China Pork Market Update: 2023 Challenges Extend into 2024

TL;DR: In 2023, China witnessed a 5% increase in pork production, reaching 57.94 million tonnes, attributed to heightened slaughter activities and an oversupply in the domestic market. This surge in production led to reduced margins for producers and an uptick in culling rates. However, the outlook for 2024 suggests a contraction in the pig population, […]
UK Red Meat Exporters Target US Market for Growth

TL;DR: In a strategic move to expand their global footprint, UK red meat exporters are gearing up to tap into the American market, known for its vast opportunities. Later this month, a delegation comprising four beef and lamb exporters will join forces with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Hybu Cig Cymru – […]
UK’s Sheep Meat Import Patterns Shift in 2023, with Australian Imports Surging as New Zealand’s Decline

TL;DR: The UK’s importation of sheep meat saw notable adjustments in 2023, as reported by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). The total volume of sheep meat brought into the UK decreased by 11% compared to the previous year. This change was marked by a 19% reduction in imports from New Zealand, traditionally the […]
2023 Pork Trade Review

TL;DR: In 2023, the UK’s pork trade experienced several shifts, with import and export volumes reflecting changing market dynamics. Total pig meat imports fell by 2.5% to 781,600 tonnes, compared to the previous year. This decline was primarily driven by a 10.2% decrease in bacon volumes, which significantly impacted the overall import figures. Despite this, […]
Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Update – 29 February 2024

TL;DR: The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has released its latest weekly market wrap for cattle and sheep, highlighting key trends and statistics. For the week ending 24 February 2024, overall Great Britain (GB) deadweight prime cattle prices have levelled off as more cattle were brought to market, with weekly estimated prime cattle slaughter […]
January 2024 Beef Market Update: Prices Rise Amidst Varied Production and Trade Dynamics

TL;DR: In January 2024, the British beef market experienced notable shifts, with an increase in GB deadweight prices for both cow and prime cattle. The all-prime average price matched the figures from Spring 2023, starting the month at 487.2p/kg and closing at 491.4p/kg. Cow prices also peaked at their highest since July 2023, suggesting a […]
2024 Agri-Market Outlook: Navigating Through Inflation and Policy Uncertainty

TL;DR: As we step into 2024, the agricultural sector braces for a year marked by continued inflationary pressures and the lingering effects of the cost of living crisis on consumer demand. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s (AHDB) latest agri-market outlook sheds light on the cumulative inflation exceeding 30% in agricultural inputs since 2019. This […]
British Pig Meat Finds New Horizon in California’s Proposition 12 Era

TL;DR: In an ambitious stride towards international markets, a select group of British pig meat exporters has ventured into California, eyeing the vast opportunities unleashed by the state’s latest animal welfare legislation, Proposition 12. This regulation, which took effect on the 1st of January, 2024, introduces stringent standards for pig meat production, notably mandating enhanced […]
Boost in Red Meat and Dairy Sales During Christmas Season

TL;DR: The Christmas season witnessed a significant increase in meat sales in the UK, with total meat, fish, and poultry (MFP) spending growing by 11.6% year-on-year (YoY) in the two weeks leading up to Christmas Day. This growth occurred despite ongoing cost pressures affecting consumers. In the red meat category, all proteins performed well in […]
UK to Implement Border Controls Similar to EU’s Post-Brexit Measures

Following Brexit, the UK plans to introduce border controls that mirror those the EU implemented immediately after the UK’s departure on January 1, 2021. The Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) will require sanitary certificates for meat and dairy, phytosanitary certificates for plant products, and initiate physical inspections at UK borders, aligning with the controls at […]