights into the global meat market outlook. The publication outlines key trends shaping beef, sheepmeat and goatmeat markets across m...

06 Feb 2026

Supply Surge Tests Australian Livestock Markets

Australian Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap Australian cattle and sheep markets experienced a sharp rebound in supply this week following widespread saleyard closures caused by extreme heat and the Australia Day public holiday, with cattle prices holding steady while sheep ...

06 Feb 2026

China Keeps Door Shut on Most US Beef

China’s Ongoing Lockout of US Beef Continues China continues to block most US beef exports. The majority of American beef production has been effectively locked out of the Chinese market since March 2025, according to industry leaders. The issue stems from China’s ongoing ...

06 Feb 2026

Welsh Suckler Herd Shrinks by 40% Since 2000

Welsh Suckler Herd Drops 40% Over Two Decades The Welsh suckler herd has declined by nearly 40% over the past 20 years, raising serious concerns about the long-term sustainability of beef production in Wales and the wider UK. According to analysis highlighted by Farmers Weekly...

06 Feb 2026

USA Opens Door to More Argentine Beef as Prices Surge

USA Increases Argentine Beef Quota to Tackle Rising Prices The United States has moved to ease pressure on its domestic beef market by temporarily increasing imports of Argentine beef, as record-low cattle numbers push ground beef prices sharply higher. In a proclamation issue...

05 Feb 2026

Meat inflation slows in January, but Ramadan set to lift Halal lamb prices

Britain’s meat inflation eases in January, but Ramadan set to push Halal lamb prices higher Britain’s meat inflation slowed sharply in January, according to the latest AIMS Meat Inflation Report, although upward pressure is expected to return as Ramadan approaches. The Jan...

05 Feb 2026

GB Prime Cattle Prices Slip as Numbers Rise

Prime Cattle Prices Ease as Lamb Trade Weakens in GB GB prime cattle prices came under pressure in late January as higher numbers forward weighed on the market. lamb prices continued to soften amid weaker domestic and export demand. In the week ending 31 January, the GB deadwe...

05 Feb 2026

ASF Scandal Sparks Alarm Over UK Meat Import Checks

Fresh Concerns Over UK Border Controls After ASF Linked Products Found on Sale Fresh concerns have been raised over the effectiveness of UK border controls. This follows the discovery of food products linked to a Vietnamese company at the centre of an African Swine Fever (ASF)...

05 Feb 2026

Pig Sector Welcomes EFRA Push to Protect UK Standards

NPA Welcomes EFRA Committee Recommendations on EU-UK SPS Deal The National Pig Association has welcomed a new report from Parliament’s EFRA Committee on the ongoing negotiations for a UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, urging the government to adopt safeguards...

05 Feb 2026

Irish Pig Prices Under Pressure as Slaughter Volumes Rise

Pig Prices Fall 15% Year on Year Despite Strong Supply Irish pig prices continued to ease in late January as strong slaughter throughput coincided with growing downward pressure across European markets. For the week ending 24 January, the average reported deadweight price for ...

05 Feb 2026

Heavier Broilers Lift UK Poultry Output in 2025

Heavier Birds Drive Up UK Poultry Production UK poultry meat production rose in December 2025 as heavier broiler weights and increased slaughterings lifted overall output, reinforcing poultry’s position as the UK’s most resilient protein sector. Total poultry meat producti...

05 Feb 2026

UK Urged to Protect Farm Standards in EU Negotiations

UK Government Urged to Seek Carve Outs in EU Trade Deal The UK government has been urged to seek specific carve-outs from EU regulatory alignment in ongoing trade talks, amid warnings that British farmers could be undercut by lower-standard imports. In a new report, the Enviro...

04 Feb 2026

UK Abattoir Numbers Plummet to 203

Loss of Local Abattoirs Hits Farmers and Welfare The number of licensed abattoirs operating in the UK has fallen to just 203, down from around 2,500 in the 1970s, raising concerns over animal welfare, farmer viability and local food supply chains. According to Sustainable Food...

04 Feb 2026

Irish Farmers Stage Sit In at Bord Bia Over Brazilian Beef

Farmers Occupy Bord Bia Offices Over Brazilian Beef Imports A group of Irish farmers has continued a sit-down protest inside Bord Bia’s headquarters in Dublin, now entering its second week, amid ongoing controversy over Brazilian beef imports. According to reporting by Irish...

04 Feb 2026

Biosecurity, Beef and Poultry Shape a Volatile Week for the Meat Trade

Meat Industry News Roundup: UK, Ireland, and Global Developments February 4, 2026 This report provides a summary of key news and developments within the meat industry over the past week, with a focus on the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the global market. The information has be...

03 Feb 2026

AHDB Expands Pork Promotion After Record Results

AHDB Launches Expanded British Pork Marketing Campaign The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has confirmed the return of its flagship pork campaign, “This is British pork. But not as you know it”, with an expanded programme designed to keep pork relevan...

03 Feb 2026

QMS Campaign Aims to Drive Shoppers Back to Local Butchers

Quality Meat Scotland Launches New Campaign to Support Local Butchers Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has launched a new multi-channel marketing campaign. The campaign is aimed at boosting footfall for independent butchers and supporting members of the Scotch Butchers Club. The ca...

03 Feb 2026

Venison Scheme Brings Wild Protein to Sussex Students

Sussex Venison Project Targets Students with Sustainable Protein A Sussex-based initiative is aiming to make wild venison more accessible to students and local residents, positioning it as a sustainable and affordable protein while helping to address rising deer populations. A...

03 Feb 2026

China Signals Action on Meat Oversupply in Policy Reset

China’s Agricultural Policy Tackles Meat Oversupply Pressures China has signalled a renewed focus on addressing meat sector oversupply and falling farmgate prices. This is part of its annual “No. 1 document” setting out agricultural policy priorities for the year ahead. ...

03 Feb 2026

Wagyu and More Power Japan’s Record Export Year

Japan’s Food Exports Hit Record in 2025 on Strong US Demand Japan’s food exports reached a record high in 2025, driven by surging demand from the United States, reinforcing the country’s growing position as a premium food exporter despite domestic production constraints....

02 Feb 2026

Chinese Consumers Rediscover Traditional Pig Breeds

Chinese Consumers Drive Demand for Traditional Black Pig Breeds China’s pork market is seeing a notable shift in consumer preferences, with growing demand for traditional black pig breeds as buyers increasingly turn away from mass-produced pork derived from Western “white ...

31 Jan 2026

Irish Beef Leaders Warn China Trade Model Is ‘Unworkable’

‘Stop Start Trade is Unworkable’: China Beef Suspension Sparks Policy Calls Ireland’s beef industry has warned that the repeated suspension and reopening of the Chinese market is commercially unworkable. This follows China’s latest halt on Irish beef imports. According...

30 Jan 2026

Extreme Weather Disrupts Australian Cattle and Sheep Trade

Extreme Heat Disrupts Australian Cattle and Sheep Markets Unseasonal extreme heat across eastern Australia caused widespread saleyard closures this week, significantly disrupting livestock market reporting and weighing on price indicators. According to Meat & Livestock Aus...

30 Jan 2026

Cattle Steady as Lamb Prices Ease in Weekly Trade

UK Cattle and Sheep Markets Show Mixed Momentum The latest weekly cattle and sheep market wrap highlights a mixed picture across UK livestock markets. Cattle prices are broadly steady, lamb values remain under pressure due to higher throughput and variable demand. According to...

29 Jan 2026

Live Cattle Movements from Republic of Ireland to NI Halted

Bluetongue Halts Live Cattle Trade Between ROI and NI The movement of live cattle and sheep from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland has been suspended. This follows the confirmation of bluetongue virus (BTV) cases in the south. According to Farmers Journal, the restri...

29 Jan 2026

Bluetongue Triggers Fresh China Ban on Irish Beef

China Halts Irish Beef Imports After Bluetongue Detection China has suspended imports of Irish beef just two weeks after the market reopened. This comes after the confirmation of Bluetongue virus (BTV) cases in cattle herds in County Wexford. According to reporting by BBC News...

29 Jan 2026

UK Sheep Meat and Dairy Find Growth in Middle East

AHDB Sees Strong Export Potential in MENA Markets Export prospects for UK sheep meat and dairy into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are strengthening. This growth is driven by population growth, rising incomes and limited domestic food production capacity. Accor...

29 Jan 2026

FSA Seeks Evidence on Meat Inspection Charging Rules

FSA Launches Call for Evidence on Meat Official Controls Charges The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a call for evidence on the Meat Official Controls Charges (England) Amendment Regulations 2019, inviting feedback from operators of approved meat establishments in Eng...

28 Jan 2026

Brazil’s Premium Angus Beef Exports Explode in 2025

Brazilian Certified Beef Exports Surged by 260% in 2025 Brazil’s exports of certified Angus beef surged dramatically in 2025, highlighting strong global demand for premium beef cuts despite broader volatility in international meat markets. According to reporting by Valor Int...

28 Jan 2026

Smuggled Meat Poses Growing Biosecurity Risk

BMPA Warns of Rising Illegal Meat Trade The UK meat industry is facing a growing biosecurity threat from the illegal importation of meat products. This follows a sharp rise in seizures at ports and warnings from industry bodies. According to an update from British Meat Process...

28 Jan 2026

China’s Biggest Pig Producer Eyes Landmark IPO

China’s Top Pig Breeder Muyuan Targets $13.7bn via Hong Kong Listing China’s largest pig breeder, Muyuan Foods, is seeking to raise up to US$13.7 billion through a planned Hong Kong stock market listing, underlining renewed investor interest in China’s pork sector after ...

27 Jan 2026

Shannon Halal Meat Processor Placed Into Receivership

Shannon-Based Halal Meat Operator Asba Meats Enters Receivership A Shannon-based halal meat processor has entered receivership, marking the second such appointment within four months for the Irish meat sector. According to reporting by Agriland, receivers from Deloitte Ireland...

27 Jan 2026

Beef Prices Drive UK Shop Inflation Higher

Soaring Beef Prices Push UK Shop Inflation to Two Year High Rising beef prices have helped drive UK shop price inflation to its highest level in two years, underlining mounting pressure on household food budgets as livestock markets remain tight. According to reporting by The ...

27 Jan 2026

Petition to Label Non Stunned Meat Clears 100,000 Signatures

Stunned vs Non Stunned Meat Debate Heads to Parliament A public petition calling for mandatory labelling of stunned and non-stunned meat has surpassed 100,000 signatures, triggering the threshold for consideration by Parliament. According to reporting by FarmingUK, campaigners...

27 Jan 2026

Poultry Fraud Case Triggers Fresh FSA Warning

Food Fraud Risks Underlined by Illegal Poultry Case The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a renewed warning to the food industry to remain vigilant against food fraud. This follows the jailing of a man involved in the illegal trade of poultry products valued at more than ...

26 Jan 2026

Ex-CEO Warns Cultivated Meat Sector Is Running Out of Time

Former Cultivated Meat CEO Warns Start-ups Must “Sell or Die” A former chief executive of a leading cultivated meat company has issued a blunt warning. He stated that start-ups in the sector must consolidate or shut down, as funding dries up and commercial timelines stretc...

26 Jan 2026

Poultry Drives 4% Growth in China’s Meat Output

China’s Meat Production Grew Over 4% in 2025, Led by Poultry China’s total meat and poultry output rose 4.2% in 2025, reaching 100.72 million tonnes, with poultry production driving the majority of growth, according to official figures released by the China State Statistic...

26 Jan 2026

Meat Industry Weekly Roundup: 19–26 January 2026

This week’s headlines cover processing plant closures in the UK and Ireland due to market pressures and tight cattle supplies, alongside continued growth in Irish food exports and significant international trade developments, including China lifting its ban on Canadian b...

26 Jan 2026

Brazilian Beef Row Reignites Irish Trade Debate

Brazilian Beef Imports Spark Controversy in Ireland A fresh controversy has emerged in Ireland after reports confirmed that a small volume of Brazilian beef has entered the Irish food supply chain. This has reignited debate over imports, governance and the EU–Mercosur trade ...

26 Jan 2026

Irish Beef Plants Scale Back as Cattle Numbers Fall

Processors Squeezed as Irish Cattle Availability Declines Ireland’s beef processing sector is scaling back operations as cattle availability continues to tighten, forcing major processors to reduce throughput and, in some cases, cut jobs. This trend has become increasingly a...

25 Jan 2026

DEFRA Issues Fresh Avian Influenza Update

Avian Influenza Update: England Maintains Heightened Biosecurity Measures The UK government has issued its latest update on avian influenza (bird flu) in England. It confirmed that enhanced surveillance and biosecurity controls remain in force. Meanwhile, authorities continue ...

25 Jan 2026

Ostrich Meat Gains Ground in UAE Protein Strategy

UAE Ostrich Meat Production Expands as Food Security Drive Accelerates The United Arab Emirates is expanding ostrich meat production as part of its wider food security strategy. For example, a farm in Al Ain now produces around 75 tonnes of ostrich meat per year. According to ...

25 Jan 2026

Retailer Backs British Chicken With Major Funding Boost

M&S Invests Further in UK Chicken Sector Marks & Spencer has announced a significant expansion of its investment in British chicken farming, increasing support to the sector by 33%, equivalent to £36 million. The retailer said the move reflects strong growth in sales ...

25 Jan 2026

First Bluetongue Case Confirmed in Republic of Ireland

Ireland Confirms First Bluetongue Case in Wexford Herd The first confirmed case of bluetongue virus has been detected in the Republic of Ireland. This marks a significant biosecurity development for the Irish livestock sector. According to reporting by The Irish Times, the vir...

24 Jan 2026

Meatex Goes Zero Commission

Meatex Launches Zero Commission Marketplace for the Food Trade Trade only platform removes fees and commissions, giving suppliers full control and higher margins. This zero commission food marketplace empowers businesses to keep more of their profits while accessing a wider cu...

23 Jan 2026

Tight Supply Continues to Support UK Cattle Prices

UK Cattle and Sheep Markets Show Mixed Trends This Week UK cattle and sheep markets delivered a mixed performance this week, with cattle prices generally steady to slightly firmer, while lamb values showed variation depending on quality and region. According to the latest upda...

23 Jan 2026

China Slaps Cap on Australian Beef Imports

China Caps Australian Beef Imports, Reshaping Global Trade Flows China has introduced a new safeguard regime on Australian beef, capping imports at 205,000 metric tonnes for 2026 and imposing a 55% tariff on volumes above the quota, a move expected to alter global beef trade p...

23 Jan 2026

Amsterdam Moves to Ban Meat Advertising

Amsterdam Set to Become First Capital City to Ban Meat Advertising Amsterdam is set to become the first capital city in the world to ban meat advertising. This comes as part of a broader policy aimed at reducing the environmental impact of food consumption. According to report...

23 Jan 2026

Australian Lamb Prices Lift as Supply Tightens

Cattle Prices Ease While Lamb Strengthens in Australian Market Australian cattle markets softened in the week to 23 January, with all major indicators easing except restocker steers, while lamb prices strengthened as reduced supply met firm buyer demand. According to the lates...

23 Jan 2026

EU–Mercosur Deal Headed for Legal Showdown

EU–Mercosur Trade Deal Faces Legal Challenge The EU–Mercosur trade agreement has been referred to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for legal scrutiny, adding a fresh layer of uncertainty to one of the most contentious trade deals affecting the European meat sector. Acco...

22 Jan 2026

Unclear Future for Dogs Ahead of South Korea Meat Ban

Uncertainty Grows Over Fate of Dogs as South Korea’s Dog Meat Ban Nears Uncertainty is mounting over the fate of around half a million dogs as South Korea moves closer to implementing a nationwide ban on the dog meat industry. This situation is raising complex welfare, econo...

22 Jan 2026

EU Pork Prices Hit Three Year Low

EU Pork Prices Plunge as Rising Production Weighs on Market EU pork prices have fallen to their lowest level since March 2022, as rising production and market disruption combine to place heavy downward pressure on values across the bloc. According to the latest market update f...

22 Jan 2026

JBS Targets Major Poultry Expansion in Saudi Arabia

JBS Aims to Double Output at New Saudi Chicken Plant JBS, the world’s largest meatpacker, plans to double production output at its new chicken processing facility in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by the end of 2026, signalling a major expansion of capacity in the Middle East. Accord...

22 Jan 2026

Bord Bia Chair Survives Row Over Brazilian Beef Imports

Bord Bia Chairman Withstands Resignation Calls Over Brazilian Beef Imports The chairman of Bord Bia has withstood calls to resign following controversy surrounding imports of Brazilian beef by his company, Dawn Farms. According to reporting by The Irish Times, Larry Murrin ret...

22 Jan 2026

EU–Mercosur Deal Could Take Effect From March

EU–Mercosur Deal Could Take Provisional Effect From March The long-awaited EU–Mercosur trade agreement could begin applying provisionally as early as March, according to an EU diplomat cited in recent reporting. This is part of ongoing discussions about the EU Mercosur dea...

22 Jan 2026

Australian Beef Exports Hit New Highs in 2025

Australian Beef Exports Break New Ground in 2025 Australia’s beef export sector delivered a standout performance in 2025, achieving record or near-record outcomes across multiple international markets. This happened as global demand strengthened and supply constraints eased....

21 Jan 2026

AHDB Boosts Export Firepower in Asia and Africa

AHDB Expands Export Team to Support Red Meat Trade in Asia and Africa Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has strengthened its international capability with the appointment of Henry Glover as Senior Trade Development Manager, boosting support for British red ...

21 Jan 2026

Tariff Free Poultry Deal Sparks NFU Backlash

NFU Raises Concerns Over Extended Tariff Free Access for Ukrainian Poultry The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has raised strong concerns over the UK government’s decision to extend tariff-free access for Ukrainian poultry and eggs by a further two years, warning of pote...

21 Jan 2026

US Pushes UK to Drop Hormone Beef Ban

US Pressures UK to Ease Meat Import Barriers in Trade Talks The United States is increasing pressure on the UK to relax EU-aligned food import rules that currently block hormone-treated American beef and pork, as trade negotiations between the two countries continue. The Trump...

21 Jan 2026

MLA Maps Future of Red Meat on Australian Menus

MLA Launches Rare Medium 2026 to Shape Future of Red Meat on Australian Menus Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has launched Rare Medium 2026, its latest long-term foodservice trends report. This is designed to guide how red meat will feature on Australian menus over the ne...

21 Jan 2026

NZ Lamb and Beef Exports to UK Jump Under FTA

New Zealand Red Meat Exports to UK Soar Under Free Trade Agreement New Zealand red meat exports to the UK have surged in the second year of the UK–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with lamb and beef recording sharp growth as trade flows adjust to the post-Brexit lands...

20 Jan 2026

China Reopens Market to Canadian Beef

China Lifts Ban on Canadian Beef, Reopening Key Export Market China has officially lifted its ban on Canadian beef. This reopens a major export market that had been closed since an atypical BSE case was identified in Canada in December 2021. The decision restores access to wha...

20 Jan 2026

Falling Livestock Numbers Threaten Welsh Red Meat Sector

Report Warns of Threats to Welsh Red Meat Industry Viability A Senedd committee has warned that falling livestock numbers in Wales risk undermining the long-term viability of the Welsh red meat industry, unless stronger policy intervention is delivered. According to reporting ...

20 Jan 2026

338 Jobs at Risk as ABP Cuts Dungannon Retail Packing

Over 300 Jobs at Risk as ABP Ends Retail Packing at Dungannon Site More than 300 jobs are at risk after ABP Food Group confirmed plans to end retail packing operations at its Linden Foods facility in Dungannon, County Tyrone. ABP has entered a formal consultation process with ...

19 Jan 2026

Irish Beef Prices Steady as Supply Remains Tight

Irish Factory Beef Prices Hold Firm This Week Irish factory beef prices have held steady this week, with most processors maintaining quotes at similar levels to the previous week despite ongoing concerns around cattle availability. According to reporting by Agriland.ie, steer ...

19 Jan 2026

Scotch Beef Club Heads to Sweden

QMS Targets Swedish Foodservice With Scotch Beef Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is expanding its Scotch Beef Club into Sweden, targeting growth in the international foodservice sector and strengthening export demand for premium Scottish beef. According to reporting by FarmingUK, ...

19 Jan 2026

Brazil Exhausts US Beef Export Quota in Record Time

Brazil Fills US Beef Quota by 6 January Brazil has fully exhausted its tariff-free beef export quota to the United States for 2026, reaching the limit by 6 January, one of the fastest fill rates on record. According to reporting by Euromeatnews.com, the rapid quota exhaustion ...

19 Jan 2026

Pig and Poultry Protein Rule Change Put on Hold

Feed Protein Reforms Await EU SPS Agreement Planned regulatory changes to allow the use of processed animal protein (PAP) from pigs and poultry in animal feed have been delayed. Now, implementation is contingent on a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU. ...

19 Jan 2026

South Africa Backs 10Year FMD Vaccination Plan

South African Red Meat Body Welcomes National FMD Vaccination Strategy South Africa’s red meat industry has cautiously welcomed a new 10-year government strategy to vaccinate the national herd against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). This comes as the country continues to battl...

18 Jan 2026

Irish Beef Set for China Relaunch as Market Reopens

Bord Bia Targets China Boost for Irish Beef Exports Ireland’s beef export agency is preparing to relaunch Irish beef in China following the lifting of a market suspension. This marks a significant step forward for the sector’s Asian export strategy. According to reporting ...

18 Jan 2026

Irish Factory Beef Prices Surge Year on Year

Forequarter Beef Prices Jump Over 40% in 2025 Factory beef sale prices in Ireland recorded substantial year on year growth in 2025, reflecting a firm pricing environment across the beef supply chain, according to new data published by the Agri-Food Regulator. Notably, factory ...

16 Jan 2026

Australia: Weather Chaos Drives Volatile Cattle and Sheep Trade

Flooding and Firm Demand Shake Australian Livestock Markets Extreme weather across Queensland and Victoria disrupted saleyard operations and buyer attendance this week, leading to uneven yardings and increased price volatility across cattle and sheep markets. Restocker demand ...

16 Jan 2026

Tight Supplies Keep Cattle and Lamb Prices Firm

Supply Constraints Underpin Livestock Prices UK cattle and sheep markets remained well supported over the past week, with tight livestock availability continuing to underpin prices, according to the latest market wrap from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AH...

16 Jan 2026

Processors Frustrated by Delay to Automated Sheep Grading

New English Regulations Mandate Sheep Carcase Classification New regulations in England now require mandatory sheep carcase classification and price reporting for large abattoirs. This brings the sheep sector further into line with existing rules for beef and pork. According t...

16 Jan 2026

UK Poultrymeat Output Hits Record High

UK Poultrymeat Production Reaches All-Time High in 2025 UK poultrymeat production reached a record 2.07 million tonnes in 2025, rising 1.6% year on year. This was despite ongoing operational and regulatory pressures across the sector. According to analysis reported by Poultry ...

16 Jan 2026

UK Secures Negligible BSE Risk Status for Beef

UK Achieves Negligible BSE Risk Status, Boosting Beef Export Hopes The United Kingdom’s beef industry has received a major boost with the official recognition that it holds negligible risk status for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). The decision, confirmed by EU m...

15 Jan 2026

Chinese Deal Exposes Strain in Germany’s Sausage Industry

Chinese Takeover Highlights Crisis in Germany’s Sausage Sector A Chinese takeover of a German sausage producer has underlined deepening structural problems in Germany’s meat processing sector, particularly within the sausage industry, according to reporting by Euractiv. Th...

15 Jan 2026

Philippines Reopens Market to Polish Pork

Polish Pork Gains Access to Key Southeast Asian Market The Philippines has officially reopened its market to Polish pork and pork products, providing a timely export outlet for European producers grappling with oversupply and falling domestic prices. According to reporting by ...

15 Jan 2026

UK Slaughter Data Ends 2025 on Mixed Note

Monthly UK Slaughter Statistics Show Mixed End to 2025 Latest official figures show a mixed picture for UK meat production at the end of 2025. Higher beef and pigmeat output offset this, but there are continued declines in sheep and prime cattle slaughter. Data published by th...

15 Jan 2026

UK Meat Output Mixed as Cattle and Sheep Numbers Fall

UK Slaughter Statistics Show Mixed Results for December 2025 Published 15 January 2026 The latest statistics from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA ) indicate a mixed performance for the UK’s meat production sector in December 2025. While ov...

14 Jan 2026

Plant Based Food Growth Stalls After Rapid Expansion

Vegan Boom Loses Momentum as Market Reality Bites The rapid expansion of the UK’s vegan and plant-based food market has lost momentum, with signs of contraction emerging across retail, investment and product launches, according to analysis reported by The Telegraph. After se...

14 Jan 2026

North America Opens Door for British Meat and Dairy

Premium British Food Finds Growing US Demand Growing demand in North America is creating significant export opportunities for British red meat and dairy, according to new analysis from Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). The report points to strong interest ...

14 Jan 2026

Strong Start for Lamb as Prices Top £7/kg

Tight Lamb Supplies Drive Prices Above £7/kg Tight lamb availability has pushed UK prices above £7/kg, delivering a strong start to the year for the lamb trade, according to market data reported by Farmers Weekly. The GB deadweight Standard Quality Quotation (SQQ) reached 72...

14 Jan 2026

Kepak Reviews Clonee Operations as Beef Supply Tightens

Kepak Reassesses Deboning Capacity at Clonee Site Kepak Group is reviewing its beef deboning and cutting operations at its Clonee facility in County Meath. This is due to ongoing supply constraints in the Irish beef sector, according to reporting by Agriland. Kepak said it cur...

14 Jan 2026

Sheep Carcase Classification Rules Take Effect

New Sheep Carcase Classification Rules Come Into Force New regulations mandating classification and price reporting for sheep carcases came into effect on Monday 12 January 2026. This brings the sheep sector in line with existing rules for beef and pork. The measures, introduc...

14 Jan 2026

Mexico Reintroduces Meat Quotas and Probes US Pork

Mexico Shifts Red Meat Import Policy and Probes US Pork Mexico has changed its red meat import framework, ending blanket duty-free access and reintroducing tariff rate quotas (TRQs), while simultaneously launching an anti dumping and anti-subsidy investigation into imports of ...

13 Jan 2026

Christmas Lamb Sales Jump as Turkey Loses Ground

Lamb Sales Surge Over Christmas as Turkey Declines, AHDB Reports UK shoppers shifted their festive meat choices over Christmas 2025. Lamb volumes went up 17.2% while turkey sales fell. This is according to new consumer insight from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development ...

13 Jan 2026

New Zealand Beef Gains Edge Under China’s Import Rules

China Quotas Open Door for More NZ Beef New Chinese safeguard tariffs on beef imports are expected to benefit New Zealand farmers and exporters, while constraining supply from competitors, according to reporting by Rural News Group NZ. China has introduced 55% duties on beef i...

13 Jan 2026

Danish Crown Expands Pork Capacity With New Facility

Danish Crown Expands Operations With New Facility Danish Crown has announced plans to expand its operations with the development of a new processing facility, responding to growing demand for pork products, according to reporting by FoodBev. The investment is aimed at increasi...

12 Jan 2026

Government Consults on Stronger Hen and Lamb Welfare Standards

New UK Plans Announced to Improve Welfare for Laying Hens and Lambs The UK government has set out new proposals to improve animal welfare standards for laying hens and lambs, opening an eight-week consultation on changes that would affect poultry and sheep producers across the...

12 Jan 2026

Indonesia Slashes Meat Imports for Private Firms

Indonesia Cuts Private Meat Import Quota to 30,000 Tonnes Indonesia has sharply reduced the meat import quota allocated to private companies for 2026, cutting it to 30,000 tonnes, down from 180,000 tonnes the previous year. According to reporting by Jakarta Globe, business ass...

12 Jan 2026

Italian Avian Flu Outbreaks Strike Turkey Farms

Turkey Sector Bears Brunt of Italy Bird Flu Cases Recent outbreaks of avian influenza in Italy have primarily affected turkey farms, placing pressure on one of Europe’s most important poultry production segments, according to reporting by Poultry World. Industry data indicat...

12 Jan 2026

Calls Grow for Poultry Vaccine as Bird Flu Persists

Poultry Farmer Warns Bird Flu Could Decimate UK Industry Without Vaccine A long-established poultry farmer has warned that avian influenza could severely damage the UK poultry industry. This could happen unless vaccination is introduced alongside existing biosecurity measures....

12 Jan 2026

China Reopens Its Market to Irish Beef

China Reopens Market to Irish Beef China has formally reopened its market to Irish beef, restoring access after a suspension linked to an isolated case of atypical BSE, according to reporting by Reuters. Irish authorities confirmed that exports can now resume following agreeme...

11 Jan 2026

Dawn CEO Steps In as Alliance Group Boss

Dawn Tightens Grip on Alliance With CEO Appointment Niall Browne, CEO of Dawn Meats, has been appointed acting CEO of New Zealand’s Alliance Group, following Dawn’s €133 million investment in the business. The move signals a hands-on leadership approach as Dawn looks to ...

10 Jan 2026

BSE Legacy Still Shapes UK Beef Economics

Has the UK Beef Industry Recovered 30 Years After BSE? Thirty years after the BSE crisis, questions are being raised over whether the UK beef industry has ever fully recovered. This is according to analysis from Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV). While farmgate beef prices are ...

10 Jan 2026

Irish Farmers Rally in Athlone Against Mercosur

Thousands of Irish Farmers Protest Mercosur Deal in Athlone Thousands of Irish farmers gathered in Athlone to protest the proposed EU–Mercosur trade deal. They warned it could undermine domestic agriculture by allowing increased imports of lower-cost South American beef. Acc...

10 Jan 2026

Welsh Lamb Trade Strained by Post Brexit Bureaucracy

MP Raises Concerns Over Post-Brexit Red Tape for Welsh Lamb Exports Concerns have been raised in Parliament over the costs, delays and bureaucracy facing Welsh farmers exporting lamb to the EU following Brexit. According to the Brecon & Radnor Express, David Chadwick of th...

09 Jan 2026

EU Moves Toward Signing Mercosur Trade Deal

EU Countries Move Closer to Signing Mercosur Trade Deal Several EU member states are expected to clear the way for the signing of the EU–Mercosur trade agreement. This is despite opposition from farming groups and divisions within the bloc, according to Reuters. The deal, wh...

09 Jan 2026

Tight livestock numbers continue to support prices

UK Cattle and Sheep Markets Hold Firm as Supply Tightens UK cattle and sheep markets remained firm this week, with prices supported by tight availability and steady demand, according to the latest weekly market update from AHDB. Cattle values continue to reflect limited number...

09 Jan 2026

NI Beef Farmers Renew Calls for Fairer Prices

Price Gap Persists for NI Beef Producers Calls are growing for fairer pricing for Northern Ireland beef producers, nearly 30 years after the 1996 BSE crisis reshaped the UK and Irish beef sectors, according to reporting by Agriland. Industry voices argue that, despite improved...

09 Jan 2026

US Meat Data Firm Ends Worker Wage Lawsuit

Agri Stats Settles Meat Industry Wage Fixing Case US data firm Agri Stats has agreed to settle a lawsuit alleging it helped coordinate wage suppression across the meat processing industry, according to reporting by Reuters. The case accused Agri Stats of facilitating the shari...

09 Jan 2026

Mercosur Deal: What’s at Stake for EU Farmers

Why the EU–Mercosur Trade Deal Divides Europe The EU–Mercosur trade agreement aims to create one of the world’s largest free trade areas between the EU and the Mercosur bloc Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, but it remains one of the most controversial trade deals...

09 Jan 2026

Vion Shuts German Meat Plant Amid Restructuring

Vion Closes Meat Processing Plant in Germany Dutch meat processor Vion Food Group has closed a meat processing facility in Germany, continuing the company’s wider restructuring of its European operations, according to reporting by Just Food. The closure forms part of Vion’...

09 Jan 2026

UK Eases Controls on Brazilian Meat Imports

UK Lifts Reinforced Controls on Brazilian Meat Imports The UK has lifted reinforced import controls on consignments of beef, poultry meat, meat products, and meat preparations exported from Brazil to Great Britain. The change, confirmed by the UK Government, means Brazilian me...

08 Jan 2026

Beyond Meat Shares Jump After Heavy Sell Off

Beyond Meat Shares Bounce Despite Ongoing Market Pressures Shares in Beyond Meat rose this week following signs of stabilisation after a prolonged period of sharp losses, according to analysis by The Motley Fool. The rebound comes after heavy selling through 2025, with investo...

08 Jan 2026

Irish Beef Export Value to UK Jumps 25%

Irish Beef Exports to UK Jump 25% in Value Despite Lower Volumes The value of Irish beef exports to the UK rose sharply in 2025, increasing by 25% to €1.6 billion, according to reporting by The Grocer. The UK accounted for 47% of total Irish beef export value, reinforcing it...

08 Jan 2026

World First Rules Set for Cell Cultivated Meat

World-First Guidance Issued on Cell-Cultivated Meat New world-first regulatory guidance has been issued covering cell-cultivated meat, marking a significant development in the oversight of alternative protein products. The guidance, published by the Chartered Institute of Envi...

08 Jan 2026

Farmers Roll Tractors Into Paris as Protests Escalate

French Farmers Drive Tractors Into Paris Over Costs and Regulation French farmers have taken tractors into central Paris, escalating protests over rising costs, falling incomes, and regulatory pressure, according to reporting by Reuters. The demonstrations reflect growing frus...

08 Jan 2026

EU Beef Supply Set to Shrink by 2035

EU Beef Output Set to Fall Sharply by 2035 EU red meat production is forecast to decline significantly over the next decade, according to new outlook data published by AHDB. The European Commission projects a 9.2% fall in EU beef production by 2035, equivalent to a reduction o...

08 Jan 2026

Calls Grow for Tougher Action on Illegal Meat

MP Challenges Government Over Weak Controls on Illegal Meat Imports A senior MP has challenged the UK government over what he described as inadequate enforcement powers to tackle illegal meat imports entering the country through ports such as Dover. According to the National P...

08 Jan 2026

USDA Puts Protein Back on the Plate

USDA Dietary Guidelines Put Protein Back Centre Stage The USDA has released its 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, placing renewed emphasis on protein consumption at every meal. The updated guidance has been welcomed by the meat and poultry sector, with industry gro...

08 Jan 2026

British Meat Exports to EU Hit Record £1.65 Billion

British Meat Exports to EU Reach Record £1.65bn as SPS Deal Sought British meat exports to the European Union reached a record £1.65 billion in 2024, underlining the EU’s continued importance as the UK’s largest overseas market for meat products. Figures highlighted duri...

08 Jan 2026

Ireland Rejects Mercosur Beef Deal

Ireland Rejects Mercosur Deal as Beef Industry Raises Alarm Ireland has confirmed it will vote against the EU–Mercosur trade agreement, a move welcomed by Meat Industry Ireland. The industry body has long warned the deal could cost the Irish beef sector up to €130 million,...

07 Jan 2026

Irish Cattle Market Update

Cattle Trade & Prices: Irish Throughput Tightens as Prices Ease Ireland | Week ending 13 December Throughput Cattle supplies for processing in Ireland remain tight, driven by a combination of lower numbers of slaughter age cattle on farms and reduced cow throughput. Total ...

07 Jan 2026

Latest Bird Flu Situation in England

Avian Influenza Update: Latest Bird Flu Situation in England UK | Government Update The UK government has confirmed ongoing cases of avian influenza (bird flu) in England, with disease control measures remaining in force to limit the spread among poultry and captive birds. Acc...

07 Jan 2026

Brazilian Beef Recall Fuels Mercosur Concerns

Brazilian Beef Recalled in Ireland After Banned Hormone Detected Brazilian beef has been recalled from the Irish food chain after testing identified the presence of Oestradiol 17ß, a banned growth hormone in the European Union. This has reignited political and industry concer...

07 Jan 2026

Factories Hold Firm as Irish Cattle Prices Ease

Irish Cattle Prices Under Pressure as Factories Adopt Tough Stance Irish cattle prices have come under renewed pressure at the start of 2026. Meat processors are reported to be taking a “take it or leave it” approach to procurement, despite reduced slaughter numbers. Accor...

07 Jan 2026

Australian Beef Exporters Rethink Strategy After China Beef Quotas

Australian Beef Exports Threatened by New Chinese Trade Restrictions The Australian beef industry is facing the potential loss of A$1 billion in exports due to new global safeguard measures announced by China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM ). The measures, which are appl...

06 Jan 2026

Sophie Throup Appointed NFU Director General

Sophie Throup Named NFU Director General Sophie Throup has been appointed as the next Director General of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), succeeding Terry Jones when he steps down in spring 2026. Throup will join the NFU from Myton Food Group, where she has served as ...

06 Jan 2026

Irish sheep market update

Irish Sheep Market Update Week ending: 6 December 2025 | Ireland Overview Irish lamb prices held broadly steady this week, with base quotes unchanged and paid prices showing modest improvement. However, the trade continues to run behind December 2024 levels, while tightening s...

06 Jan 2026

Irish PM Seeks Closer Trade Links with China

Irish PM Seeks Deeper Trade Ties with China Amid Beef Market Uncertainty Ireland’s prime minister has signalled a push for deeper trade engagement with China, as Beijing’s recent beef import safeguard measures continue to reshape global meat trade flows. According to Reute...

06 Jan 2026

Brazil Seeks Clarity on China Beef Quotas

Brazil Uncertain Whether Beef in Transit to China Will Face New Import Quotas Brazilian beef exporters are facing fresh uncertainty. This is over whether shipments already in transit to China will be subject to the country’s newly introduced beef import safeguard quotas. Acc...

06 Jan 2026

China’s Beef Safeguards Reshape Global Trade

China’s Beef Safeguards Shake Global Meat Trade, Forcing Exporters to Rethink Strategy China has introduced safeguard measures on imported beef. These are set to reshape global meat trade flows and force major exporters to reassess market strategies over the next three years...

06 Jan 2026

Beer Waste Used to Grow Cultivated Meat

UCL Scientists Develop Cultivated Meat Scaffolds from Beer Waste Researchers at University College London (UCL) have developed a novel technique to create edible scaffolds for cultivated meat. They use spent yeast from beer brewing, offering a potential breakthrough in one of ...

06 Jan 2026

Alliance Group CEO Steps Down After Dawn Meats Takeover

Alliance Group CEO Steps Down Following Dawn Meats Takeover The chief executive of New Zealand meat processor Alliance Group has stepped down. This occurred just weeks after Dawn Meats acquired a majority stake in the business. According to the The Irish Times, Willie Wiese ha...

05 Jan 2026

QMS Calls for Confidence in Scotland’s Red Meat Sector

QMS Calls for Unity and Confidence in Scotland’s Red Meat Industry in 2026 Quality Meat Scotland has urged the Scottish red meat sector to enter 2026 with confidence, collaboration and a renewed focus on value, as the industry navigates tight livestock supplies, market volat...

05 Jan 2026

Bird Flu Bans Hit Brazil Chicken Exports

Brazil Chicken Exports Drop After Bird Flu Import Bans Brazil’s chicken exports fell sharply in May and June 2025 after import bans were imposed following a case of avian influenza. According to The Poultry Site, shipments dropped to 393,400 tonnes in May and 343,400 tonnes ...

05 Jan 2026

Defra Launches Consultations on Pig Welfare

Government Outlines Farm Animal Welfare Reforms The UK government has set out the first steps in its new Animal Welfare Strategy, with proposals that could lead to significant changes for pig producers and meat processors. According to the National Pig Association, Defra Secre...

05 Jan 2026

UK Butchers and Abattoirs in Sharp Decline

Decline of UK Butchers and Abattoirs Threatens Meat Industry A recent analysis has highlighted the alarming decline of traditional butchers and abattoirs across the United Kingdom, with over 1,000 such businesses closing their doors since 2010. This trend, driven by escalating...

05 Jan 2026

Vietnam Opens Door to Irish Beef Exports

Vietnamese Market Now Open to Irish Beef Exports The Vietnamese market has officially opened to Irish beef exports, marking a significant expansion of Ireland’s access to fast-growing Asian food markets. This development is a major step forward for Irish beef exports in Viet...

04 Jan 2026

Analysis: Why UK Meat Prices Rose 15.91% in 2025

Analysis of the 15.91% UK Meat Price Rise in 2025 UK meat and poultry prices rose by an average 15.91% during 2025, marking one of the sharpest annual increases seen in recent years. While inflationary pressure was felt across most protein categories, a closer examination of m...

04 Jan 2026

France Moves to Shield Farmers from Mercosur Impact

France Unveils New Support Measures for Farmers Amid Mercosur Opposition France has announced new measures to support its farming sector. This comes as political opposition intensifies against the proposed EU–Mercosur trade agreement. Many farmers fear it could expose them t...

04 Jan 2026

British Meat Faces EU Market Access Test

British Meat Industry Faces Adapt-or-Lose-EU Challenge The British meat industry must make significant production and processing changes if it is to regain or maintain access to EU markets, according to analysis from Euromeat News. Since Brexit, raw minced meat products from G...

03 Jan 2026

Strong Livestock Prices Set to Continue in 2026

Power in Red Meat Sector Lies with Farmers, Says Mart Chief The balance of power in the red meat supply chain has shifted firmly towards farmers. This shift is driven by tight livestock availability and sustained demand, according to the head of Scotland’s auctioneering body...

02 Jan 2026

China Hits Beef Imports with 55% Tariff Above Quotas

China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Exceeding Quotas China has introduced a punitive 55% tariff on beef imports that exceed existing quota levels. This move is aimed at shielding its domestic beef sector from rising foreign competition. According to reporting by Agricultu...

02 Jan 2026

Ireland Braces for Possible Mercosur Beef Imports

Expectation Grows in Ireland That Mercosur Trade Deal Will Be Agreed Within Weeks There is growing expectation within the Irish Government that the long-running EU–Mercosur trade agreement could be finalised within weeks. This includes discussions on a Mercosur trade deal re...

02 Jan 2026

Tyson Foods Agrees Beef Price Fixing Settlement

Tyson Foods Agrees $825m Settlement in US Beef Price Fixing Case Tyson Foods has agreed to pay $825 million to settle a long-running US beef price-fixing lawsuit, bringing one of the most significant antitrust cases in the global meat sector closer to resolution. According to ...

02 Jan 2026

Irish Farmers Plan Major Protest Over Mercosur Deal

Irish Farm Organisations Plan Major Protest Against EU–Mercosur Trade Deal Several Irish farm organisations have confirmed plans to take part in a major protest later this month. They are opposing the proposed EU–Mercosur trade agreement, as expectations grow that the deal...

02 Jan 2026

UK Meat Prices Up 15.91% in 2025

UK Meat Prices Surge 15.91% Across 2025 with Beef Leading Increases UK meat and poultry prices rose by an average 15.91% during 2025, with beef recording the sharpest gains, according to analysis reported by Poultry News. Beef is leading the increases at +32.26% (£4.89/kg). A...

01 Jan 2026

Review Warns Food Production No Longer Viable for English Farms

Food Production No Longer Economically Viable for Average English Farm, Review Warns Food production is no longer economically viable for the average English farm, according to a government-commissioned review that warns a growing share of agricultural businesses are operating...

31 Dec 2025

UK Beef Export Access to US Secured for 2026

US Reciprocal Beef Quota for UK Exporters Confirmed for 2026 The US Federal Register has formally confirmed the allocation of a 13,000-tonne beef tariff-rate quota for UK exporters. This allows the UK–US reciprocal beef quota arrangement to operate in full from 2026, accordi...

31 Dec 2025

Australian Beef Exports Smash Records in 2025

Australian Beef Exports Thrive in Record-Breaking Year Australia’s beef sector has delivered a record-breaking export performance in 2025. Shipments are on track to exceed 1.5 million tonnes for the first time. This is according to reporting from ABC News. 2025 has been a re...

31 Dec 2025

Over 1,900 Object to Pilgrim’s Pride Abattoir Expansion

Over 1,900 Objections Lodged Against Pilgrim’s Pride Slaughterhouse Expansion Plans by Pilgrim’s Pride to expand its pig processing facility at Westerleigh have attracted more than 1,900 public objections, highlighting growing tension between processing capacity expansion ...

30 Dec 2025

Waitrose Raises Welfare Bar for Imported Meats

Waitrose Sets New Welfare Standards for Continental Meats Waitrose has announced that all of its own-brand continental meat products now meet higher animal welfare standards, marking a first for a UK supermarket in this category. The retailer, part of the John Lewis Partnershi...

30 Dec 2025

Meat Snacks Remain a UK Protein Growth Category

UK Meat Snacks Market Forecast to Grow to £557m by 2033 The UK meat snacks category is set for strong long-term growth, with market value forecast to rise from £335 million in 2024 to more than £557 million by 2033, according to new analysis from Research and Markets. The m...

30 Dec 2025

Flat Lamb Prices Frustrate Irish Sheep Farmers

Irish Sheep Sector Faces Lower Output and Stagnant Prices Ireland’s sheep sector has endured a difficult year, with production falling sharply in 2025 while prices failed to respond, according to reporting by the Irish Examiner. Production fell by 18% in 2025, with nearly 44...

30 Dec 2025

Court Ruling Halts €25m Irish Meat Processing Project

Chinese Investors Abandon Offaly Meat Plant Project After Court Ruling Plans for a major new beef processing facility in County Offaly have been abandoned after a Chinese investment consortium withdrew from the project, following a High Court decision that overturned its plann...

29 Dec 2025

Buitelaar Group Takes 50% Stake in Woolley Brothers

Buitelaar Group Acquires Stake in Woolley Brothers Meat Processing Buitelaar Group has acquired a 50% stake in Woolley Brothers Meat Processing. This marks one of the most significant strategic developments of its 2025 financial year. The investment is described by Buitelaar a...

29 Dec 2025

UK Retailers Maintain Strong Support for British Pork

British Pork Receives Strong Backing from UK Retailers British pork continues to receive strong backing from major UK retailers, offering a positive signal for domestic pig producers despite ongoing pressure from imports and market volatility. The latest Agriculture and Hortic...

29 Dec 2025

Brazil’s Beef Supply Tightens as Herd Rebuilding Begins

Shrinking Brazilian Beef Supply Threatens to Push Global Prices Higher Global beef prices are expected to face renewed upward pressure. This occurs as Brazil’s cattle supply begins to tighten. It ends a period in which expanding Brazilian production helped keep international...

29 Dec 2025

Kazakhstan Meat Exports Jump Sharply in 2025

Kazakhstan’s Meat Exports Surge in 2025 Kazakhstan has recorded a sharp rise in meat exports in 2025, with shipments in the first ten months already exceeding total volumes for the whole of 2024, according to reporting by The Times of Central Asia. Beef shipments are up 1.7x...

29 Dec 2025

US Renews Push for Chlorinated Chicken in UK

US Renews Push for Chlorinated Chicken and Hormone-Treated Meat in UK Market The White House has renewed pressure on the UK to relax food standards to permit imports of chlorinated chicken and hormone treated beef, according to reporting by FarmingUK. The US has renewed calls ...

29 Dec 2025

Retailers Hold Firm on British Pork

Porkwatch Survey Shows Steady Retailer Support for British Pigmeat UK retailers continue to show strong backing for British pigmeat, despite ongoing price pressure from EU imports, according to the latest Porkwatch survey reported by Pig World. The latest AHDB Porkwatch survey...

28 Dec 2025

Bell CEO: Cultivated Meat Still at Least 5 Years Away

Bell CEO Says Cultivated Meat Unlikely to Reach Market for at Least Five Years Cultivated (lab-grown) meat is unlikely to reach commercial markets for at least another five years, according to Marco Tschanz, chief executive of Bell Food Group. Speaking to Protein Production Te...

28 Dec 2025

Tight Supply Supports Irish Beef Prices into 2026

Irish Beef Farming Forecast Shows Strong Margins for 2026 Irish beef farmers are heading into 2026 in their strongest financial position in recent years, supported by tight cattle supplies, robust export demand and firmer prices, according to new forecasts from Teagasc. Teagas...

27 Dec 2025

Mercosur Deal Raises Food Standards Concerns in Ireland

Mercosur Trade Deal Raises Concerns Over Irish Food Standards Concerns are mounting within Ireland’s agri-food sector that the proposed Mercosur trade agreement, alongside other free trade deals, could undermine food standards and place domestic producers at a disadvantage, ...

27 Dec 2025

Japan to Audit Brazilian Beef in March 2026

Japan to Conduct Brazilian Beef Safety Audit in March 2026 Japan has confirmed plans to carry out a sanitary audit of Brazil’s beef production system in March 2026, a key step that could pave the way for Brazilian beef to gain access to the Japanese market, according to repo...

26 Dec 2025

Import Surge Triggers Protectionist Push in China

Chinese Beef Industry Calls for Protectionist Measures Amid Import Surge China’s domestic beef sector is calling for urgent government intervention as a surge in imported beef puts mounting pressure on local producers, according to reporting by the Global Times. Industry ass...

26 Dec 2025

Australian Beef Imports Surge After UK Trade Deal

Australian Beef Imports Surge 80% Following UK Free Trade Deal Imports of Australian beef into the UK have surged by around 80%, intensifying concerns among British farmers that they are being undercut by cheaper imports following the UK–Australia free trade agreement, accor...

26 Dec 2025

Britain’s Butchers Continue to Disappear

British Butchers and Abattoirs Vanishing from High Streets Independent butchers and local abattoirs continue to disappear across Britain, with closures reshaping the meat supply chain. Rising costs, regulation and supermarket dominance are accelerating the trend, prompting con...

24 Dec 2025

Smithfield Market Back in Action with Pre Christmas Auction

Smithfield Market Holds Pre-Christmas Auction After Survival Confirmed Smithfield Market staged a lively pre-Christmas meat auction. This followed the confirmation that the historic wholesale market has been saved from closure. This brings a boost of confidence to traders, buy...

24 Dec 2025

Cranswick Grows Poultry and Diversifies Beyond Pork

Cranswick Expands Beyond Pork with Poultry Growth and New Product Lines UK meat producer Cranswick is continuing to diversify beyond its traditional pork base, with poultry and new product categories emerging as key growth drivers, according to reporting by Poultry World. Cran...

24 Dec 2025

Mexico Launches Anti Dumping Probe into US Pork

Mexico Launches Anti Dumping Investigation into US Pork Mexico has opened an anti dumping investigation into US pork imports, a move that could disrupt one of the most important export outlets for American producers, according to reporting by Meatingplace. The investigation,...

24 Dec 2025

Inheritance Tax vs Food Security: The Numbers Don’t Add Up

Why We Should Scrap Inheritance Tax for Good Market View | 24 December 2025 The case for abolishing UK inheritance tax isn’t political posturing — it’s an economic imperative for British farming, food production and supply resilience. Inheritance tax contributes ...

24 Dec 2025

Philippines Moves to Approve Irish Meat Suppliers

Philippines to Inspect Irish Meat Plants for Market Accreditation The Philippine Department of Agriculture has authorised an inspection mission to Irish meat processing plants. They aim for Philippines Irish meat accreditation. This is part of an effort to diversify import sou...

23 Dec 2025

Inheritance Tax Relief for Farms Capped at £2.5m

Inheritance Tax Relief Cap Set at £2.5m for Farmers and Businesses United Kingdom | 23 December 2025 The UK government has confirmed that inheritance tax (IHT) reliefs for farmers and family-owned businesses will be capped at £2.5 million, under reforms to Agricultural Prope...

23 Dec 2025

Brazil Heads for Record Beef Export Year

Brazilian Beef Exports Surge 50% in November, Heading for Record Year 23 December 2025 | Brazil. Experts report that Brazilian beef exports surge this year, marking a significant growth in the industry. Brazil’s beef export sector gathered strong momentum late in 2025, with ...

23 Dec 2025

Global Beef Production to Fall in 2026

Global Beef Production to Decline for First Time in Six Years Rabobank forecasts that global beef production will decline in 2026 for the first time in six years. Ongoing herd recovery in North America and Brazil, alongside structural shifts in China, are tightening global sup...

23 Dec 2025

Irish Butcher Numbers Fall by Over 50%

Irish Butchers Face Decline as Shop Numbers Fall by More Than Half Ireland’s independent butchery sector is facing sustained decline, with the number of butcher shops falling by more than 50% over the past two decades, according to warnings from the Associated Craft Butchers...

23 Dec 2025

Surge in Brazilian, Australian and NZ Beef into UK

Foreign Beef Imports into UK More Than Double in 2025 Fresh and frozen beef imports into the UK have more than doubled in 2025, according to new trade data reported by the Irish Farmers Journal, with shipments from Brazil (+125%), Australia (+172%) and New Zealand (+248%) all ...

22 Dec 2025

Irish Beef Prices Disappoint Despite Lower Kill

Weak Christmas Beef Trade Disappoints Irish Farmers The Irish beef sector has ended the year on a subdued note, with the Christmas beef trade proving weaker than many farmers had expected, according to reporting by the Irish Independent. The trade finished 2025 weaker than exp...

22 Dec 2025

Cargill Uses Tech to Lift Beef Yields

Cargill Invests in Technology to Boost Beef Processing Efficiency Global meat processor Cargill is investing $24 million in advanced processing technology at its Fort Morgan beef plant in Colorado, aiming to lift efficiency and maximise output amid tight cattle supplies, accor...

22 Dec 2025

UK Beef and Sheep Numbers Fall as Prices Hold

UK Beef and Sheep Numbers Contract While Prices Hold Up UK beef and sheep numbers continue to tighten, but prices have remained resilient, according to the latest analysis reported by Farmers Weekly based on Defra survey data. Defra’s latest survey shows the UK cattle herd h...

22 Dec 2025

More US Beef Plants Could Close as Cattle Supply Tightens

More US Beef Plants May Close as Cattle Herds Keep Shrinking Further closures of US beef processing facilities are increasingly likely as cattle numbers continue to fall, tightening livestock supply and undermining plant utilisation, according to analysis reported by Farm Prog...

22 Dec 2025

UK Confirms Cage Farming Phase Out by 2030

UK Government Announces Animal Welfare Strategy to Phase Out Cages by 2030 The UK government has confirmed plans to phase out colony cages for hens and farrowing crates for sows by 2030. While the move aims to improve welfare standards, producers warn that higher costs could l...

22 Dec 2025

ICSA Hits Out at Factory Price Cuts Amid Supply Decline

Sheep Numbers Down 20% Yet Factories Cut Prices, Says ICSA 22 December 2025 | Ireland The ICSA has criticised meat factories for cutting lamb prices despite sheep numbers reportedly being down 20%. The group says reduced supply is not being reflected in farmgate returns and ha...

22 Dec 2025

Defra Launches Major Animal Welfare Reform Plan

Defra Announces Major Animal Welfare Reforms The UK government has unveiled what it describes as the most ambitious animal welfare reforms in a generation. This follows the launch of a new Animal Welfare Strategy by Defra. The proposals signal significant legislative change ac...

21 Dec 2025

Wild Venison Gains Ground as Beef Substitute

Venison Gains Traction as Sustainable Beef Alternative on UK Menus Venison is gaining traction across UK catering and hospitality as a sustainable alternative to beef. Driven by environmental concerns and record wild deer numbers, foodservice operators are increasingly turning...

21 Dec 2025

Poultry Supply Hit as Retailers Turn to EU Imports

UK Supermarkets Turn to European Turkeys as Avian Flu Hits Supply UK supermarkets have turned to European turkey suppliers to maintain Christmas availability after avian flu outbreaks reduced domestic supply. The disruption highlights ongoing disease risk in seasonal poultry p...

20 Dec 2025

China Cuts EU Pork Tariffs to 19.8%

China Reduces Tariffs on EU Pork Imports to 19.8% China has significantly reduced tariffs on pork imports from the European Union, cutting the rate to 19.8% from a provisional 62.4%, following the conclusion of an 18-month anti-dumping investigation, according to reporting by ...

20 Dec 2025

Policy Uncertainty and Falling Herds Hit Scotland

Tax Reform and Livestock Decline Add Pressure on Scottish Farms Scottish farms are facing mounting pressure as proposed inheritance tax reforms coincide with a continued decline in livestock numbers. This is shaping a challenging outlook for the sector heading into 2026, accor...

20 Dec 2025

Irish Processors Call for CAP Headage Payments

Irish Meat Processors Call for CAP Headage Payments to Secure Supplies Irish meat processors are calling for a stronger focus on headage payments in the next CAP, arguing the support is needed to stabilise cattle and sheep supplies. Processors say 2025 has been one of the toug...

19 Dec 2025

French Border Fears Disrupt UK Lamb Slaughter

French Rejection Fears Disrupt UK Lamb Slaughter Concerns that lamb exports could be rejected at the French border are beginning to disrupt slaughter activity across the UK. Consignments to abattoirs are reportedly being cancelled, according to The Scottish Farmer. Lamb consig...

19 Dec 2025

Cultivated Meat Startup Meatable Folds

Cultivated Meat Sector Faces Setback as Meatable Folds Dutch cultivated meat startup Meatable has wound down operations after failing to secure new funding, adding to a growing list of closures in the lab-grown protein space. Industry commentators say the sector is entering a ...

19 Dec 2025

Switzerland and US Agree Limited Meat Trade Quotas

Switzerland and US Agree Meat Trade Quotas Amid Standards Concerns Switzerland and the US have agreed in principle to duty-free quotas for US beef (500t), bison (1,000t) and poultry (1,500t) as part of a wider trade deal. In return, US tariffs on Swiss exports would fall sharp...

19 Dec 2025

Cultivated Meat Faces Reality Check After Believer Meats Failure

Collapse of Lab-Grown Meat Startup Believer Meats Raises Questions Over Cultivated Protein The lab-grown meat sector has suffered a major setback following the collapse of Believer Meats, a cultivated protein startup that had raised around $600 million and was nearing commerci...

19 Dec 2025

Strong Demand Supports Irish Beef Trade

Strong Demand and Tight Supplies Support Irish Beef Market Firm demand for beef, combined with tight cattle supplies in Ireland and key export destinations, continues to underpin the Irish beef market, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA). The IFA reports th...

18 Dec 2025

GB Pig Prices Hit Lowest Level Since 2022

GB Pig Prices Stumble into Christmas as UK–EU Gap Widen GB pig prices have continued to weaken heading into the Christmas period, with the Great Britain Standard Pig Price (SPP) falling to its lowest level since summer 2022, according to the latest update from AHDB. The SPP ...

18 Dec 2025

Investment Strengthens UK Animal Health Defences

Moredun Institute Secures Investment to Strengthen Livestock Disease Defences The Moredun Research Institute has secured new investment to bolster support for the UK livestock sector as it faces rising pressure from infectious diseases, thanks to the new Moredun livestock dise...

18 Dec 2025

Consumers Warned Over Meat Labelling and Traceability

Consumers Urged to Question Meat Product Claims After Traceability Failures Consumers have been urged to check meat labels carefully after trading standards officers uncovered misleading product claims and traceability failures during inspections at local retailers in the run ...

18 Dec 2025

Rising Costs Squeeze Butchers

Irish Butchers Face Mounting Cost Pressures Despite Strong Meat Demand Irish independent butchers are facing growing financial pressure as rising operating costs, tighter margins and supply-chain challenges weigh on the sector. This is despite continued consumer demand for fre...

18 Dec 2025

UK Cattle and Sheep Numbers Continue to Fall

UK Cattle and Sheep Numbers Continue to Decline, Defra Survey Shows The UK’s cattle and sheep populations continue to contract, reinforcing concerns over long-term livestock availability, according to the latest analysis from AHDB based on Defra’s June 2025 survey. The tot...

18 Dec 2025

Spanish Police Probe Lab in ASF Investigation

Spanish Police Search Laboratory in African Swine Fever Investigation Spanish authorities have searched a laboratory as part of an investigation into a recent outbreak of African swine fever (ASF). This has raised fresh concerns over biosecurity and disease control within Euro...

18 Dec 2025

Record High US Beef Prices on Historic Herd Shortage

US Cattle Inventories Hit 70-Year Low, Driving Record High Prices US cattle inventories have fallen to their lowest level in more than 70 years, underpinning record-high cattle and beef prices across the American market. Official estimates put the national herd at 86.7 million...

18 Dec 2025

US Tightens ‘Product of USA’ Meat Labelling Rules

US to Enforce Stricter “Product of USA” Labelling for Meat The United States will introduce stricter rules on the use of “Product of USA” labelling for meat and poultry from 1 January 2026, following updated guidance from the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safet...

18 Dec 2025

Brazil Overtakes Rivals as World’s Top Beef Exporter

Brazil Becomes World’s Largest Beef Exporter with Record 2025 Shipments 18 December 2025 | Brazil Brazil has cemented its position as the world’s largest beef exporter, with shipments in the first 11 months of 2025 reaching a record 3.1 million tonnes, according to repor...

17 Dec 2025

FSA Proposes 90% Inspection Discount for Small Abattoirs

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has outlined proposals to overhaul how meat hygiene inspection charges are applied. The new model is designed to provide targeted financial relief for smaller abattoirs. A public consultation is due to open in Spring 2026. This consultation will...

17 Dec 2025

Food Inflation Falls, Beef Prices Still Rising

UK Beef Prices Buck Falling Food Inflation Trend UK food inflation eased to 3.5% in November, but beef prices continue to rise, standing out against falling costs in other food categories. Tight cattle supplies and sustained demand are keeping upward pressure on beef pricing. ...

17 Dec 2025

UK Lifts Reinforced Controls on Brazilian Beef and Poultry Imports

Brazilian Meat Imports Return to Standard UK Controls The UK government has lifted reinforced sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls on imports of beef, poultry meat and meat products from Brazil, following a successful audit of Brazil’s official control systems. The deci...

16 Dec 2025

UK Meat Prices Create Affordability Pressure

UK Meat Faces Affordability Squeeze as Prices Outpace Wages UK consumers are increasingly feeling an affordability squeeze on meat, as retail prices continue to rise faster than household incomes, according to analysis published by ESM Magazine. While demand for meat remains r...

16 Dec 2025

QMS Launches New ‘Strong Start with Scotch’ Campaign

QMS Targets Early Year Demand with Scotch Meat Promotion Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has unveiled a new promotional drive aimed at boosting demand for Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork at the start of the new year. The “Make It a Strong Start with Scotch�...

16 Dec 2025

AHDB: UK Pork Demand Up as Beef and Lamb Volumes Fall

New data from AHDB’s red meat retail performance report for the 12 weeks ending 30 November 2025 reveals contrasting trends across beef, lamb and pork categories in UK households. The latest insights show that sustained price inflation is reshaping consumer purchasing behavi...

16 Dec 2025

China Confirms Five Year Tariffs on EU Pork

Irish Pork Sector Hit by Five Year Chinese Anti Dumping Tariffs The Irish pork sector is set to face five years of additional trade pressure after China confirmed anti dumping tariffs on EU pork imports, a move that will directly affect Irish and other European producers. The ...

16 Dec 2025

Regulatory Hurdles Reshape US Pork and Beef Exports

US Pork Exports Gain Ground in Mexico as Beef Faces China Roadblock US pork exports continue to gain traction in Mexico, benefiting from strong demand and established trade links. In contrast, US beef shipments to China remain constrained by regulatory and market access barrie...

16 Dec 2025

UK Meat Held at French Border Amid FSA Inspection Concerns

Export Delays Mount as UK Meat Faces Border Scrutiny More than 100 consignments of British meat worth over £10m have been held at the French border in recent months, according to industry sources. AIMS has blamed weaknesses in the FSA’s delivery of official controls, while ...

16 Dec 2025

US Beef Exports to China Stall While Pork Thrives in Mexico

Recent trade data from the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) has painted a mixed picture for the country’s red meat exports. While US pork is experiencing robust demand in Mexico, beef exports to China have effectively ground to a halt, prompting concerns about ChinaR...

16 Dec 2025

New EU Rules Set to Reshape Irish Food Sector

Irish food and beverage exports rose 13% to €14.27bn in the first nine months of 2025, but the sector now faces significant regulatory change. EU Regulation 2025/351 will tighten rules on plastics used in food contact materials, with businesses required to comply by Septembe...

15 Dec 2025

Irish Beef Quotes Slide Again in Final Week of 2025

Factory Prices Continue to Ease Ahead of Year End Irish beef factory quotes have continued to weaken in the final full trading week of 2025, extending a downward trend that has gathered pace through December, according to reporting by Agriland. The latest reductions further de...

15 Dec 2025

JBS to Close Swift Beef Plant in California

JBS Announces Closure of California Beef Plant JBS USA, a subsidiary of the world’s largest meat processing company, has announced the permanent closure of its Swift Beef Company packing facility in Riverside, California. The plant is scheduled to cease operations on Feb...

15 Dec 2025

Fire Forces Shutdown at Pork Scratchings Producer

Fire Halts Production at Black Country Pork Scratchings Business A family-run pork scratchings producer has temporarily halted operations after an overnight fire caused significant damage at its Walsall premises. G Simmons & Sons Pork Scratchings said the incident was deva...

14 Dec 2025

IFA Criticises EU Commission Response to Brazilian Beef Recall

The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) has strongly criticised the European Commission’s handling of the recent Brazilian beef recall, describing the response as “pathetic” following the detection of illegal hormone residues in imported beef entering the EU market. IFA P...

13 Dec 2025

UK Shoppers Spend £500m More on Meat as Vegan Market Declines

UK consumers increased their spending on meat by £500 million year on year, as buying habits continue to shift away from meat-free alternatives, according to analysis reported by The Telegraph. Beef led the growth, with sales up £418 million, while poultry spending rose by a...

13 Dec 2025

British Pig Prices Continue Downward Trend

Pig prices in Great Britain have continued to move lower, with the EU-spec Standard Pig Price (SPP) falling by a further 1.36p/kg to 198.46p/kg, according to the latest industry data. The decline marks another difficult week for the UK pig sector as market conditions remain ch...

13 Dec 2025

UFU Issues Alert Over Brazilian Beef Recall

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has issued a strong warning to consumers following the recall of Brazilian beef in several EU countries, including Northern Ireland. The recall was initiated after an investigation by the Irish Farmers Journal and the Irish Farmers’ Associat...

13 Dec 2025

FSAI Recalls Meat from Unregistered Laois Establishment

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has ordered a comprehensive recall of all food products from EB Food Essentials, an unregistered establishment based in County Laois. The recall affects a range of products, including lamb and goat meat, which were produced and sold ...

13 Dec 2025

UK Meat Sales Climb by £500 Million as Shoppers Prioritise Protein

The UK meat industry has seen a substantial increase in sales over the past year, with shoppers spending an additional £500 million on meat products, reflecting the growing demand for protein. This surge is largely driven by a renewed consumer focus on health and high-protein...

13 Dec 2025

UK Meat Sector Suffers ‘Significant’ Financial Losses from Post-Brexit Inspections

UK meat exporters are facing significant and sustained financial losses as post-Brexit inspection regimes continue to disrupt trade with the EU, according to industry warnings reported by Farmers Guardian. British meat hauliers and farming businesses say the current system has...

12 Dec 2025

Strong Beef Demand in Export Markets Despite Tight Supplies

Demand for Irish beef remains strong across key export markets as the sector heads into the Christmas trading period, according to the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA). The organisation reports that extremely tight cattle supplies across the UK and EU are underpinning demand...

12 Dec 2025

FSA to Consult on Revised Small Abattoir Support System

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced a consultation on a revised support system for small abattoirs in England and Wales, aimed at improving viability and resilience within the sector. The move comes amid ongoing concerns about the decline in the number of small-scale...

12 Dec 2025

Global Pork and Beef Sectors Face Production Slowdown in 2026 – RaboResearch

Global pork and beef production is forecast to slow sharply in 2026, with output expected to contract for the first time in six years, according to RaboResearch’s Global Protein Outlook for 2026. The report signals a more challenging operating environment for the global anim...

12 Dec 2025

Red Tractor to Overhaul Farm Assurance Standards

The Red Tractor assurance scheme has confirmed it is undertaking a comprehensive review of its farm standards, marking the first major overhaul since an independent review called for a “fundamental reset” of the scheme. The review aims to simplify compliance, reduce admini...

11 Dec 2025

GB Cattle Prices Fall for First Time in 12 Weeks

After a sustained run of increases, Great Britain cattle prices have slipped for the first time in 12 weeks, according to the latest livestock market data. As a result, GB cattle prices fall in line with the broader softening in demand and seasonal market pressures as the beef...

11 Dec 2025

British Lamb Shipment Cleared to Return After French Border Hold

A substantial consignment of British lamb that had been held at the Calais Border Control Post in France has now been authorised to return to the UK, easing acute pressure on exporters after days of uncertainty. The National Sheep Association (NSA) confirmed the decision follo...

11 Dec 2025

UK Slaughter Numbers Fall for Cattle and Sheep

Latest UK slaughter statistics for November 2025 show a continued year-on-year decline in cattle and sheep throughput, according to official figures released by Defra. Prime cattle slaughterings fell by 4.5%, while clean sheep numbers dropped by 13%, underlining tightening liv...

10 Dec 2025

Irish Beef Processors Cut Quotes as Christmas Price Hopes Fade

Irish beef processors have cut factory quotes by 10–20c/kg, ending hopes of a pre-Christmas price rally for finishers. The cuts come despite lower cattle throughput, with limited competition between factories blamed for the weaker prices. The IFA has accused processors of ga...

10 Dec 2025

EU Pork Market Faces Turmoil as Prices Fall and African Swine Fever Looms

The European Union’s pork market is facing a period of significant uncertainty, with falling prices and the recent detection of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Spain creating a challenging environment for producers. EU grade S reference pig prices have been on a downward tr...

10 Dec 2025

£750,000 of British Meat Seized by French Authorities

A significant consignment of British meat, valued at approximately £750,000, has been seized by French authorities, highlighting the ongoing trade challenges faced by UK meat exporters. The seizure involved several lorries that were transporting the meat into the European Uni...

10 Dec 2025

Australian Beef Exports Reach Record High

Australian beef exports have reached a record high in 2025, with shipments already exceeding previous annual benchmarks and on track to surpass 1.5 million tonnes, according to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). With weeks still remaining in the year, the result marks one o...

10 Dec 2025

Spain Probes Possible Lab Link as ASF Outbreak Shakes Europe’s Top Pork Exporter

Spanish authorities are investigating whether a recent African swine fever (ASF) outbreak detected in wild boar near Barcelona may be linked to a research laboratory, after genetic analysis revealed an unusual virus profile. Since 28 November, 13 ASF cases have been confirmed ...

08 Dec 2025

Meat Industry News Analysis: UK, Ireland, and Global Markets

Date: 8 December 2025 Here’s a brief overview of the key stories shaping the meat industry this week, with links to the original sources for more detailed information. UK Headlines UK Pork Trade Adjusts in Q3 Data from the AHDB shows that UK pork exports dipped in the third ...

08 Dec 2025

US Opens Market to More Chilean Beef Products

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has expanded its import authorisation for raw beef products from Chile, a move that signals growing confidence in the South American country’s animal health standards. The updated policy will now allow the import of Chil...

07 Dec 2025

US Beef Prices Soaring Due to Record-Low Cattle Supply

Beef prices in the United States continue to rise sharply as the country faces its smallest national cattle herd since 1951, according to industry analysis reported by CNBC. Official figures show US beef and veal prices are up 14.7% year on year, significantly outpacing the 3....

07 Dec 2025

US Beef Prices Climb as Cattle Numbers Hit Record Low

Consumers in the United States are feeling the pinch at the meat counter as beef prices continue to surge, driven by the smallest national cattle herd since 1951. The latest data reveals a 14.7% increase in the price of beef and veal over the past year, a figure that far outpa...

07 Dec 2025

Irish Beef Production Forecast to Drop by 4% in 2026

Ireland’s prime beef production is projected to decrease by 4% in 2026, according to the latest outlook from Teagasc, the national agriculture and food development authority. The forecast is based on a significant reduction in the number of young cattle in the supply pip...

07 Dec 2025

Prime Beef Production in Ireland Forecast to Fall in 2026

Irish prime beef production is forecast to decline by 4% in 2026, according to new outlook figures from Teagasc. This decline occurs as tighter cattle supplies begin to feed through the system. Economists point to a notable reduction in the number of animals aged between 12 an...

05 Dec 2025

Over €47 Million Paid to Farmers Under Irish Suckler Scheme

The Irish government has announced that payments totalling €47.06 million have been issued to participants in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP). The scheme, which is designed to improve the environmental sustainability of the national suckler herd, has seen a hi...

05 Dec 2025

Bluetongue Case in Northern Ireland Prompts Market Access Concerns

The confirmation of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) in a herd in County Down has raised significant concerns for the livestock industry in Northern Ireland. Concerns are rising regarding bluetongue Northern Ireland market access. Two cases of the virus have been confirmed, with dozen...

05 Dec 2025

Irish Processors Face Squeeze as Livestock Numbers Fall

Irish Processors Face Squeeze as Livestock Numbers Fall The Irish meat processing sector is bracing for a significant challenge as the number of cattle and sheep available for slaughter is set to fall sharply in 2025. Industry estimates suggest that factories will process over...

04 Dec 2025

UK Eases Restrictions on Spanish Pork Imports

The UK has eased Spanish pork imports ASF restrictions, adopting a regionalised control approach that permits pork from unaffected regions while maintaining biosecurity safeguards. The initial ban was put in place after an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) was reported in ...

03 Dec 2025

UK Beef Prices Stabilise as Consumers Seek Value

The rapid rise in UK beef prices appears to be levelling off, according to the latest market data. While year-on-year inflation for beef and veal remains high at 27%, the monthly increase has slowed significantly, suggesting that prices may be reaching a plateau. The high pric...

02 Dec 2025

Brazilian Beef Recalled from EU Supermarkets Over Banned Hormones

A significant quantity of Brazilian beef has been recalled from supermarkets across the European Union following the discovery of banned growth-promoting hormones. The recall has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the EU’s import control systems and the ...

02 Dec 2025

UK Pork Exports See Q3 Dip While Imports Remain Stable

The UK’s pork export market experienced a notable downturn in the third quarter of 2025, with September marking the lowest monthly export volume since the start of the year. According to data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), a 9% decrease i...

24 Nov 2025

Record UK Beef Price Hikes Force Supermarket Strategy Shift

UK beef prices have surged by a record 27.4% over the past year, the largest increase since records began in 1988, forcing a strategic rethink from food producers and supermarkets. This dramatic price rise is a result of a ‘perfect storm’ of factors, including a 6%...

24 Nov 2025

Welsh Poultry Farmers Face Business Ruin Amid Avian Flu Culls

Poultry farmers across Wales are facing dire financial circumstances as a significant outbreak of H5N1 avian flu has led to the culling of tens of thousands of birds. With seven cases confirmed in Wales, including several large commercial units, farmers have expressed grave co...

11 Nov 2025

Irish Cattle Prices Strengthen as Supplies Remain Tight

Irish Cattle Prices Strengthen as Supplies Remain Tight Irish cattle prices have risen sharply as supplies remain constrained, with lower slaughter-age numbers and reduced cow throughput tightening factory availability. The upward price trend has pushed Irish beef values sligh...

06 Nov 2025

From Crackling to Charcuterie: Celebrating Pork at Christmas

When it comes to festive dining, turkey may take centre stage, but pork quietly holds a special place on the Christmas table. From slow-roasted joints to artisan charcuterie, pork’s versatility makes it a favourite for chefs, caterers, and home cooks alike. As the festive se...

03 Nov 2025

AIMS Meat Inflation Report Sparks Calls for Budget Action

AIMS’ October’s meat inflation report leads to calls for assistance at the Budget The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has released its October meat inflation report. The data shows average prices fell by 1p/kg (0.08%) during the month. Prices for beef stea...

27 Oct 2025

US–Brazil Trade Dispute Reshapes Global Beef Supply Chains

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

24 Oct 2025

Australian Cattle and Sheep Slaughter Rebounds

Australian Cattle and Sheep Slaughter Rebounds as Feeder Prices Ease 24 October 2025 | Australian cattle and sheep market wrap, providing the latest updates and insights from the industry. Australia’s livestock markets showed a mixed performance mid-October, with feeder ca...

24 Oct 2025

GB Cattle Prices Edge Higher as Sheep Trade Eases

GB Cattle Prices Edge Higher as Sheep Trade Eases 24 October 2025 | United Kingdom The latest update on the GB cattle and sheep market wrap provides insights into current trends and pricing. Beef prices in Great Britain rose slightly in mid-October as tight supplies continued ...

24 Oct 2025

Ireland Cattle Trade Prices Update

Ireland Cattle Trade Prices Update The Irish cattle market is showing signs of stabilisation at elevated levels, as deadweight prices remain strong amid tighter supply and robust demand across the beef and live-export sectors. Key Price Highlights Starting quotes this week for...

23 Oct 2025

Premium Wagyu Beef Market Forecast for Sustained Growth

Premium Wagyu Beef Market Set for Steady, Long-Term Growth The global appetite for Wagyu beef continues to grow. Recent forecasts suggest the premium beef sector, including the Wagyu beef market forecast for 2025, will expand at a compound annual rate of 6.7% between 2025 and ...

23 Oct 2025

American Beef Prices Surge 30% Year-on-Year

American Beef Prices Surge 30% Year-on-Year United States beef prices in September 2025 were running 30% ahead of the previous year, equivalent to $1.96 per kilogramme (€1.69/kg) higher, with supplies projected to decline further in 2026. This significant increase gives a gl...

23 Oct 2025

Irish Lamb Enters US Market Following Historic Launch

Irish Lamb Enters US Market Following Historic Launch Irish lamb has officially entered the US market for the first time since access was granted in 2022. The launch event in New York, organised by Bord Bia, showcased the meat to chefs, restaurateurs and trade partners. It h...

20 Oct 2025

Irish Lamb Prices Hold Firm as Global Markets Tighten

Irish Lamb Prices Hold Firm as Global Markets Tighten 20 October 2025 | Ireland Irish lamb prices have steadied following recent volatility, with strong export demand helping to support values despite increased supply in key overseas markets. Tight flocks across Europe and the...

20 Oct 2025

Irish Pig Prices Fall 10% Year-on-Year as EU Market Weakens

Irish Pig Prices Fall 10% Year-on-Year as EU Market Weakens 20 October 2025 | Ireland Irish pig prices slipped in early October, reflecting broader downward pressure across European markets. Despite strong slaughter volumes, average returns to producers remain below 2024 level...

08 Oct 2025

EU Lawmakers Ban the Term “Veggie Burger”

The European Parliament has voted to stop plant-based foods from using meat-style names such as “veggie burger” or “vegan sausage.” This decision is part of the ongoing discussion surrounding the EU ban on veggie burger labels. The measure is part of a wider plan to g...

08 Oct 2025

Brazil’s Beef Exports to China Surge 38% Amid US Tariffs

Brazil’s beef exports to China climbed by 38% in September compared with the same month last year, reaching record levels as Chinese importers increased purchases in response to new US trade tariffs. Industry group Abrafrigo reported that shipments to China reached 187,340 t...

07 Oct 2025

Irish Pig Prices Hold Steady Amid EU Market Pressure

Week Ending 5 October 2025 – Ireland: An analysis of the Irish pig prices in October 2025 reveals key trends for the industry. Irish pig prices remained largely unchanged in early October as processors balanced firm domestic demand with weaker returns from continental market...

07 Oct 2025

Irish Sheep Prices Edge Higher as Kill Numbers Stay Low

Irish Sheep Prices Edge Higher as Kill Numbers Stay Low Week Ending 5 October 2025 – Ireland Irish sheep prices firmed slightly in early October as tight supplies continued to support the trade.Average deadweight lamb prices rose to around €7.82/kg, up from €7.69/kg in l...

07 Oct 2025

Irish Cattle Prices Slide as Export Demand Softens

Irish Cattle Prices Slide as Export Demand Softens Week Ending 20 September 2025 – Ireland / Dublin Irish beef processors paid €7.22/kg (deadweight, excluding VAT) for R3 steers in the week ending 20 September — a decline from recent highs.That puts Irish prices slightly...

02 Oct 2025

A Carnivore’s Guide to Halloween: Meat Ideas & Trends

Halloween has grown into one of the most popular seasonal events in the UK, and while pumpkins and sweets dominate the spotlight, there’s plenty of scope for the meat industry to get involved. From themed products to hearty autumn cuts, Halloween presents an opportunity for ...

11 Sep 2025

UK Meat Slaughter Figures Slide

UK Meat Slaughter Figures Slide; August 2025 Sees Drop in Beef, Pig & Lamb Output UK slaughter numbers across cattle, sheep and pigs dropped in August 2025 compared to the same month a year earlier, pulling down production of beef, pork and lamb. These reductions matter fo...

08 Sep 2025

Urgent action needed on illegal meat imports, AIMS tells new ministers

AIMS urges urgent talks with new ministers following Defra report on illegal meat imports The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has urged early talks with ministers after a new Defra report on Britain’s biosecurity. Defra has released Biosecurity at the border...

05 Sep 2025

UK Livestock Markets Show Mixed Signals as Autumn Trading Begins

Weekly Market Update: Cattle and Sheep Trends – August 2025 The latest figures from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) offer a mixed picture for the UK cattle and sheep markets, with subtle shifts in pricing and throughput reflecting broader seasonal a...

05 Sep 2025

Irish Prime Cattle Prices Outpacing GB for the First Time Since 2022

Irish prime cattle prices are now outpacing GB, signalling a significant shift in the UK–Irish beef pricing landscape. Price Trends & Timeline After narrowing steadily through summer, Irish prime cattle prices have held above UK equivalents for four consecutive weeks. Ea...

03 Sep 2025

Wild Venison a Climate Friendly Alternative to Beef

Venison: The Sustainable Red Meat Wild venison is emerging as a sustainable alternative to beef, with growing attention on its lower environmental footprint and strong market potential. Why it mattersFor wholesalers, processors and exporters, shifting demand towards wild venis...

03 Sep 2025

Hybu Cig Cymru Governance Under Review After Senedd Inquiry

Senedd Inquiry Demands Overhaul of Hybu Cig Cymru Governance A Senedd inquiry has urged urgent reforms at Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), the Welsh red meat levy board, after years of internal turmoil and leadership challenges. Why it matters HCC is central to developing and promoting W...

01 Sep 2025

Chicken Prices Drive August Meat and Poultry Inflation

Chicken Price Surge Drives Meat Inflation as Summer Heat and Holidays Boost Demand UK meat and poultry prices edged up slightly in August, but chicken emerged as the main driver of inflation as hot weather and holiday barbecues fueled demand. According to the AIMS Meat and Pou...

29 Aug 2025

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market Update – Late August 2025

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market Update – Late August 2025 The Australian cattle and sheep market update August 2025 shows a mix of trends as the month closed. National yardings slipped, yet slaughter volumes remained strong, particularly in Queensland and Western Australi...

29 Aug 2025

Irish Lamb Prices Hold Steady as UK Market Softens

Irish Lamb Prices Hold Steady as UK Market Softens – August 2025 The latest Irish lamb prices August 2025 show continued stability. After several steady weeks, base quotes remain firm at €7.70–7.80/kg plus QA bonus. Many processors are paying up to an upper carcase weigh...

29 Aug 2025

UK Cattle and Sheep Prices Show Mixed Movements in Late August

UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update – Week Ending 23 August 2025 The UK cattle and sheep market update August 2025 shows a mixed picture. Beef prices held steady, while lamb values fell sharply. Cattle Market According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHD...

29 Aug 2025

Marfrig Ends Deal to Sell Uruguay Plants to Minerva

Marfrig Cancels Sale of Uruguay Plants to Minerva Marfrig cancels Uruguay plant sale to Minerva after months of negotiations. The move ends a proposed deal that would have transferred several of Marfrig’s beef processing facilities in Uruguay to rival Minerva Foods. This sud...

28 Aug 2025

Irish Pig Prices Hold Steady Despite Earlier Declines

Irish pig prices August 2025 have stabilised in the final week of the month, following earlier declines. Factory quotes for Grade E pigs are averaging around €2.10/kg, with some processors offering slightly higher rates depending on weight and quality. This recovery comes ...

28 Aug 2025

Irish Cattle Supplies Tighten as Prices Hold Steady

The Irish beef market trends continue to reflect a tightening of cattle supplies across the country. Prices are holding steady despite seasonal pressures. This stability is drawing attention from processors and exporters alike, as demand remains firm. Cattle supplies in Irel...

27 Aug 2025

US Tariffs on Brazil Set to Reshape Global Beef Trade

US Tariffs on Brazil to Reshape Global Beef Trade – August 2025 The US tariffs on Brazil beef trade are set to reshape global flows. This decision creates both risks and opportunities for exporters in Europe, Asia, and beyond. Why It Matters Brazil is the world’s largest b...

26 Aug 2025

Love Lamb Week: Celebrating British Lamb from Farm to Fork

Why Love Lamb Week Matters Every September, farmers, butchers, chefs, and consumers across the UK come together for Love Lamb Week. What began in 2015 as a grassroots farmer-led campaign has grown into a national movement. The aim? To celebrate the quality, sustainability, and...

22 Aug 2025

Irish Livestock Markets Experience Supply Constraints and Price Pressure

Irish Livestock Markets Experience Supply Constraints and Price Pressure – August 2025 The Irish livestock markets August 2025 report shows continued tight supply in both cattle and sheep sectors. Processors are competing strongly to secure animals, and premium prices are be...

22 Aug 2025

UK Beef Production Declines Amid Tight Cattle Supply Conditions

Latest production figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs reveal UK beef output totalled 70,800 tonnes in July, representing an 8% year-on-year decline despite remaining stable month-on-month. The data indicates prime cattle throughput reached 161,9...

19 Aug 2025

Autumn Game Meat Market: Venison, Pheasant and Rabbit

Opportunities and Insights for Wholesalers in the Autumn Game Season The autumn game meat market is now in full swing, and demand for venison, pheasant and rabbit is rising steadily across the UK meat trade. This time of year has always been important for wholesalers, supplier...

11 Aug 2025

UK must lead on ‘real’ food safety, says AIMS chief

11 August 2025 — UK | The UK should lead real food safety reform, says Dr Jason Aldiss BEM, Executive Director of AIMS. He argues the country still relies on checks designed for the 19th century, while today’s risks are microbial and often invisible. “Traditional post-mo...

08 Aug 2025

GB cattle steady; lamb firm at 756p/kg as kill slips

UK weekly cattle & sheep: all-prime ~640p/kg; lamb NSL SQQ 756p/kg as kill slips 8 August 2025 — UK | GB finished cattle prices edged up again, while deadweight lamb values defied seasonal pressure. AHDB reports the GB deadweight all-prime cattle average at ~640–641p/k...

08 Aug 2025

Irish Pig Prices: Latest Market Updates and Trends

Irish pig prices steady as factories hold €2.06–€2.08/kg; Grade E averages €2.00/kg Week ending 2 August 2025 — Ireland | Pig prices stabilised this week after July’s correction. Grade E averaged €2.00/kg (ex-VAT), while most processors continued to quote €2.06...

08 Aug 2025

Australia weekly wrap: Lamb indicators hit records

Australia weekly wrap: lamb indicators hit records; cattle yardings rise on processor competition 8 August 2025 — Australia | Australia cattle and sheep wrap: lamb price indicators hit record levels last week, while cattle prices firmed as northern and southern processors co...

08 Aug 2025

Irish Sheep Trade Prices w/e 2 August 2025

Irish Sheep Trade Prices Hold Steady – Week Ending 2 August 2025 The Irish sheep trade prices August 2025 report highlights steady market conditions with signs of pressure on lamb values. Base quotes eased slightly last week after several weeks of stability. Irish Lamb Marke...

08 Aug 2025

Irish cattle trade: tighter supplies lift quotes

Irish Cattle Trade Update – Week Ending 2 August 2025 The Irish cattle trade August 2025 continues to show tight supplies, with factories competing for livestock. As a result, base quotes have moved higher across all categories. Cattle Market Performance Total throughput in ...

07 Aug 2025

Australian beef exports set fresh record

Australian beef exports hit fresh record as July shipments reach 150,435t 11 August 2025 — Australia | Australia set another beef-export record in July, shipping 150,435 tonnes of product. That’s 12% more than June’s previous high and 16% above July last year, according ...

07 Aug 2025

China extends beef import probe to 26th November

China extends beef import probe to 26th November, easing near-term risk for exporters 6 August 2025 — China | Beijing has extended its investigation into beef imports by three months to 26 November, giving global suppliers a short reprieve from potential trade curbs while Ch...

04 Aug 2025

British Pork Secures £19 Million Export Deal with Mexico

British Pork Secures £19 Million Export Deal with Mexico The British pork export deal with Mexico marks a major breakthrough for the UK meat sector. Valued at £19 million, it opens a new market for pork producers in England and Northern Ireland. Deal Details The Department f...

04 Aug 2025

AIMS: UK risks missing halal meat export boom without joined-up strategy

UK Halal Meat Market: Untapped Potential for Growth 4 August 2025 — UK | The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) says ministers are overlooking the halal meat sector. The group warns Britain is “squandering a post-Brexit advantage” as rivals court high-growt...

23 Jul 2025

UK Signs Trade Deal with India

UK-India Trade Deal 2025 – £6 Billion Boost and Jobs Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signed the UK-India trade deal 2025. The agreement is forecast to create 2,200 new jobs and deliver a £4.8 billion annual boost to Britain’s GDP. Deal Details The deal is the most compre...

21 Jul 2025

UK Offal Market Worth £244m: New Opportunities at Home and Abroad

UK Offal Market Worth £244m in 2025: Key Insights The UK offal market 2025 is delivering value both at home and abroad according to recent AHDB data. Exports reached £244 million last year, while domestic sales continued to grow, albeit modestly. Domestic Trends From 1 June ...

15 Jul 2025

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

GB Pig Prices Edge Up in Q2 2025 Amid Strong Demand and Export Growth Great Britain’s pig prices showed a steady upward trend through the second quarter of 2025. The GB pig prices Q2 2025 average—the SPP for EU-spec pigs—climbed steadily from early April to early July, r...

15 Jul 2025

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

Brazilian Meatpackers Reconsider U.S. Beef Exports Amid Tariff Pressures – July 2025 The latest Brazilian meatpackers U.S. beef exports 2025 update highlights major challenges for South America’s largest beef supplier. Exporters are rethinking their shipments to the United...

14 Jul 2025

Meat, Dairy, and Oils Drive Up Global Food Prices

Global Food Prices Edge Up in June 2025 as Meat, Dairy and Oils Drive Gains The global food prices June 2025 update shows a modest rise. The FAO Food Price Index averaged 128.0 points, up 0.5% from May. Declines in cereals and sugar were outweighed by gains in meat, dairy, and...

11 Jul 2025

Australian Livestock Markets Show Mixed Trends

Australian Livestock Markets Mid-2025 Update: Lamb Prices Surge The Australian livestock markets mid-2025 update shows mixed performance. While lamb prices hit record highs, cattle indicators softened amid shifting supply dynamics. Cattle Market Trends Cattle yardings rose by ...

11 Jul 2025

Irish Sheep Prices Hold Firm Amid Seasonal Supply Tightening

Irish Sheep Prices Hold Firm Amid Seasonal Supply Tightening – July 2025 The Irish sheep prices July 2025 update shows stability across key categories. Strong seasonal demand and tighter supplies are supporting the trade, according to the latest figures from Bord Bia. Lamb T...

11 Jul 2025

Irish Cattle Throughput Rises Slightly as Prices Hold Firm

Irish Cattle Throughput Rises Slightly as Prices Hold Firm – July 2025 Update The Irish cattle market has shown modest growth in throughput while maintaining firm prices across most categories. According to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), a total...

10 Jul 2025

UK Cattle and Sheep Prices Stabilise Despite Challenges

UK Cattle and Sheep Prices Stabilise as Slaughter Numbers Remain Low July 10, 2025 | Meatex News Desk The latest market update from AHDB shows signs of stability in both cattle and sheep prices for the week ending 28 June 2025, following weeks of volatility earlier in the year...

09 Jul 2025

U.S. Meat Exports to China Plummet

U.S.–China Meat Trade: Exports Plummet Amid High Tariffs and Regulatory Barriers – July 2025 The U.S.–China meat trade has experienced a dramatic downturn in 2025. Pork and beef exports to China have fallen sharply due to persistently high tariffs and unresolved regulat...

07 Jul 2025

China Considers Resuming Chicken Imports from Brazil

China–Brazil Poultry Trade: Chicken Imports May Resume – July 2025 Update The China–Brazil poultry trade may soon resume, as Chinese authorities consider lifting restrictions on chicken imports from Brazil. This development follows recent discussions between Brazil’s...

04 Jul 2025

Australian Cattle and Sheep Markets Surge

Australian Cattle and Sheep Markets Surge as Prices Hit New Highs – July 2025 The Australian cattle and sheep markets experienced a sharp rise in early July 2025, with several key price indicators reaching record highs. According to the latest report from Meat & Livest...

04 Jul 2025

Australian Beef Exports Hit Record Highs Yet Again

Australian Beef Exports Hit Record Highs Yet Again – July 2025 Published: 4 July 2025 | Meatex News Desk The Australian beef export market has once again reached record levels, according to the latest data from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). In July 2025, Australia ...

03 Jul 2025

UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update: Lamb Prices Rise, Cattle Prices Ease

UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update – Lamb Prices Rise, Cattle Prices Ease The UK cattle and sheep market showed mixed trends during the week ending 21 June 2025, according to the latest data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). Lamb prices increas...

03 Jul 2025

FSA Issues Updated Guidance on Mechanically Separated Meat

FSA Guidance July 2025 – Key Updates for UK Processors The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued updated guidance in July 2025 on how UK processors should handle mechanically separated meat (MSM). This update aims to clarify MSM classification, labelling, and traceabilit...

02 Jul 2025

Turkey Temporarily Closes Livestock Markets Nationwide

Turkey Temporarily Closes Livestock Markets Nationwide Amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Published: 2 July 2025 | Meatex News Desk The Turkish livestock market has been temporarily shut down following a resurgence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The Ministry of Agricult...

27 Jun 2025

European Beef Production Falls by 56,000 Tonnes in Q1 2025

European Beef Production Falls by 56,000 Tonnes in Q1 2025 The European beef market experienced a notable decline in production during the first quarter of 2025. According to the latest data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), total beef output ac...

27 Jun 2025

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market: Weekly Insights

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market: Prices Hold Steady Amid Strong Slaughter Volumes The Australian cattle and sheep market remained active during the week ending 27 June 2025. According to the latest report from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), cattle prices held stead...

27 Jun 2025

UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update: Prices Decline

UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update – Week Ending 21 June 2025 The UK cattle and sheep market June 2025 update from AHDB shows mixed results. Cattle prices weakened, while sheep values edged higher on tighter supplies. Cattle Market Overview Prime cattle deadweight prices fell...

25 Jun 2025

Stornoway Abattoir Faces Uncertain Future Amid Challenges

Stornoway Abattoir Faces Uncertain Future – June 2025 The Stornoway abattoir future June 2025 remains unclear as falling usage and rising costs challenge the viability of the facility. Operated by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, it is the UK’s only local authority-run abattoir....

25 Jun 2025

Australia Rides High on Record Sheep Prices as Meat Exports Surge

Australian Sheep Meat Industry Booms with Record Prices and Export Growth The Australian sheep meat industry June 2025 is enjoying record highs. Prices and exports are surging, marking a sharp recovery from the oversupply crisis of 2023. Strong Export Growth In the first five ...

21 Jun 2025

USDA Explores Poultry Bird Flu Vaccination Strategy

USDA Explores Poultry Bird Flu Vaccination Plan Amid Export Concerns – June 2025 The USDA poultry bird flu vaccine plan June 2025 is under review as the U.S. Department of Agriculture considers vaccinating poultry for the first time. Officials are weighing how such a program...

16 Jun 2025

China Reopens Market to U.S. Pork and Poultry Exports

China Extends Anti-Dumping Probe on EU Pork Imports – June 2025 Global Markets – 13 June 2025. The China extends anti-dumping probe on EU pork imports update has raised concerns across the meat sector. Beijing announced a six-month extension, pushing its final decision to ...

13 Jun 2025

Aussie Lamb Market Surges to New Records, Cattle Steady

Australian Lamb Market Records & Cattle Update – Mid-2025 The Australian livestock markets mid-2025 update highlights soaring lamb prices and steady cattle performance. Notably, lamb prices broke records while cattle markets remained stable. Cattle Market Overview Cattle...

13 Jun 2025

China Extends Anti-Dumping Probe on EU Pork Imports

13 Jun 2025

Australian Lamb Prices Soar to Record Highs Amidst Tight Supply

Lamb Prices Hit Record Highs in Australia – June 2025 The lamb prices June 2025 update reveals a record-breaking market. According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), national lamb indicators have surged to unprecedented highs, even as winter supply remains tight. Key P...

11 Jun 2025

90 Jobs Lost as Scotbeef Abattoir Closes

Scotbeef Shuts Inverurie Site Amidst UK Meat Industry Challenges – June 2025 INVERURIE, ABERDEENSHIRE – 11 June 2025. The Scotbeef shuts Inverurie site June 2025 update has sparked major concern in the UK meat industry. The family-run processor confirmed the abattoir’s c...

11 Jun 2025

Council Rejects Abattoir Expansion

North Warwickshire Council Rejects T&S Abattoir Expansion – June 2025 Arley, UK – 11 June 2025. The North Warwickshire Council rejects T&S Abattoir expansion, halting the facility’s bid to grow operations. Councillors ruled against a retrospective planning applic...

10 Jun 2025

China Extends EU Pork Probe Amidst EV Tariff Talks

China Delays EU Pork Import Decision Amidst EV Tariff Talks – June 2025 BEIJING, CHINA – 10 June 2025. The latest China delays EU pork import decision June 2025 update has created new uncertainty in global meat markets. Beijing has extended its high-profile investigation i...

09 Jun 2025

Brazil’s Cattle King Backs Amazon Traceability Drive

Roque Quagliato Leads Traceability Drive in Brazilian Cattle Ranching – June 2025 XINGUARA, BRAZIL – 9 June 2025. The Roque Quagliato Brazilian cattle ranching update highlights a major step towards sustainable livestock production in the Amazon. Known as Brazil’s “Kin...

09 Jun 2025

Argentine Beef: Export Volumes Down, Prices Up

Argentine Meat Exports See Volumes Drop but Prices Rise – June 2025 BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – June 2025. The Argentine meat exports June 2025 update highlights a challenging period for the beef industry. Export volumes have fallen sharply in the first months of the year. H...

09 Jun 2025

Cornwall Abattoirs Face Closure Over Rising Costs

Cornwall Abattoirs Face Closure Over Rising Costs – June 2025 Truro, Cornwall – 9 June 2025. The Cornwall abattoirs face closure over rising costs update highlights the serious risk faced by small slaughterhouses in the region. Owners warn that annual inspection fees could...

07 Jun 2025

U.S. Meat Exports to China Plummet Amid Trade Issues

U.S. Meat Exports to China Plummet in April 2025 Amid Trade Tensions UNITED STATES – 7 June 2025. The latest U.S. meat exports to China plummet April 2025 report highlights the strain trade tensions are placing on American livestock producers. Data from the U.S. Meat Export ...

06 Jun 2025

Hungary Declares FMD Outbreak Contained

Hungary Ends Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak June 2025 The latest Hungary ends Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak June 2025 update brings relief to farmers and exporters. Agriculture Minister István Nagy confirmed that the outbreak in Kisbajcs, near the Slovakian border, has bee...

06 Jun 2025

Aussie Beef Processing Hits High as Mutton Prices Soar

Aussie Beef Processing June 2025 Update: Mutton Prices Surge Australia – 6 June 2025. The Aussie beef processing June 2025 update highlights strong cattle throughput and soaring mutton prices. According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), the sector is showing resilienc...

06 Jun 2025

UK Cattle Prices Slip for Third Week, Sheep Throughput Rises

UK Livestock Market Update – Cattle Prices Ease, Sheep Throughput Climbs The UK livestock market experienced a price adjustment during the week ending 24 May 2025. According to the AHDB Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap, cattle prices declined for the third consecutive w...

05 Jun 2025

AHDB Hosts Largest Ever Red Meat Mission

AHDB Hosts Largest Ever Red Meat Trade Mission – June 2025 The UK red meat trade mission reached a new milestone in June 2025. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) welcomed 28 international buyers to the largest inward trade mission it has ever organis...

05 Jun 2025

Global Beef Market Faces Supply Squeeze and Trade Volatility, Warns Rabobank

Global Beef Market Faces Uncertainty Amid Production Declines and Trade Disruptions The global beef industry is navigating a period of significant uncertainty, with Rabobank forecasting a 2% contraction in global beef production for the remainder of 2025. This downturn is attr...

04 Jun 2025

Surrey Farmers Face Mounting Challenges Amid Abattoir Closures

Surrey Farmers Face Mounting Challenges as Local Abattoirs Close SURREY, ENGLAND – June 4, 2025 – Farmers in Surrey are grappling with a growing crisis as local abattoirs continue to close, forcing them to seek increasingly distant options for processing their livestock, a...

02 Jun 2025

Major Boost for UK Farm Sector as BSE Status Improves

UK Achieves “Negligible” BSE Risk Status, Boosting Farm Sector and Trade UNITED KINGDOM – June 2, 2025 – The United Kingdom’s international risk status for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been officially downgraded to “negligible” by th...

31 May 2025

China Bans All Brazilian Poultry Imports Over Bird Flu Outbreak

China Imposes Nationwide Ban on Brazilian Poultry Over Avian Influenza, Reuters Reports BEIJING – May 30, 2025 – China has issued a comprehensive ban on all imports of poultry and related products from Brazil, citing an avian influenza outbreak, according to Reuters. This ...

30 May 2025

Strong Demand Keeps Irish Pig Prices Firm

Irish Pig Prices Show Upward Trajectory Amidst Tight Supplies IRELAND – May 30, 2025 – Deadweight pig prices in Ireland are demonstrating an upward trend, driven by relatively tight supplies for slaughter, despite a slight dip in reported averages last week. Producers repo...

30 May 2025

Irish Lamb Prices Firming Amidst Tight Supply

Irish Lamb Prices Firming Amidst Tight Supply, Though Deadweight Prices Dip Slightly IRELAND – [May 30, 2025] – The Irish lamb market is showing signs of firming, driven by tight supplies and stable demand, although deadweight prices experienced a slight dip recently. Base...

30 May 2025

Australian Cattle & Sheep Markets Rebound Strongly

Australian Cattle and Sheep Markets Rebound, Slaughter Rates Remain Robust AUSTRALIA – May 30, 2025 – Australia’s cattle and sheep markets experienced a notable rebound in the week ending May 30, with prices returning to early-month levels across all key indicators. ...

28 May 2025

Cranswick Launches Major Animal Welfare Review

Cranswick Launches Major Animal Welfare Review Following Abuse Allegations at Supplier Farm HESSLE, UK – [May 28, 2025] – Cranswick, one of the UK’s largest pork and poultry producers, has announced a comprehensive, independent review of its animal welfare policies a...

28 May 2025

Argentina & China Set for Beef Offal Trade Boost

Argentina Moves Closer to Beef Offal Export Deal with China Argentina is poised to strike a significant new trade agreement with China, aimed at expanding exports of beef offal – a move that could help revitalise its pressured meat industry and reshape international supply d...

28 May 2025

Fresh Meat Inflation Rises Again

Meat and Poultry price inflation continues in May The AIMS Fresh Meat and Poultry Monthly inflation report published today (Wednesday 28th May) shows that across the 4 species covered; beef, lamb, pork and chicken, that overall prices have nudged ahead by 0.9% for the month 3...

28 May 2025

Closure Threatens Sussex’s Last Abattoir

Support Urged for Last Remaining Small Abattoir in Sussex Downland Traditional Meats Limited, based in Henfield, West Sussex, welcomed Andrew Griffith MP recently as the Arundel and South Downs representative visited the region’s last remaining small abattoir to discuss the ...

28 May 2025

UK Food Inflation Surges as Beef Prices Hit Record Levels

UK Food Inflation Hits Annual High as Beef Prices Surge UK food inflation has reached its highest annual rate since May 2024, with rising costs for beef and fresh produce identified as key drivers, according to recent industry data. A prominent steakhouse chain co-founder has ...

28 May 2025

Gobble or Trouble? UK Turkey Market in 2025

UK Turkey Market Outlook 2025. A Steady Market with Changing Priorities As we move through 2025, the UK turkey market remains a key area of interest for wholesalers, processors, and foodservice buyers. While overall demand remains stable, the way turkey is being sourced, sold,...

26 May 2025

Small Abattoirs Face Extinction as Operating Costs Soar

South East’s Last Small Abattoirs Face Uncertain Future Amidst Rising Costs and Workforce Shortages The owner of one of the South East’s few remaining small abattoirs has voiced significant apprehension regarding the long-term viability of the sector, citing increa...

23 May 2025

Australian Red Meat Markets React to Tightened Supply

Weekly Australian Cattle and Sheep Markets: Supply Shifts Impact Prices The latest Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) weekly market wrap reveals a dynamic period for Australian cattle and sheep, with reduced supply notably influencing prices across various indicators. The we...

22 May 2025

Market Snapshot GB Prime Cattle and Lamb Trends

Weekly Market Wrap: Cattle Prices Soften, Lamb Falls Below Five-Year Average as Supplies Increase GB Prime Cattle Prices See Second Consecutive Decline; Lamb Continues Downward Trend Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – The latest figures for the week ending May 17 show a continued sof...

22 May 2025

Hybu Cig Cymru Launches Key Industry Survey

HCC Launches Vision 2030 Industry Survey Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) has opened an HCC Vision 2030 industry survey to gather levy-payer views for its next four-year strategy. The online survey went live on 20 May and is scheduled to remain open until 25 July ...

21 May 2025

Brazil Chicken Exports Hit by In Transit Rejections

China and Other Nations Reject In-Transit Brazilian Chicken Cargoes Over Bird Flu Brazil’s poultry industry is facing immediate logistical and financial challenges as countries, including China, are rejecting chicken consignments already in transit following the confirma...

21 May 2025

AHDB Appoints Emily Norton as New Chair

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

20 May 2025

UK-EU Reset Deal Delivers Boost to Food Trade

UK–EU Reset Deal Delivers Boost to Food Trade The UK and EU have agreed a reset package. It is aimed at improving food and agricultural trade flows and easing friction for exporters and importers on both sides of the Channel. The agreement focuses on reducing checks, paperwo...

20 May 2025

EU Halts All Brazilian Poultry Imports After Bird Flu Outbreak

EU Bans All Brazilian Poultry and Meat Imports Over Bird Flu Outbreak The European Union has halted all imports of poultry and meat products from Brazil following the confirmation of Brazil’s first bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm. The European Commission stated on...

20 May 2025

Atypical BSE Case Confirmed in Essex, No Food Risk

Atypical BSE Case Confirmed in Essex, No Risk to Public Health or Food Safety A case of atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy BSE has been confirmed on a farm in Essex. Authorities swiftly moved to reassure the public that there is no risk to human health or food safety f...

19 May 2025

Pembrokeshire Abattoir Expansion Approved

Pembrokeshire’s Only “State-of-the-Art” Abattoir Gets Expansion Go-Ahead Plans to expand facilities at Euro Farm Wales, Pembrokeshire’s sole “state-of-the-art” abattoir, have been given the green light by Pembrokeshire County Council. The ap...

19 May 2025

Brazil Hopes for Bird Flu Trade Relief

Brazil Pins Hopes on Regional Approach to Ease Bird Flu Trade Bans Brazil’s poultry industry is facing a challenging period following the country’s first confirmed bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm. However, Brazilian officials are optimistic that major import...

17 May 2025

“Crazy Distances”: Norfolk Farmer Warns of Abattoir Shortage Impact

Norfolk Farming Leader Demands Urgent Government Action on “Alarming” Abattoir Decline A leading Norfolk farmer has joined calls for immediate government intervention to address the “alarming decline” of small abattoirs across the UK. Graham Shadrack, t...

17 May 2025

Brazilian Meat Giants Marfrig and BRF Merge

Brazilian Meat Giants Marfrig and BRF Merge to Form MBRF, Rivaling JBS Two of Brazil’s largest animal protein companies, Marfrig Global Foods and BRF, have finalized their merger details, creating a new powerhouse named MBRF. The deal, completed on May 15th, combines Mar...

17 May 2025

China Ban After Brazil Confirms Bird Flu Outbreak

Brazil Confirms First Bird Flu Case on Chicken Farm, China Imposes Trade Ban Brazil has confirmed its first case of the highly contagious bird flu virus on a commercial chicken farm, triggering an immediate trade ban from its largest chicken export partner, China. The outbreak...

17 May 2025

UK Exporters Face French Border Chaos

French Border Control Strikes Cause Delays for UK Animal and Food Exports Since May 13, UK exporters face French border chaos, as contract veterinarians strike at French Border Control Posts (BCPs), slowing veterinary checks for live animals and food products arriving from Gre...

16 May 2025

MPs Demand Delay to “Damaging” Farm Tax Reforms

MPs Urge Government to Delay “Damaging” Farm Inheritance Tax Reforms A cross-party committee of MPs has called on the Government to urgently delay its planned reforms to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) until April 2027. The Env...

15 May 2025

UK Lifts German Meat Import Ban

UK Declares Germany FMD-Free, Lifts Import Restrictions Following a thorough technical assessment, Great Britain has officially recognised Germany as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) free without vaccination, effective from 14th May 2025. As a direct consequence of this recognitio...

13 May 2025

Irish Lamb Prices Firm Amidst Tight Supply

Irish Lamb Prices Firm Amidst Tight Supplies and EU Market Stability Processors in Ireland are confirming that Irish lamb prices [remain] firm amidst tight supply as of late April 2025. Major plants are offering €8.70–€8.80 per kilogram for well-finished lambs, including...

13 May 2025

Farmers Offer Cautious Welcome to US Beef Trade Deal

UK Farmers Offer Cautious Welcome to US Beef Trade Deal Livestock farmers in the UK have offered a measured response to the recently agreed beef trade deal between the UK and the United States. While acknowledging potential opportunities, concerns remain regarding trade with E...

12 May 2025

Cranswick Shares Plunge on Farm Abuse Claims

Supermarkets Suspend Cranswick Supplies Over Animal Welfare Concerns Shares in Cranswick experienced a sharp decline of approximately 9% on Monday following the suspension of supplies from one of its farms by major UK supermarkets. The move comes in response to animal welfare ...

12 May 2025

Wemyss Bay Butcher Bags World Haggis Crown

Wemyss Bay Butcher Nigel Ovens Crowned World Haggis Champion WEMYSS BAY, SCOTLAND – June 7, 2025 – Nigel Ovens, a renowned butcher from Wemyss Bay, has achieved the prestigious title of World Haggis Champion, further cementing his reputation in the Scottish meat industry. ...

12 May 2025

Irish Cattle Throughput Up as Prices Remain Strong

Irish Beef Processing Sees Throughput Increase Amidst Strong Prices Figures released by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) reveal a 3% increase in cattle processed in approved Irish plants for the year to date. As of the week ending May 4th, 2025, a tota...

09 May 2025

UK Cattle and Sheep Prices Show Signs of Stability

UK Cattle Prices Stall, Cow Values Climb Amidst Stable Sheep Market The latest market analysis from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) indicates a pause in the upward momentum of Great Britain’s deadweight cattle prices in the week ending May 3rd. ...

06 May 2025

UK signs trade deal with India

UK Secures Landmark Trade Deal with India, Opening Doors for British Lamb Exports UNITED KINGDOM – June 7, 2025 – The United Kingdom has officially signed a significant trade agreement with India, a move expected to provide a substantial boost to various sectors, particula...

02 May 2025

Meat Price Inflation Shows No Sign of Slowing

Consumers are continuing to feel the pinch as meat price inflation remains stubbornly high, according to the latest AIMS Meat Inflation Tracker Report for April 2025. The report reveals that fresh meat prices have increased by a significant 11.53% compared to April 2024, with ...

02 May 2025

Irish Pig Prices Climb Amid Tight Supplies

Deadweight pig prices in Ireland are currently experiencing an upward trend, driven by relatively tight supplies available for slaughter. The past week saw an increase of 2 cents per kilogram in Irish pig prices, with producers reporting an average price of €2.20 per kilogra...

02 May 2025

Irish Beef Throughput Up Slightly with Strong Demand

Irish Beef Throughput Up Slightly, Prices Remain Strong but Level Off The latest figures from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) reveal that 35,717 cattle were processed in approved plants in the week ending April 20th, 2025. This brings the total throug...

02 May 2025

FSA Boosts Powers to Crack Down on Food Fraud

Food Crime Unit Granted New Powers to Combat Food Fraud in England and Wales The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced that the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) now has expanded investigatory powers to tackle food fraud more effectively across England and Wales, effective f...

01 May 2025

Russian Turkey Exports Soar, Dominating Chinese Market

Russia Ousts US as Leading Turkey Meat Exporter to China GLOBAL TRADE – May 1, 2025 – Russia has significantly reshaped the global turkey meat trade landscape, successfully overtaking the United States to become the largest exporter of turkey meat to China. This strategic ...

01 May 2025

Tight Beef Supply Sees Deadweight Prices Surging

Tight Beef Supply Drives Deadweight Prices Sky High Across UK, Reports Farmers Weekly UNITED KINGDOM – May 1, 2025 – The British beef sector is experiencing unprecedented price hikes, with deadweight cattle prices soaring by nearly 40% in just nine months due to a signific...

29 Apr 2025

Smithfield Foods Shifts Focus Amid Tariff Challenges

Smithfield Foods Shifts Focus Amid Tariff Challenges Smithfield Foods, the leading U.S. pork processor, has announced that China is no longer a viable market due to retaliatory tariffs imposed by Beijing. This development highlights the ongoing impact of the tariff war initiat...

28 Apr 2025

FSA Steps Up Efforts to Modernise Meat Regulation

UK Food Standards Agency Modernises Meat Industry Regulations The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is rolling out several initiatives to modernise its regulatory approach to the meat industry, which contributes £10 billion annually to the UK economy. These efforts aim to uphold...

28 Apr 2025

Licence Revoked from Abattoir After Shocking Welfare Violations

Warwickshire Abattoir Loses Licence Following Animal Welfare Investigation The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has revoked the operating licence of T&S Abattoir in Arley, Warwickshire, following a thorough investigation into significant animal welfare breaches. The decision co...

22 Apr 2025

Great British Beef Week Back for 15th Year

Great British Beef Week, a successful industry campaign that promotes British beef to consumers, returns for its 15th anniversary on St George’s Day, 23 April. This nationwide campaign, running from 23-30 April, highlights the hard work and dedication of the farmers who prod...

18 Apr 2025

Foot-and-Mouth Threat Level Raised to ‘Medium’ Across the UK

Farmers Urged to Increase Biosecurity Measures Following Heightened Risk Assessment Livestock farmers are being urged to bolster their biosecurity protocols following an official increase in the threat level for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) from ‘low’ to ‘med...

18 Apr 2025

Irish Pig Prices Surge Amid Tight Supplies and Strong Demand

Pig Market Update: Prices and Throughput Prices Deadweight pig prices in Ireland are on an upward trajectory in response to relatively tight supplies for slaughter. Last week saw an increase of 4c/kg in Irish pig prices, with producers reporting an average of €2.20 available...

17 Apr 2025

Growing Concerns Over UK-US Trade Deal and Food Standards

UK Farmers Raise Concerns Over Food Standards in Potential US Trade Deal As the United Kingdom and the United States revive talks of a potential UK-US trade deal, British farmers are voicing strong concerns about protecting UK food standards, especially regarding hormone-treat...

17 Apr 2025

EU Beef Prices Surge as Irish Market Strengthens, Narrowing Gap with GB Prices

Average EU deadweight cattle prices have risen dramatically over the past few weeks, decreasing the difference between continental and GB prices. This article explores the reasons behind this surge and what it could mean for the UK beef market. Key Points The average European ...

16 Apr 2025

Growing Volatility in the Australian Cow Market

Australian Cow Market Sees High Volatility Amid Record Prices and Shifting Fundamentals The Australian cow market is currently experiencing heightened volatility, driven by a combination of record prices, shifting supply and demand fundamentals, and external pressures such as ...

12 Apr 2025

Government Acts on Foot and Mouth Disease Threat

Government Implements New Measures to Prevent Spread of Foot and Mouth Disease In response to a rising number of foot and mouth disease (FMD) cases across Europe, the Government has announced new measures to protect British livestock and ensure the security of farmers and the ...

11 Apr 2025

China Expands Access for Spanish Pork Amid Tariff War

China Signs Agricultural Trade Deal with Spain Amid US-China Tariff Tensions Beijing/Madrid, April 11 (Reuters) – China has signed two new agricultural trade protocols with Spain, covering Spanish pork and cherries, in a move to strengthen ties with the European Union amidst...

02 Apr 2025

Irish Sheep Trade & Prices Update

Lamb Prices Strengthen Amid Tight Supply and Export Demand The Irish sheep trade saw a notable shift in late March 2025, with lamb prices firming after several weeks of decline. According to market reports, base quotes from major processors rose to €8.70–€8.80/kg f...

02 Apr 2025

Irish Cattle & Beef Market Update

Strong Throughput and Rising Prices Define Irish Beef Sector Ireland’s beef industry continues to show resilience in early 2025, with cattle throughput and prices trending upward. According to the latest data from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), 3...

02 Apr 2025

JBS to Invest in Two New Meat Plants in Vietnam

Strategic Expansion into Southeast Asia Brazilian meatpacking giant JBS S.A. has unveiled plans to invest $100 million in building two state-of-the-art meat processing facilities in Vietnam, reinforcing its commitment to expanding operations in Southeast Asia and boosting...

01 Apr 2025

Meat Charge Hike Squeezes Abattoirs

Abattoirs Hit by FSA Meat Charge Rise The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced a significant increase in meat inspection charges, set to take effect from 1 April 2025. This uplift is expected to add further financial strain on small and medium-sized abattoirs across the U...

31 Mar 2025

Ban on Austrian Livestock Imports

UK Bans Livestock Imports from Austria to Prevent Spread of Foot and Mouth Disease The UK Government has announced a temporary ban on the commercial import of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, and wild boar from Austria to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD). Th...

24 Mar 2025

Sheep in Yorkshire Tests Positive for Avian Influenza

Avian Influenza Detected in Sheep in Yorkshire: A First for the UK The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed a case of avian influenza (H5N1) in a single sheep in Yorkshire. This case was identified following routine surveillance of livestock co-located on a premises w...

21 Mar 2025

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market Update

Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap: Prices Take a Downturn Cattle Market Insights The cattle market experienced a downturn this week. With a continued dry outlook, producers tried offloading more cattle, leading to yardings lifting by 21,192 to 81,876 head. Despite price lift...

21 Mar 2025

UK Livestock Market: Prices Up, Slaughter Down

Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap: Prices Rise Amid Slaughter Decline Cattle Market The GB overall all-prime cattle price saw a substantial increase of 10p/kg week-on-week, reaching 663p/kg. R4L prices for both steers and heifers climbed to 675p/kg, reflecting strong marke...

18 Mar 2025

China Renews U.S. Meat Export Licenses

Beijing has renewed registrations for hundreds of U.S. pork and poultry facilities, allowing them to continue exporting to China. This move comes as a relief to U.S. farmers and meat companies, who have been navigating trade disputes with major agricultural importers, includin...

17 Mar 2025

Newcastle Disease Spreads in Polish Poultry

Poland continues to grapple with Newcastle disease, as three more poultry flocks have been infected. On March 11, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed the presence of the disease in two flocks in Radomyśl Wielki and one flock in Unieck. The Unieck farm ha...

17 Mar 2025

U.S. Meat Exports to China Threatened as Export Registrations Lapse

Beijing, March 17 (Reuters) – Export registrations for over 1,000 U.S. meat plants granted by China under the 2020 “Phase 1” trade deal lapsed on Sunday, according to China’s customs website. This development poses a significant threat to U.S. exports t...

17 Mar 2025

AIMS Calls on DHSC to Review FSA’s Meat Inspection System

AIMS Calls on DHSC to Review FSA’s Meat Inspection System On the day the Chancellor meets with leading regulators to discuss reducing business burdens and promoting growth, the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has published a report titled “A Strategic ...

16 Mar 2025

UK Butchers Grapple with Unprecedented Beef Price Hikes

Market Overview UK butchers are facing mounting pressure as beef prices reach record highs in late summer 2025. The surge, driven by tight domestic supply and rising global demand, is reshaping margins and forcing retailers to reconsider product ranges and pricing strategies. ...

14 Mar 2025

China’s Huaxi Cattle Breed to Make International Debut

China’s Huaxi Cattle Breed to Make International Debut in Laos BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) — China’s “Huaxi cattle” breed will make its first international appearance under a beef cattle breeding cooperation project with Laos, the Chinese Academy o...

14 Mar 2025

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market Update

Cyclone Alfred Impacts Slaughter and Yardings Across Australia The Australian livestock market continues to feel the effects of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with significant disruptions to cattle and sheep slaughter volumes and yardings. Despite these challenges, cattle pr...

14 Mar 2025

Irish Lamb Prices Drop Amid Tight Supplies and Stable Demand

Market Overview Irish lamb prices have seen a surprising dip in recent weeks, despite a backdrop of tight supply and consistent consumer demand. The trend has raised eyebrows across the meat trade, particularly among processors and exporters who expected firmer pricing heading...

14 Mar 2025

Tight Supplies Drive Irish Pig Prices Upward

Irish Pig Prices on the Rise Amid Tight Supplies Deadweight pig prices in Ireland are climbing due to relatively tight supplies for slaughter. Last week, prices increased by 4c/kg, with producers reporting rates ranging from €2.10 to €2.14/kg from processors. The average p...

14 Mar 2025

Irish Cattle & Beef Market Update on Tight Supply

Cattle & Beef Market Update With cattle availability for processing remaining tight across much of Europe and the UK, the deadweight cattle trade has continued to perform strongly. The tightness in beef availability combined with stable demand for beef in key export market...

14 Mar 2025

Cattle Prices Surge, Lamb Steady – AHDB

Cattle Market Prime cattle prices have shown renewed strength due to a slowdown in supply. The overall steer price increased by 13p to average 655p/kg, while heifer prices also grew by 13p to average 652p/kg. Steers achieving R4L specification averaged 667p/kg, up 14p on the w...

14 Mar 2025

Warwickshire Abattoir Under Investigation

Warwickshire Abattoir Under Investigation Following Allegations of Animal Welfare Violations Authorities are investigating serious allegations raised in a recent media article regarding an abattoir in Warwickshire. The claims have prompted a thorough investigation by local law...

14 Mar 2025

Irish Cattle Shortages Forecast

Irish Cattle Shortages Forecast – March 2025 Market Outlook Irish cattle shortages March 2025 are expected to impact beef supply and pricing across the country. Processors and exporters are preparing for reduced availability of finished cattle, with implications for procure...

14 Mar 2025

UK Butchers Train at Plumpton College for World Butchers’ Challenge 2025

UK Butchers Prepare for World Butchers’ Challenge – Training at East Sussex College Preparing for the Global Stage A team of skilled UK butchers is training at Plumpton College in East Sussex ahead of the World Butchers’ Challenge 2025, which will take place in Pari...

13 Mar 2025

Illegal Meat Floods UK High Streets

Surge in Unregulated Meat Sparks Biosecurity Concerns The UK is facing a growing crisis as illegal meat products—bypassing essential health and safety checks—are reportedly being sold on high streets across the country. The warning comes from Lucy Manzano, head of the ...

13 Mar 2025

First Dragon’s Den Winner for NZ Red Meat

Breakthrough Innovation in NZ Red Meat Processing Renyu Zhang, a senior scientist at AgResearch, has been crowned the first-ever winner of New Zealand’s Dragon’s Den-style competition focused on red meat innovation. The contest was designed to inspire cutting-edge idea...

13 Mar 2025

Dairy Cattle Dominate GB Slaughter

Dairy Herd Dominates Cattle Slaughter in Great Britain Key Points Over half of all cattle and calves slaughtered in Great Britain in 2024 were born to the dairy herd. The proportion of prime cattle supply made up of dairy beef continues to grow, reaching 37% in 2024. BCMS data...

13 Mar 2025

FMD Case Sparks Calls for Action on Illegal Meat

Calls for Stronger Security Measures Following Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak The UK government has been urged to deploy significantly stronger security measures to combat illegal meat imports following a case of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Hungary last week. On 6th March, Hungar...

12 Mar 2025

AIMS Launches Legal Challenge Against FSA Charges

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), has initiated legal proceedings against the Food Standards Agency (FSA) over the charges imposed on the meat industry. Peter Hewson, Veterinary Director at AIMS, explained the rationale behind this decision: “Firstly,...

12 Mar 2025

Germany Regains FMD Free Status

Major Milestone for German Agriculture and Meat Exports Germany has officially regained its Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free status, a significant development for the country’s meat and dairy export industry. The announcement, made by the German Ministry of Agriculture, ...

11 Mar 2025

Record Production Amid Declining Australian Cattle and Sheep Herds – MLA

Meat & Livestock Australia Projects Herd Reductions Amid Strong Global Demand Australia’s cattle and sheep herds are forecast to decline slightly in 2025, according to Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) latest Cattle and Sheep Industry Projections. Despite th...

10 Mar 2025

UK Could See Lab-Grown Food in 2 Years

Food Standards Agency Targets Two-Year Timeline for Cultivated Food Products Lab-grown meat, dairy, and sugar could be available for human consumption in the UK within two years, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The agency is working to streamline the approval...

10 Mar 2025

Kebab Pie Crowned Supreme Champion at British Pie Awards

The British Pie Awards 2025 have once again celebrated the finest pies from across the UK, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of pie makers. Held in Melton Mowbray, the pork-pie capital of Britain, this year’s awards saw nearly 1,000 entries competing for th...

09 Mar 2025

Abattoir Staff Fired After Alleged Animal Abuse Footage Surfaces

Abattoir Staff Fired After Alleged Animal Abuse Footage Surfaces Several staff members at a slaughterhouse in Arley, Warwickshire, have been dismissed following the release of footage online that allegedly shows sheep being manhandled. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launc...

08 Mar 2025

US Trade War: Brazil Prepares for Increased Demand

Brazilian Agricultural Exporters to Benefit from U.S.-China Trade War SAO PAULO, March 6 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade war with China is expected to provide Brazilian agricultural exporters with an opportunity to capture a larger share of ...

08 Mar 2025

UK Bans Some Animal Imports from Hungary & Slovakia

Britain Bans Animal Imports from Hungary and Slovakia to Prevent Foot-and-Mouth Disease Spread Britain has banned imports of cattle, pigs, and other animal products from Hungary and Slovakia following a confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease in Hungary. The government announ...

08 Mar 2025

Foot and Mouth Disease Confirmed at Hungarian Farm

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been confirmed at a farm in Hungary, marking the first outbreak in the country in over 50 years. The disease was detected in a dairy herd located in the Gyor area, near the Slovak border. This outbreak has raised concerns among the agricultural...

08 Mar 2025

Trump Suspends Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

Trump Suspends Tariffs on Canada and Mexico WASHINGTON, March 6 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump suspended the 25% tariffs he imposed earlier this week on most goods from Canada and Mexico. This latest move in his fluctuating trade policy has caused market volatil...

07 Mar 2025

🐖 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Pigs

10 Surprising Facts About Pigs.. At Meatex, we know our pork – but there’s more to pigs than sausages and bacon. These curious creatures are clever, clean, and full of surprises. Whether you’re a butcher, wholesaler, caterer or just a lover of good pork, here are 10 ...

06 Mar 2025

Irish Pig Market Update

Steady Pig Prices and Increased Throughput in Ireland Prices Deadweight pig prices in Ireland have remained steady for several weeks, following a slight drop at the start of 2025. For the week ending 23rd February 2025, the average price paid for grade E pigs was €1.99/kg ex...

06 Mar 2025

Irish Sheep Market Update

Hogget Prices Hold Steady Amid Tight Supply and Rising Export Demand The Irish sheep market remains firm in early March 2025, with hogget prices stabilizing due to tight supply conditions and increased demand ahead of Ramadan. According to industry reports, base quot...

06 Mar 2025

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices Update

Irish Cattle Trade Prices Update – Early March 2025 Market Overview The Irish cattle trade entered March with steady prices and cautious optimism. Despite tight supply conditions, demand from processors remains firm, particularly for prime cattle. The Irish cattle trade p...

06 Mar 2025

China Suspends Beef Imports from Meatpacking Facilities

China’s customs authorities have suspended beef imports from seven meatpacking facilities across Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Mongolia as of 3rd March 2025. The affected companies include two Argentine exporters (Frigorífico Regional General Las Heras SA and Frio Doc...

05 Mar 2025

The Ancient York Butchers Guild Names New Master

Dr. Jason Aldiss BEM, Executive Director of AIMS, has been appointed as the first vet to become the Master of The York Butcher’s Guild in its 700+ year history. Jason expressed his surprise and honour at the appointment, having been a long-time member of the Guild. Historica...

04 Mar 2025

Plans to Reopen and Expand Dorset Abattoir Approved

Plans to reopen and expand an abattoir in Bradpole, Dorset, have been approved despite some residents’ concerns over traffic, light, and noise pollution. The facility at Mangerton Lane, which had been shut for a year, has been acquired by Shropshire-based Pickstock Telfo...

27 Feb 2025

Argentina Lifts Five-Decade Ban on Live Cattle Exports

BUENOS AIRES, Feb 26 (Reuters) – The Argentine government has authorised the export of live cattle for slaughter, reversing a prohibition that had been in place for over five decades. This decision follows a year in which the country’s beef exports reached their hi...

27 Feb 2025

Danish Crown Closes Chinese Factory in China Following Strategic Review

COPENHAGEN, Feb 27 (Reuters) – Meat producer Danish Crown announced on Thursday that it has closed its factory in Pinghu, eastern China, following a strategic review. The company stated that the plant did not align with its overall strategy. Danish Crown, one of the worl...

13 Feb 2025

Food Standards Agency Brings AI to Meat Inspection

Modernising Meat Inspection with Artificial Intelligence The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a pilot programme to modernise meat inspection in the UK. By using artificial intelligence (AI), the agency aims to improve food safety, speed up inspections, and support the ...

10 Feb 2025

Bolivian Meat Producers in Crisis After Export Ban

Bolivian meat producers are facing daily losses of approximately USD 500,000 following the government’s ban on beef exports. The National Chamber of Exporters of Bolivia (Caneb) has raised concerns, highlighting the significant impact on cattle farmers, particularly in t...

09 Feb 2025

Lab-Grown Dog Food Hits UK Market

Dog Food Made from Cultivated Meat Goes on Sale in the UK Meatly has launched “chick bites,” the first pet food products made from cultivated meat to be sold commercially worldwide. This innovation could potentially eliminate farm animals from the pet food industry...

08 Feb 2025

UK Beef Production to Decline by 5% in 2025

UK Beef Production to Decline by 5% in 2025 Amid Rising Domestic Consumption Key Insights Production Decline: UK beef production will decrease by 5% in 2025, dropping to 885,000 tonnes. Consumption Growth: Domestic beef consumption will grow by 1%. Supply Dynamics: Prime cattl...

08 Feb 2025

China’s Beef Imports Surge to Record Highs in 2024

China’s Beef Imports Set New Records in 2024 Record-Breaking Import Volumes China’s beef imports continued their upward trajectory in 2024, setting new records and reinforcing the country’s position as the world’s largest beef importer. Recent data show...

07 Feb 2025

Australian Livestock Market Update

Australian Livestock Market Update: Prices and Throughput Key Points Cattle Quality: The quality of cattle, especially across eastern states, has been impacted by hot and dry weather. Lamb Quality: Strong quality across heavy and extra heavy lambs has continued. Slaughter Rate...

07 Feb 2025

UK Livestock Market Update: Prices and Throughput

UK Livestock Market Update: Prices and Throughput Key Points Cattle Prices: GB deadweight cattle prices increased again for the week ending 01 February, with the overall all-prime price up by 16p/kg. Sheep Prices: Sheep prices eased, with the GB OSL SQQ at 710p/kg, despite low...

07 Feb 2025

UK Beef Market Outlook

UK Beef Market Outlook for 2025 Key Points Reduced Domestic Supply: UK beef production is forecast to fall by 5% year-on-year to 885,000 tonnes in 2025 due to a reduced domestic cattle supply. Consumption Trends: Domestic beef consumption is expected to grow marginally, driven...

07 Feb 2025

Irish Pig Market Update: Prices and Throughput

The Latest Update on Irish Pig Market Prices and Throughput Prices Deadweight pig prices in Ireland are on an upward trajectory due to relatively tight supplies for slaughter. Prices have been increasing steadily week on week from a low of 190c/kg in mid-February 2024. For the...

07 Feb 2025

Irish Lamb Market Update: Prices and Throughput

Irish Lamb Prices and Throughput – February 2025 Market Update The latest figures show that Irish lamb prices and throughput continue to move in different directions. Processors in Ireland have raised base quotes to €9.00–€9.40/kg for well-finished lambs, including the...

07 Feb 2025

Pets at Home Launches World’s First Cultivated Meat Dog Treats

World’s First Cultivated Meat Dog Treats Launched at Pets at Home Pets at Home has introduced a groundbreaking dog treat made from cultivated meat, marking a world first for the retailer. The treat, named Chick Bites, combines plant-based ingredients with cultivated meat...

07 Feb 2025

German Pig Prices Hold Steady Amid Contained FMD Outbreak

German Pig Prices Steady Amid Contained Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak HAMBURG, Feb 5 (Reuters) – German pig prices remained stable over the past week, as hopes rise that the recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has been contained, according to meat traders and industry group...

07 Feb 2025

Dover Port Authorities Confiscate Record Amount of Illegal Meat

Illegal Meat Seizures at Port of Dover Surge in 2024 Nearly 100 tonnes of illegal meat were seized at the Port of Dover in 2024, according to new data. The confiscated meat, which included pork, lamb, beef, and chicken, totalled 98,958kg across 868 separate seizures. This repr...

03 Feb 2025

Three Arrested in Abattoir Raid Amid Human Trafficking Allegations

In a significant operation, Greater Manchester Police have arrested three individuals following a raid at an abattoir in Stockport. The raid, which took place on Thursday, was part of a coordinated effort that also saw a simultaneous warrant executed at a residential property ...

26 Jan 2025

Ireland’s Lamb Market: Insights on Trade & Prices

Quotes Base quotes from major processors have seen a slight improvement this week, ranging from €9.00/kg to €9.40/kg for well-finished lambs, with an additional QA bonus available. With increased demand, many major processors have raised the carcass weight limit to 24kg. S...

24 Jan 2025

Danish Crown to Sell China Facility Amid Strategic Shift

Danish Crown, the Denmark-based pork processing giant, has announced its decision to sell its facility in Pinghu, China. This move comes as part of a broader strategic shift within the company. A spokesperson confirmed the sale to Just Food, noting that the Pinghu factory repr...

14 Jan 2025

AIMS Urges Government to Embrace AI in Meat Inspection

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has welcomed the UK government’s AI initiative, calling for the increased use of artificial intelligence within meat inspection processes. In a statement, Executive Director Dr Jason Aldiss BEM highlighted the potentia...

13 Jan 2025

South Korea Bans German Pork Imports Amid Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

Seoul, South Korea – The South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has announced an import ban on German pork following the confirmation of a highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Germany. This is Germany’s first FMD case since 1...

11 Jan 2025

Germany reports FMD outbreak

The National Reference Laboratory for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) has confirmed an infection with the FMD virus in a water buffalo in Märkisch-Oderland, Brandenburg. The local authorities have taken control and protection measures. ...

11 Jan 2025

34 Redundancies as Price & Fretwell Shuts Down

Tibshelf, Derbyshire: A well-established family-run butcher has been forced to close its doors after 30 years in business, resulting in the redundancy of all 34 employees. Price and Fretwell, an award-winning supplier of meat to restaurants, hotels, and educational institution...

09 Jan 2025

Red Meat Warning as Scottish Beef Supplies Dwindle

Supermarket shelves across Scotland could see shortages of red meat as beef supplies near a “critical point”. The Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) has warned that beef supplies are dwindling as cattle levels continue to fall. The number of cattle used for be...

09 Jan 2025

NFU Calls for Support for Local Abattoirs Amid Latest Closure

The NFU is calling on the government to recognise the key role of small and medium-sized abattoirs in the supply chain following news of the latest closure. The last remaining abattoir in Hampshire is set to cease trading at the end of January. The closure of Newman’s Abatto...

08 Jan 2025

Beef Trade Booms in 2025: Prices Surge Amid Tight Supplies

The beef trade has started 2025 with a significant surge, as finished prices have soared at both abattoirs and in the live ring. Over the past week, deadweight prices have increased, with several processors offering base prices between 560p/kg and 570p/kg. Some larger beef fin...

07 Jan 2025

Hampshire’s Last Abattoir to Close, Impacting Local Food Supply Chains

The last remaining abattoir in Hampshire, Newman’s Abattoir, is set to close its doors at the end of January, dealing a significant blow to local food supply chains. This independent, family-run business based in Farnborough has been a key player in the region, trading a...

04 Jan 2025

Back British Pork Campaign Launched

A new pig sector campaign is set to launch in February, aiming to inspire the public to incorporate more British-produced pork into their meals. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is spearheading the campaign titled ‘British pork… but not as you know...

03 Jan 2025

Mercosur Meat Surge Sparks Controversy in China

Chinese farmers and meat industry associations are complaining about the surge in foreign beef imports and the Ministry of Commerce has promised an investigation into the situation, according to Beijing government sources. However the investigation is likely to take some eight...

02 Jan 2025

Updated Guidance on Meat from Bird Flu Control Zones

Guidance Bird flu: rules on meat produced from poultry and farmed game birds originating in disease control zones Available Here Rules food businesses should follow for any meat produced from poultry or farmed game birds originating within a disease control zone. Gov.uk

31 Dec 2024

China Launches Probe into Beef Imports Amid Domestic Industry Struggles

China has initiated a probe into beef imports to determine if the surge in shipments from overseas has adversely affected the domestic industry, according to the Ministry of Commerce. The investigation, requested by domestic industry associations, is expected to conclude withi...

24 Dec 2024

Smithfield Traders Back New Market Plan

The City of London and Smithfield traders have agreed on a plan to move the market to a new location “within the M25” when the site closes. The agreement comes after concerns that the historic Smithfield meat market and Billingsgate fish market would shut after the...

23 Dec 2024

Bird Flu: Rules for Meat from Infected Zones

Bird flu: rules on meat produced from poultry and farmed game birds originating in disease control zones Rules food businesses should follow for any meat produced from poultry or farmed game birds originating within a disease control zone. Rules on meat produced from poultry a...

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

Millers of Speyside Abattoir to Focus Solely on Beef Slaughtering Amid Rising Costs

The Millers of Speyside abattoir in Grantown will transition to solely a beef slaughtering facility starting next year. Managing director Sandy Milne cited labour shortages and rising operational costs as the primary reasons for this shift, making it necessary to streamline th...

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...

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

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

A Year in Review: Australian Sheep and Lamb Market 2024 Sydney, 12 December 2024 Australia’s sheep and lamb market has experienced a turbulent yet productive year, with record slaughter numbers and strong export demand shaping industry performance. Producers have balanced re...

12 Dec 2024

Tired of Turkey? Try These Alternative Christmas Meats

The Best Alternative Christmas Meats to Buy if You Don’t Want Turkey For many, turkey has become synonymous with Christmas, but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Whether you’re looking to switch things up or cater to a family that isn’t fond of turkey, the good...

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...

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

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 Trade Restrictions on Australian Meat Processing Facilities

China has lifted trade restrictions on two Australian meat processing facilities, allowing the full resumption of red meat exports to the country, the Australian government announced on Tuesday. This move marks the removal of restrictions from all 10 Australian abattoirs that ...

03 Dec 2024

How Beef Wellington Became a British Classic

From French Technique to British Tradition Beef Wellington is a dish steeped in history, elegance, and debate. While it is firmly rooted in British culinary tradition, its origins tell a more complex story. Many historians believe the dish evolved from the French filet de boeu...

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

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

Smithfield Meat Market to Close Permanently After 850 Years

London’s historic Smithfield meat market, the oldest in the capital, is set to shut down permanently by 2028 after its operators voted against relocation plans. The market, which has been in operation for 850 years, was initially slated to move to a £1bn development in ...

26 Nov 2024

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 its kind in the world, may be closed permanently, after the City of London Cor...

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

Brazil Halts Meat Supply to Carrefour São Paulo, 23 November 2024 Brazilian meat companies have moved to suspend supply to Carrefour following the retailer’s announcement that it will boycott meat from Mercosur countries. The decision, unveiled on 22 November, marks a sharp...

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...

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 Corporation has halted its current plan to move Smithfield and Billingsgate markets to a new purpose-built site in Dagenham. While the move has not been cancelled altogether, the initial plan has been stopped to review the scheme and ensure its financial sus...

10 Nov 2024

Tönnies Group Rebrands as Premium Food Group to Reflect Broader Food Manufacturing Focus

German meat producer Tönnies Group will rebrand as Premium Food Group starting next year. This change reflects the company’s evolution from a meat processor to a broader food manufacturer. The Tönnies brand will now be exclusively associated with the meat production bu...

08 Nov 2024

Russian Firm Boosts Meat Exports

Damate Group, Russia’s leading turkey meat producer, has reported a significant increase in its exports for the first nine months of 2024. The company exported 8,300 tonnes of turkey and duck meat, which is double the amount exported in the same period last year. Of this...

06 Nov 2024

Pickstock’s Scottish Expansion Approved Without Environmental Impact Assessment

Pickstock’s Scottish Expansion Moves Forward Without Environmental Impact Assessment The English meat processing firm Pickstock has received approval to proceed with its multi-million pound expansion into Scotland without the need for an Environmental Impact Assessment (...

05 Nov 2024

Dawn Meats Secures Multimillion-Euro Contract as South Korea Opens Market to Irish Beef

Dawn Meats has celebrated the opening of the South Korean market to Irish beef for the first time this week, announcing a significant initial multimillion-euro contract for monthly shipments with a leading South Korean company. This marks a major milestone for the company and ...

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...

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

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. This 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 Finalises Acquisition of Marfrig Global Foods’ Key Assets Minerva Foods has successfully completed its acquisition of several key assets from Marfrig Global Foods, solidifying its position as a major player in the meat processing industry. This acquisition,...

28 Oct 2024

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

New Zealand’s largest red meat exporter, Silver Fern Farms, is gearing up for the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, which will take place from November 5-10. This marks the company’s seventh consecutive attendance at the event. Silver Fer...

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

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

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...

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

Australian Beef Exports Surge Amid U.S. Production Slump 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 slaugh...

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

Scottish Red Meat Exports Surge to £137 Million, Reports QMS

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...

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...

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...

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

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

Paraguay is planning an ambitious project to significantly boost its exports to the UK, aiming to reach an export bill of approximately US$ 900 million annually in the coming years. This ambitious forecast was revealed in the report “Opportunities UK – Paraguay,”...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

17 Sep 2024

Australia reaches trade deal with UAE to boost agriculture exports

Australia has announced a significant trade deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that will remove tariffs for about 99% of Australian products, resulting in savings of A$135 million ($91 million) in the first year. The UAE is Australia’s largest trade and investment ...

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. Its story is rich in history, innovation, and international connections. Originating in South America, it has evolved into a household ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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

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

The Isle of Man has implemented a ban on importing certain sheep and goat products from the European Union to prevent the spread of the highly contagious infection known as “goat plague” or peste des petits ruminants (PPR). The strict controls, which include postal...

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...

30 Aug 2024

Irish Pig Trade: Steady Increase in Deadweight Prices

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

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Beef Export Tax to Boost Foreign Sales

The Argentine government has announced a reduction in the beef export tax by 25%, lowering it from 9% to 6.75%. This move aims to promote sales to foreign markets and improve the income levels of producers and processors, thereby enhancing Argentina’s presence in interna...

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...

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 Sheep and Goats to Contain “Goat Plague”

ATHENS, July 29 (Reuters) – Greece has implemented a ban on moving sheep and goats from their farms in an effort to contain a viral infection known as “goat plague” after new cases were detected over the weekend. The agriculture ministry announced the decisio...

21 Jul 2024

Brazil Halts Poultry Meat Shipments to China, Europe, and Argentina Due to Newcastle Disease

Brazilian authorities have halted all shipments of poultry meat to China, Europe, and Argentina following the detection of a case of Newcastle disease in the municipality of Anta Gorda, located in the State of Rio Grande do Sul[1]. The Ministry of Agriculture stated that the s...

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...

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,...

09 Jul 2024

Brazil Sets New Beef Export Record in First Half of 2024

Brazil has established a new record in beef exports for the first half of 2024, shipping 1.29 million tons of animal protein. This represents a 27% increase compared to the same period in 2023, when 1.019 million tons were exported. Revenue also saw a significant rise, up 17% ...

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’s Beef Consumption Hits Record Low Amid Economic Slump

BUENOS AIRES, July 5 (Reuters) – Beef-loving Argentines are cutting back on their steaks as the country’s economy slumps, leading to a likely record low in cattle consumption this year. According to a market report published on Friday by the Rosario exchange, Argen...

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...

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

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...

24 Jun 2024

Poland Seeks Greater Access to Chinese Market for Meat Products

Poland’s President Andrzej Duda has expressed a strong desire to open the Chinese market further for Polish meat products. Before departing for China on Saturday, Duda highlighted the importance of this initiative, particularly for Polish poultry and beef. During his fiv...

18 Jun 2024

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

COPENHAGEN, June 17 (Reuters) – Denmark’s pork industry could face significant challenges if China restricts imports of European meat, according to the Danish Agriculture & Food Council. The lobby group urged for a solution to be found before July 4, following ...

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, according to traders and analysts. Russia, which began exporting ...

17 Jun 2024

Spain Calls for Negotiations to Avoid Tariffs on Pork Exports to China

MADRID, June 17 (Reuters) – Spain has called for negotiations to prevent tariffs on its pork exports to China, following Beijing’s announcement of an anti-dumping probe into pork imports from the European Union. The investigation appears to mainly target Spain, the...

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...

16 Jun 2024

EU Pork Industry Faces “Nightmare Scenario” Amid Potential Chinese Import Restrictions

HAMBURG/LLEIDA, June 14 (Reuters) – Europe’s pork industry is bracing for a “nightmare scenario” of lower prices and falling profitability if China restricts imports from the region, according to industry executives and analysts. The concerns arise afte...

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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 Import of Danish Processed Pork Products

BEIJING (Reuters) – China has given the green light for the import of Danish salami, frankfurter sausages, and canned pork, as announced by top processor Danish Crown this week. This approval paves the way for shipments of higher-value processed meat to the world’s...

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 ...

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

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

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices – Week Ending 12 May 2024 The latest update confirms that Irish cattle trade & prices May 2024 remain steady, with supplies continuing to rise. Throughput During the week ending 12 May 2024, DAFM-approved plants processed 30,743 cattle, pu...

18 May 2024

UK approves tariff-free meat imports from Australia and NZ

Windsor Framework Trade Deal: Tariff-Free Meat Imports for Northern Ireland The UK and EU have ratified an important change to the Windsor Framework trade deal. This update gives Northern Ireland (NI) businesses wider access to UK free trade agreements. Previously, NI importer...

18 May 2024

Morrisons Faces Backlash Over New Zealand Lamb Trial

Morrisons has come under fire from farmers as it trials the sale of New Zealand lamb in 39 of its stores, moving away from its previous commitment to sell 100% British lamb. The supermarket chain cited customer demand for cheaper prices as the reason behind the decision. ̶...

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) – The Australian government announced on Saturday that it will ban live sheep exports by sea starting from May 2028, fulfilling a long-standing pledge to end a practice that has faced significant opposition from animal welfare advocates. Agricult...

07 May 2024

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

The latest figures show that Irish sheep trade prices April 2024 remain firm as supplies tighten. Major processors increased base quotes for hoggets this week. Offers ranged from €9.20/kg to €9.40/kg, including the Quality Assurance (QA) bonus. In addition, small numbers o...

07 May 2024

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

Irish Cattle Trade & Prices – April 2024 Market Update This week’s figures show continued strength in Irish cattle trade & prices April 2024, supported by rising throughput and firm product prices. Processor quotes improved for steers to €5.15–€5.20/kg, while...

19 Apr 2024

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

Irish Sheep Trade Prices – Week Ending 13 April 2024 The latest figures show that Irish sheep trade prices April 2024 continue to rise. Major processors lifted base quotes for hoggets this week. Offers now range from 900c/kg to 930c/kg, including the Quality Assurance (QA) b...

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

First Shipment of Russian Pork Arrives in China In a historic move, the first shipment of Russian pork arrives in China, marking the end of a 15-year ban. Chinese authorities lifted African swine fever restrictions in September 2023, paving the way for renewed trade. The 27-to...

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...

09 Apr 2024

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

Irish Cattle & Sheep Trade Prices – Week Ending 31 March 2024 Here’s the latest on Irish cattle & sheep trade prices March 2024. It reflects strong demand, tight supply, and evolving market trends. Cattle & Beef Throughput remains solid. During the week ending ...

05 Apr 2024

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

Irish Cattle & Sheep Trade Prices – Week Ending 24 March 2024 The latest figures highlight steady performance in Irish cattle & sheep trade prices March 2024. Cattle throughput rose, while sheep supply stayed tight. Cattle & Beef During the week ending 24 March 2...

05 Apr 2024

QMS relaunches Scotch Beef Club in Italy

QMS Relaunches Scotch Beef Club in Italy to Strengthen Export Connections On 3 April 2024, QMS relaunched the Scotch Beef Club in Italy, underscoring its commitment to premium export markets. The relaunch took place during a high-profile gastronomic event in Milan, where leadi...

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...

03 Apr 2024

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.

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...

29 Mar 2024

Excessive cost rise impacts Scottish meat chain

Scottish Meat Industry Costs Rise in 2024 The Scottish meat industry costs 2024 are increasing sharply. Stakeholders warn that the scale of these rises could render the sector uncompetitive compared with the rest of the UK. From 1 April 2024, Food Standards Scotland (FSS) impo...

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...

09 Mar 2024

The Origins of Corned Beef

Corned beef has a succulent taste and a rich history. The story of its journey stretches across continents and centuries, shaping food traditions worldwide. If you have ever wondered about the origins of corned beef, this guide explains how it became a staple of trade and cuis...

11 Feb 2024

What is Wagyu beef?

What Is Wagyu Beef? If you’ve ever asked yourself what is Wagyu beef, you’re not alone. This world-renowned meat is celebrated for its unmatched quality, rich taste, and exceptional tenderness. The word Wagyu literally translates to Japanese cow, and it refers to four main...

20 Jul 2023

The Meatex Masterclass – A Tour de Force Through the Various Meat Cuts!

Meat Cuts Guide – Introducing the Meatex Masterclass Welcome to the Meatex Masterclass: the essential meat cuts guide for trade buyers, chefs and food lovers. This educational journey will help you understand beef, lamb, pork and poultry cuts with ease. When you walk into a ...

23 Jun 2023

BLOG: Borough Market: An Adventure into London’s Food Haven

Borough Market: London’s Food Haven Adventure Step into Borough Market, London’s food haven with over a millennia of history. Nestled in Southwark, this storied market evolved from wholesale roots to a vibrant destination teeming with artisanal food experiences and global ...

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