Articles

Id	Title	Subtitle	Content	Active	Archived	Category	User	Created	Modified	Actiuni
Id	Title	Subtitle	Content	Active	Archived	Category	User	Created	Modified	Actiuni
1099	12,500 business meetings expected to take place at Alimentaria 2018	Alimentaria, the greatest exhibition platform for the Spanish food and beverage industry and a show of reference in Southern Europe, is celebrating more than four decades since its foundation. This year the show will be even bigger as Alimentaria joined forces with Hostelco, the International Trade Fair for Equipment for Catering, Hospitality and Communities. J.Antonio Valls, director of Alimentaria and managing director of Alimentaria Exhibitions, gave an exclusive interview to EuroMeatNews in which he talks about what makes the Spanish trade fair a succes and about the expectations for this year's grand event.	<p> <strong>What do you expect different from this year's edition of Alimentaria?</strong></p> <p>It will be the largest fair we have organized so far, because Alimentaria (the Food, Beverage and Food Service Show) will be held with Hostelco (the International Exhibition of Equipment and Machinery for Catering, Hotel and Catering). These two exhibit halls will offer a great platform for internationalization, business, and innovation, with gastronomy like differential value, for the food industry, drinks, Food Service, and hospitality equipment.</p> <p><strong>What further information can you tell us about the partnership between Alimentaria and Hostelco? Do you think it will boost the event's success?</strong></p> <p>Alimentaria and Hostelco will occupy an area covering 100,000 square meters of the Gran Via in Fira de Barcelona. This event will be a unique opportunity for professionals and important companies and organizations in the sector, hundreds of activities, and the presentation of the latest news in food and drinks for the restaurant and gastronomy industries.</p> <p>Furthermore, it is expected that around 150,000 professional visitors will attend, of which close to 30% will be foreigners and 1,400 key buyers are also invited. More than 300 innovations will be displayed, some 120 conferences and congress activities and 35 chefs with 45 Michelin stars are going to do different showcookings.</p> <p><strong>How many companies will be exhibiting within Alimentaria this year and what is the key factor that kept the interest of the companies for your event over the years?</strong></p> <p>Alimentaria celebrates more than four decades and in this next edition we have the support of 4,500 exhibiting companies (27% of which will be international from 70 countries) which shows that we have been able to contribute to the most significant changes that have occurred in the food industry and in the way of feeding.</p> <p>Furthermore, the key factor that attracts so many companies is that Alimentaria is the show of reference in southern Europe and one of the most important in the world and the main exhibitor of the products and novelties of Spanish food and gastronomy, which are a world reference.</p> <p><strong>What are the main attractions of this year’s edition?</strong></p> <p>There will be a lot of novelties. Among others, I would highlight in Barcelona Cocktail Art (in Intervin), an area in which the most innovative proposals and products in the field of cocktails will be announced, in line with the booming trends of nightlife and, on the other hand, Vinum Nature, a new space for grouped for organic wines. We will premiere the Craft Beer Corner (in Restaurama), an area dedicated exclusively to craft beer. And, within the meat sector, I would highlight the celebration for the first time in Alimentaria of the World Congress of Wholesale Markets – promoted by Mercabarna with the World Union of Wholesale Markets –, which guarantees the presence at the fair of the large wholesale distribution, managers, and Market managers from more than 40 countries, potential buyers of meat products.</p> <p><strong>What is your international strategy in attracting such diverse players from the food and beverage industry?</strong></p> <p>Internationalization is a long-term process that has been brewing for years, although exports from the Spanish agri-food industry took a decisive boost from 2008 (because of the slowdown in Spanish demand). Therefore, from Alimentaria we work to promote 12,500 business meetings among international buyers (in this edition we have invited 800 Hosted Buyers) and exhibiting companies, within our Food & Drink Business Meetings and Intervin Business Meetings programs.</p> <p><strong>What can you say about the exhibition's evolution from its start until now? How did Alimentaria make its name in the industry?</strong></p> <p>The keys to the success in Alimentaria over these four decades have been – among others – the reiterated commitment for the professionalization of the sector; internationalization, since the show is an important meeting point and business between exhibitors and international buyers; the verticality so we put in value the most representative monographic salons in the sector in our country, such as Intercarn (the show dedicated to meat products and their derivatives); gastronomy as a differential feature of positioning, as well as the constant innovation and observatory of trends that the fair represents.</p> <p><strong>How does Alimentaria support the Spanish food and beverage industry?</strong></p> <p>Alimentaria supports the Spanish food and beverage industry and, above all, its internationalization. For this, the show has the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment (MAPAMA), the ICEX. It has also signed collaboration agreements with the Spanish Federation of Food and Beverage Industries (FIAB), the Spanish Hospitality Federation (FEHR), and the Association of Large Consumer Companies (AECOC), among others, with the aim of facilitating the contact between exhibitors and international buyers.</p> <p><strong>Have you noticed an increase in foreign participators? Are there exhibitors from outside Spain attending for the first time at Alimentaria?</strong></p> <p>International companies value the excellent opportunities offered by the show as a gateway to the Spanish and European markets, so we have more and more international demand. Around 27% of the exhibiting companies of Alimentaria will come from outside Spain. The countries of the European Union that contribute with most exhibitors are Italy, France, Portugal and Germany, although it is the presence of Eastern Europe (Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania, Russia, Republic Czech and Latvia, among others), Asian countries (led by China and South Korea), Mediterranean countries (such as Israel, Turkey, Cyprus, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia) and Latin American countries (such as Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Costa Rica) that is becoming increasingly important. And, of course, there are exhibiting companies that come to Alimentaria for the first time.</p> <p><strong>What benefits do you see arising from uniting the two fairs for Spain's food and beverage industry?</strong></p> <p>Among others, the main benefit is the common goal of getting the assistance of those more than 150,000 professionals who will find in the same venue the most complete and transversal offer of the global market, as well as its main trends. In this way, both visitors and exhibitors will benefit from the synergies generated between the products offered and the activities of both events, especially when the demand of the catering sector presents a high degree of atomization.</p> <p><strong>Did the announcement regarding the partnership between Alimentaria and Hostelco influence the number of exhibitors from the food & beverage industry that are programmed to attend this year's edition?</strong></p> <p>Yes, because gastronomic quality will be promoted, which will be one of the main hallmarks of Alimentaria and Hostelco and unique in the world. Therefore, more than 150 activities will be organized to promote connections between the food, gastronomy and tourism industries.</p> <p><strong>Considering how popular is the Spanish cuisine at an international level, how does Alimentaria and Hostelco plan to promote it further?</strong></p> <p>The complementarity between the two fairs will be especially evident between Hostelco and Restaurama, the Alimentaria salon dedicated to Food Service and food outside the home, and in the spaces that each of them devotes to gastronomic demonstrations. Thus, the Hostelco Experience and the Alimentaria Experience will gather 35 of the most awarded chefs of the moment, adding 45 Michelin stars among them. Andoni Luis Aduriz (Mugaritz restaurant, Gipuzkoa), Fina Puigdevall (Les Cols, Girona), Nandu Jubany (Can Jubany, Barcelona), Paco Roncero (La Terraza del Casino, Madrid) and Mario Sandoval (Coque, Madrid) will participate in both events with different approaches.</p> <p><strong>Which are the most popular products showcased during the exhibition? </strong></p> <p>Undoubtedly, the star space of Alimentaria to expose the products that will become the most popular of the salon is Innoval – the exhibition with about 300 novel products of food and drinks –, within the Alimentaria Hub, where the Innoval Awards will also be delivered to 16 of the proposals on show.</p> <p><strong>What can you tell us about the exhibition for the meat products from Alimentaria?</strong></p> <p>The most important companies and associations of the Spanish meat industry have validated their confidence in Intercarn. The show, which will exhibit raw meat products, processed, cured, precooked, dry, Iberian and range elaborations, will occupy about 15,000 square meters (11% more than in the last edition), hosting half a thousand exhibiting companies, of which 20% of them will participate to Intercarn for the first time.</p>	1		Events		2018-04-16 07:06:16	2025-07-18 23:10:49	Details Edit Delete
1100	A look inside Spain's foreign meat trade	In less than a quarter of a century, the meat industry in Spain managed to become the first export sector of the country's food industry and is now a major player in the global meat trade, especially when it comes down to pork exports. Spain is the fourth largest pork producer in the world and the third largest exporter, behind Germany and the USA, according to the data provided by the National Meat Processing Industries Association of Spain (ANICE).	<p>Last year, the Spanish meat sector exported a total of 2.33 million tons of meat and processed products of all kinds worth €6,084 million to markets around the world, with an increasingly positive trade balance, in this 477%, and a growth of 2.5% in volume and 9.4% in value compared to 2016. Analysts at ANICE say the rise in Spain's meat trade indicates an increase in the export export of products with higher added value and at a better price.<br /><br />Meat exports account for nearly 44% of Spain's total meat production, while when referring to processed meat products, these represent almost 10%. According to ANICE, this percentage has continuosly increased in recent years.<br /><br />Spain exported 1,554,981 tons of pork worth €3.6 billion in 2017, abroad sales increasing by 4.4% in volume and by 12.5% in value compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, exports of processed products rose by 8.3% in the same period to 197,818 and in terms of value they increased by 10.1% to €1,267 million.<br /><br />Spanish beef exports reached a new record of 171,953 tons last year, with an increase of 1.4% compared to 2016, while in terms of value, they rose by 5.3% in the same period, totalling €610 million euros.<br /><br />Last year represented a period of consolidation, for the export of offals, after the spectacular growth of 2016. Exports reached during this period 369,451 tons valued at €413 million.<br /><br />The main destination for the Spanish meat and meat product shipments was the EU. Nearly 75% of the total exports went to the European bloc, mainly to France, Germany, Portugal, and Italy.<br /><br />ANICE underlines the spectacular increase in Spanish meat exports to third countries in recent years. The main destinations outside of the EU for the Spanish shipments were China, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong.<br /><br />"In this regard, it should be noted that 37.3% of total exports of pig meat, offal and fat were sold in third countries. China is already the main customer of the Spanish pig, along with France, and ahead of Italy, Portugal and Japan," ANICE's report read.</p>	1		Market		2018-04-16 06:16:21	2025-07-19 12:14:35	Details Edit Delete
1101	DanBred is adopting a new business model	The company's new structure is taking a customer-centric approach after the rebranding operation finished last year.	<p>DanBred (formerly DanAvl) has had a strong presence in the Dutch market during the past decade, but a new company structure and a strong vision of a customer-centric approach, has seen the company redefine its global presence since the company's inauguration 1st of December 2017. Now the structure for the Netherlands is revealed and the company CEO is positive about the continuous supply of DanBred breeding animals and genetics to the Dutch market.<br />"We see massive potential in the Dutch market. With DanBred B.V. we are further strengthening our already good position and presence here. DanBred aims to be the preferred supplier of genetic products and service solutions to commercial pig producers worldwide, and Holland is a key market for us. The Dutch pig producers are some of the best and most professional in the world, and with this new local company structure we are answering their call for better, more knowledgeable, and not least; local, service solutions around our key products of breeding animals and genetics.", explained Thomas Muurmann Henriksen, CEO of DanBred.<br />Six Dutch multipliers have chosen to work with DanBred B.V. to supply the Dutch market: Bellemakers, Paul vd Steijn; BELA, Frank Lavrijsen, Dick Kroot; Burggraaf, Arie-Jan and Pascal Burggraaf; Klein Ikink, Dolf Klein Ikink; Langerwerf, Bart Langerwerf; De Pijlstaart, Maartin and Leon vd Velden</p> <p>Thomas Muurmann Henriksen continues: "These top professional herds, their owners and employees have chosen to continue the cooperation with DanBred, and we are immensely proud and happy to have them be part of the DanBred- family. We strongly believe that these multipliers and the new company set-up will ensure maximum return on investment for all Dutch DanBred pig producers."</p> <p>The establishment of DanBred B.V. has come to pass in collaboration with Klasse Ki and will ensure continued growth as well as a clear DanBred identity and profile on the Dutch market. According to the company representative, the DanBred Breeding program, based on Klasse Ki semen, has the worlds' highest breeding progress of 2,- EUR/ slaughter pig per year.</p>	1		Industry		2018-04-16 11:30:53	2025-07-19 11:58:44	Details Edit Delete
1102	Premium Brands boosts its meat snacks portfolio with Oberto acquisition	Canadian-based company Premium Brands has announced it will acquire all of the assets and operating divisions of US sausage producer Oberto Meat Snacks.	<p>According to a company statement, the transaction is expected to close within four to six weeks from now and it is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals such as expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.</p> <p>"This transaction will create a leading North American platform in the rapidly growing meat snacks product category and will feature Canada’s top meat snack brands, including McSweeney’s, Grimm’s, Freybe, Piller’s and Harvest, as well as Oberto’s iconic family of brands and our fast emerging, U.S. based Hempler’s brand. I have no doubt that both Oberto and our legacy businesses will benefit from each other’s respective strengths," said George Paleologou, President, and CEO of Premium Brands.</p> <p>"Oberto will be our third major investment in Washington State. Our two prior ones: sandwich maker SK Food Group and premium processed meats producer Hempler Foods Group, have both prospered under the Premium Brands umbrella with their combined sales growing from under US$130 million in 2011 to over US$560 million last year. We fully expect Oberto to replicate this type of success by combining its current strengths with access to our various resources," Mr. Paleologou added.</p> <p>Oberto is one of North America’s leading manufacturers of beef jerky and other protein-based snack foods, which it sells under its Oberto, Pacific Gold, Pacific Gold Reserve and Cattleman’s Cut brands. The company was founded in 1918 by Constantino Oberto and later led by Constantino’s son Art Oberto who, along with other family members, still own it today.</p>	1		Industry		2018-04-16 12:25:39	2025-07-18 04:42:43	Details Edit Delete
1103	Bord Bia has high hopes on China's beef market	The agency expects a positive trend for the beef industry in the country after Ireland became the first European beef exporter to secure access to China.	<p>The announcement made by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, about Irish beef gaining access to China was welcomed by Bord Bia who is expecting an increase in beef exports in the next three years.<br />According to Bord Bia, China officially imported more than 700,000 tonnes of beef in 2017 – a figure expected to double by 2020.</p> <p>In China, annual per capita beef consumption is low at 4-6kg, compared to 19kg in Ireland. However, consumption is on the rise. An average annual increase of just 1kg per capita equates to an additional 1.38 million tonnes of beef per annum, and by 2020, it is estimated Chinese consumers will eat close to 9 million tonnes of beef.</p> <p>Bord Bia CEO, Tara McCarthy, said “Bord Bia, and in particular, our Shanghai office, has been actively planning and preparing for today’s breakthrough, and we are now well-positioned and ready to maximize this significant opportunity for Irish beef exporters. Today’s timely announcement follows just days after we hosted the China Meat Association and 17 senior representatives from leading Chinese meat importers as part of our Marketplace International event. All of the visiting Chinese delegates had the opportunity to visit Irish beef farms and processers, giving them a first-hand experience and insight into Irish food production.”</p> <p>“Ireland’s agri-food industry already enjoys a strong trade relationship with China. Exports were valued at almost €1 billion last year, while China is our second largest export market for dairy and pork, behind the UK. The opening of Irish beef access is a testimony to our industry’s strength, reputation and proven track record in the Chinese market.”</p> <p>Last year, Bord Bia won a contract to promote EU beef and lamb in China, Japan and Hong Kong in a campaign valued at €3.75 million. The timing of the campaign (2017-2019) will be beneficial to Ireland’s beef exporters, as Bord Bia’s management of the initiative has widened the recognition of Ireland as a secure supplier of safe and sustainably produced beef and lamb. Targeting importers, retailers, foodservice providers, chefs and media outlets, the campaign is focused on digital media, PR, trade fairs, seminars and inward visits to Ireland. Under this EU-funded programme, Bord Bia and leading Irish beef exporters will attend five major beef trade exhibitions – two in Japan, one in Hong Kong and two in China, including SIAL China, the largest food trade fair in China, which takes place in Shanghai next month. Minister Creed and Bord Bia will lead an agri-food Trade Mission to China in May, where the Minister will visit the SIAL China to help promote Irish beef and pork among the Chinese audience.</p>	1		Market		2018-04-16 13:10:06	2025-07-19 16:15:12	Details Edit Delete
1104	More than 200 million eggs recalled due to salmonella fears	The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that producer Rose Acre Farms of Seymour, Indiana, will recall almost 207 million eggs from nine US states due to fears over contamination with Salmonella Braenderup, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.	<p>Federal officials said that 22 illnesses have been reported to date. The authorities have linked the illnesses to the Rose Acre Farms' unit in North Carolina which produces 2.3 million eggs a day from 3 million hens.</p> <p>This is the biggest recall since 2010 when a salmonella outbreak sickened more than 1,500 people.</p> <p>The eggs were distributed from the farm in Hyde County, North Carolina and reached consumers in the following states: Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia through retail stores and restaurants via direct delivery.</p>	1		Industry		2018-04-16 12:33:52	2025-07-19 06:44:37	Details Edit Delete
1105	Turkey's poultry and egg production continues to surpass year-ago levels in February	Turkish chicken meat production reached 166,590 tons, the Turkey meat production totaled 4,647 tons, while the hen egg production was 1.6 billion units, according to the latest data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute.	<p>Turkey reported a decline in its chicken meat production by 8.2% in February compared to the previous month but it was still above year-earlier levels by 5.2%.</p> <p>Turkey meat production decreased by 11.1% in February compared with the previous month and increased by 91.9% compared with the same month of the previous year.</p> <p>Meanwhile, hen egg production decreased by 8.4% in February compared with the previous month and increased by 3.7% compared with the same month of the previous year.</p> <p>The number of slaughtered chicken was 94 million heads in February, while the number of slaughtered turkeys was 439 thousand units.</p> <p>Regarding the number of slaughtered chicken, it decreased by 9.5% in February compared with the previous month and increased by 5.2% compared with the same month of the previous year. The number of the slaughtered turkey decreased by 5.3% in February compared with the previous month and increased by 74.3% compared with the same month of the previous year.</p>	1		Industry		2018-04-16 15:18:53	2025-07-17 16:56:48	Details Edit Delete
1106	VIDEO - "We work with the producers in the UK to develop new markets"		<p>British beef and lamb sectors are exploring new markets and the Middle East and Asia are the targeted regions in the near future, as Brexit is just around the corner.<br />Sheepmeat is the best selling product on the foreign markets, as Jonathan Eckley, AHDB's (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) Senior Export Manager, mentioned in an interview for EuroMeatNews, during Gulfood 2018 trade fair, but beef could be also a successful product in the Middle East and Asia.<br />"We work with the producers in the UK to help them develop new markets. Europe market was good last year. It is our main market for the sheep meat and last year it was a good, positively year for that", declared Eckley.<br />Besides Dubai, AHDB is focusing on markets that are oriented to high-value products, like Singapore and Hong Kong, added Mr Eckley.<br />A hard-Brexit could stop the activity on some European markets such as France, Belgium, Germany or Italy but, for now, AHDB is focusing to keep develop those businesses for the year 2018, along with entering new markets in East Asia and other parts of the world.</p>	1		Market		2018-04-16 16:19:17	2025-07-20 00:29:21	Details Edit Delete
1107	Green light for US pork exports to Argentina	The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have announced that the US pork is now eligible for export to Argentina for the first time in 26 years.	<p>USDA and the US Trade Representative have been working with Argentina's Ministry of Agro-Industry since August last year in order to set new terms for market access that are practical, science-based and consistent with relevant international animal health standards.</p> <p>The US meets the technical requirements for exporting pork and natural swine casings to Argentina.</p> <p>“This breakthrough is the result of efforts by this Administration to help America’s farmers and ranchers reach new markets and ensure fair trade practices by our international partners,” Perdue said. “Once the people of Argentina get a taste of American pork products after all this time, we’re sure they’ll want more of it. This is a great day for our agriculture community and an example of how the Trump Administration is committed to supporting our producers by opening new markets for their products.”</p> <p>“I welcome Argentina’s decision to allow imports of U.S. pork products and the economic opportunity it will afford to U.S. pork producers,” said Lighthizer. “This effort demonstrates the Trump Administration’s continued commitment to address foreign trade barriers to American agriculture exports.”</p> <p>The United States is the world’s top pork exporter, with global sales totaling $6.5 billion last year.</p> <p>Based on USDA data, pork consumption in Argentina increased by 60% since 2011 and the country has gained the status as the the third-largest pork importer in South America (behind Chile and Colombia).</p> <p>USMEF said that the US pork exports have achieved excellent growth in South America in recent years, with most of the volume destined for Colombia, Chile and Peru. US pork is also eligible for export to Ecuador and Uruguay, and recently gained access to Paraguay. Expanding the range of export opportunities for US red meat is especially important at a time of increased uncertainty in some of our leading markets.</p>	1		Market		2018-04-16 16:37:32	2025-07-18 09:49:16	Details Edit Delete
1108		The recently elected president of ANICE Alberto Jimenez gave an exclusive interview to EuroMeatNews in which he offers an overview regarding the progress made by the Spanish meat industry in external markets, ANICE's forecasts regarding the evolution of this sector in the following period and the association's strategy in sustaining and promoting the Spanish meat worldwide. Mr. Jimenez expects the Spanish meat production and exports to foreign destinations to continue their positive evolution in 2018 despite the challenges foreseen ahead for the local industry.	<p><strong>We know that Spain occupies the third spot among the top pork producers worldwide, having produced 4.06 million tons in 2016. How were the results in 2017 and what do you expect for this year?</strong></p> <p>2017 results have continued to be positive, with a total pigmeat production of 4,249,161 tons.</p> <p>Our foreign trade has been particularly good, with a turnover that exceded for the first time 6,000 million euros.</p> <p>In addition, sales in value have increased with regard to sales in volume, which is a positive trend because the added value of exported products is increasing.</p> <p>During 2017, the growing trend of Spanish meat exports continued in all sectors and in practically all destinations, confirming the internationalization spirit of the Spanish meat sector and its strong export vocation.</p> <p>Once again, foreign trade is led by the pig sector with 1,898,416 tons exported,  25% more compared to 2016, despite the well-known 24.3% drop in exports to China, but as always, we have compensated it with the access to other markets such as Bulgaria, Czech Republic,  Philippines and Japan, which have increased their imports by up to 83%.</p> <p>A similar development has occurred in the beef and veal sector, with a record 193,189 tons exported, up by 2%.</p> <p>Sheep and goats, although far away from the previous sectors, are also following the process of internationalization, with very significant growth in third countries, especially an increase of 300% in Hong Kong and 150% in Kuwait.</p> <p><strong>Across the European Union, pig prices have seen a decline at the beginning of this year. How does this impact the Spanish producers?</strong></p> <p>Last year 2017 was a year of strong profits for Spanish farmers and, in the last four months of the year, prices fell sharply, but have not had a major impact on Spanish pig farmers.</p> <p>In addition, prices have recovered during the first quarter of 2018, very close to last year's record levels.</p> <p><strong>The beef and veal and sheep sectors have been on a recovery trend since 2013. What can you tell us about last year's results? Are you expecting a positive evolution for 2018?</strong></p> <p>It is true that the beef and sheep sectors have been recovering in recent years, and last year has been a good year for farmers because of the balance between supply and demand.</p> <p>In any case, in these two sectors, foreign trade will be decisive for their future development.</p> <p>The consumption of beef and sheep meat is stable or even declining in Spain, so the business should come from exports.</p> <p>The Spanish beef and sheep sector is strongly committed to the opening of new export markets, especially in Southeast Asia, which has been so positive for the pig sector, and in the Middle East also.</p> <p><strong>Spain ranks fourth in the European Union in meat production. Do you expect the country to surpass its competitors in the following years?</strong></p> <p>It is not foreseeable that meat production in Spain will continue to grow much more than in recent years. Environmental requirements and public opinion do not promote further expansion of pig production.</p> <p>This does not mean that we do not have the capacity to grow in specific markets and segments, such as meat products.</p> <p><strong>What can you tell us about Spain's meat trading activity in 2017? Any forecasts for 2018, any new markets at the horizon for the Spanish meat?</strong></p> <p>In 2017, as I said before, Spain has achieved a new record by maintaining and diversifying our exports to third countries. So, despite the fall in our shipments to China of a 20% less, the overall volume of pork exported has increased by 4 ,4%, and a 12.5% in value. Likewise, highly positive figures were recorded for manufactured products, 197,818 tons (+8.3%) and 1,267 million euros (+10.1%).</p> <p>Our goal is to maintain this trend in 2018. Some factors, such as the foreseeable trade war between the US and China, could benefit European exporters.</p> <p>As for beef and sheep meat, we want to consolidate our exports to the Middle East, where our main markets are currently located, and open the Southeast Asia countries (China, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, etc.).</p> <p><strong>What consumer trends are now influencing the meat industry in Spain?</strong></p> <p>Spanish consumers, like European consumers, demand a socially committed industry that responds to their concerns about health, sustainability, and animal welfare.</p> <p>Those are the trends that will mark our future development.</p> <p>In this regard, we must highlight the recent compromise reached with the Spanish health authorities to improve the nutritional composition of our products, which will allow a reduction of 16% in salt content and 5% in fat content by 2020.</p> <p><strong>Spain's meat exports towards the EU grew last year. Which were the countries that imported the most?</strong></p> <p>The main countries destination of our shipments within the European Union have been the following in 2017:</p> <p>In pig meat, offal and fat: France (276,367 tons, +2.9%), Italy (164,013 tons, +4.6%), Portugal (109.812 mt, +6.7%), Czech Republic (75,567 mt, +64.5%), Poland (73,761 mt, -2.7%) and Bulgaria (71,626 mt, +83%).</p> <p>For beef, the main EU markets were Portugal (70,094 tn, +6.7%), France (24,890 tn, -6.5%), Italy (21,380 tn, -5.5%) and the Netherlands (19,957 tn, -2.8%).</p> <p>For meat products as a whole, and in value terms, the main markets were France (€245.7 M, +10.4%), Germany (€132 M, +6.7%), United Kingdom (€110 M, +5%), Portugal (€ 82.2 M, +2.8%), Netherlands (€64.6 M, +61.5%), Italy (€61.4 M, +29.2%) and Belgium (€61.4 M, +29.2%).</p> <p><strong>How much meat does Spain import from other countries?</strong></p> <p>As Spain is a large producer of meat (4th in the worldwide), imports from other countries are very limited.</p> <p>Only is necessary to point out the high-quality beef from Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, which have a very good reputation in the Spanish market, is worth mentioning.</p> <p><strong>Did ANICE's promotion strategy for the Spanish meat industry pay off last year? What are your plans for 2018?</strong></p> <p>At the light of the results mentioned, we can say that the strategy to promote the Spanish meat industry is producing results.</p> <p>However, there are always goals to be achieved, which means that we are not fully satisfied, and we continue working hard to improve our exports.</p> <p>Opening markets for beef and sheep meat and increasing the added value of our exports are two lines of work that will govern our activities in 2018.</p> <p><strong>What can you tell us about Alimentaria? How much does this trade show help the Spanish meat industry?</strong></p> <p>Alimentaria, like other international trade fairs, is important for the meat industry because it allows us to show the capacity, variety, and quality of our offer. In this regard, it should be pointed out the interest that MEAT ATTRACTION has for us, as a monographic and specialized trade fair in the meat industry, which this year celebrates its second edition, from the 18th to 20th September, after the success of the first one. It will be a major trade event for the European meat industry.</p>	1		Industry		2018-04-17 07:12:32	2025-07-19 19:55:44	Details Edit Delete
1109			<p>Leading the way in aquaculture<br />From this point of view, Spain is the largest aquaculture producer in Europe, followed by the United Kingdom and France. Spain produces over 1.2 million tonnes of fisheries products per annum, more than any other EU country. 70 % comes from sea fishing, 29 % from aquaculture and a mere 1 % from inland fishing. 90% of the Spanish aquaculture<br />is represented by marine farming, the other 10% consisting in inland aquaculture, mostly trout.<br />In 2015, the total number of aquaculture production enterprises was 5,057, including 4,906 marine farms and 151 freshwater farms. Small firms with less than 5 employees dominate the Spanish aquaculture sector, representing 74 % of the total number of farms in the country. Thanks to investments made in the diversification of the species produced in the marine farms, businesses in the sector are focusing now on high added value species like meagre, tuna and yellowtail.<br />A big consumer of fish Fish consumption in Spain placed the country as the third biggest consumer in the EU-28 area, lagging only behind Portugal and Lithuania. 69% of the Spaniards are eating fish and seafood at least twice a<br />week reaching an annual consumption per capita of 46.2 kg. That can explain why the domestic production does not<br />stand for self-sufficiency, in the last two years Spain’s total fish and seafood imports reaching $6.3 billion, with Morroco being the main supplier from outside EU for seafood like octopus and squid with EUR481.5 million ($591 million) in products delivered that year. Other non-EU big suppliers of fish and seafoodare Argentina, China, Vietnam<br />and United States. Fish imports from the EU Member States are coming from France, Portugal, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden or UK.<br />The domestic production is estimated to EUR4.2 billion ($5.2 billion) for this year, maintaining the same level reached in 2017. <br />The market size for this year is expected to stay about EUR6.8 billion ($8.35 billion). Spanish fish exports have<br />surpassed EUR2.5 billion ($3.1 billion) in 2016 and 2017 and are expected to remain steady for 2018. About two-thirds of Spain’s fish and seafood exports are directed inside EU, Italy, Portugal and France being the main importers. Other big markets are represented by the US and Japan.<br />The biggest producer of fish and seafood in EU, Spain, is also that country that opened the path to a transformation in this sector by successfully implementing a range of programs meant to promote a new way to innovative businesses in<br />aquaculture. A similar campaign is now underway in Ireland and Lithuania, announced recently Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.</p>	1		Industry		2018-04-17 06:18:32	2025-07-19 23:37:41	Details Edit Delete
1110	One British retailer is launching "touch-free" package for chicken	The new form of presentation for chicken is responding to millennials' fear of touching raw meat.	<p>British retail chain Sainsbury's is changing the packaging for chicken products in order to calm down the millennials who are afraid to touch raw meat.<br />A recent survey showed handling raw meat cause high levels of anxiety for millennial shoppers and the supermarket response was to change the packaging style with "doypacks", plastic pouches that allows the consumer to put the products into the pan without touching them.<br />Katherine Hall, Product Development Manager for meat, fish and poultry at the retailer, claims that customers, younger ones, in particular, are "quite scared of touching raw meat".<br />Besides that, Sainsbury's decision in changing the packaging for poultry products is sustained by the strong sales of chickens that can be roasted in a bag, a trend encountered between consumers who are afraid of touching the dead carcasses, reports <a href="https://www.plantbasednews.org/post/sainsburys-launches-touch-free-packaging-for-millennials-scared-of-handling-raw-meat">Plant Based News</a> magazine.</p>	1		Retail		2018-04-17 10:16:53	2025-07-19 23:47:52	Details Edit Delete
1111	Incarlopsa denies rumors regarding the $1.2 billion sale deal with a Chinese investor	Sources quoted by Reuters say Chinese investment company Kam Fung is interested in acquiring Incarlopsa for 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion). The Spanish meat producer has denied that the Chinese group is about to buy them, according to El Pais.	<p>Incarlopsa said in a statement that "it receives and listens to all those who are interested in the company" and that "the information regarding the sale or value of the company can only be understood as pressure maneuvers to influence the position of the shareholders."</p> <p>As reported by Reuters, the Chinese private equity investment firm, Kam Fung Group, is analyzing the acquisition of a 95% stake in the Spanish company.</p> <p>Incarlopsa is a family owned business based in Tarancón (Cuenca) and it focuses its activity on the processing of fresh pork products, Serrano ham, Iberian sausages and cooked sausages.</p> <p>Incarlopsa president Emilio Loriente told Reuters that there is interest from foreign investors in buying the company but added that the Incarlopsa's shareholders are not actively seeking to sale the company.</p> <p>The Spanish producer is set on increasing production by 75% in the next four years and wants to export part of it to Asian markets.</p> <p>As authorities in China started to ease the tough currency controls that were imposed in 2016 for limiting capital flight, domestic investors such as the Kam Fung Group are now looking into new acquisitions in foreign countries.</p>	1		Industry		2018-04-17 10:52:45	2025-07-19 13:25:19	Details Edit Delete
1112	Bell&Evans is preparing an investment of $260 million	The money will be poured into a new poultry harvesting facility with a capacity of 2.4 million birds a week.	<p> </p> <p>Bell & Evans approved the expansion of the production capacities with a new poultry harvesting facility that is to be built in Pennsylvania.<br />The new facility is projected to cover over 50,000 sqm and it will have 4 processing lines, each with a capacity of housing 600,000 birds a week.<br />"We’re excited about our growth and its positive impact for the local communities. This expansion is supporting local farmers in fifteen surrounding counties by expanding our grow out and breeder operations.</p> <p>Additionally, coupled with our 100% conversion to a higher-welfare chicken breed, this expansion ensures Bell & Evans will maintain our position as industry leader and producer of the highest quality chicken in the US.", declared Scott Sechler, the owner of the company, quoted by <a href="https://www.foodbev.com/news/bell-evans-to-invest-260m-to-build-poultry-processing-facility/">FoodBev</a> magazine.</p> <p>The total investment is about $260 million of which $2 million will be covered by a local government grant. The new facility is to create 1,000 jobs in the region, according to the local authorities.</p>	1		Industry		2018-04-17 12:14:18	2025-07-19 14:30:42	Details Edit Delete
1113	Supervac reports big success after Anuga FoodTec trade fair	The company presented the new fully automated line that can be added with several modules for different operations.	<p>The new machines exhibited by Supervac bat Anuga FoodTec 2018 have attracted the interest of the visitors with the technology incorporated into them.<br />The new development from Supervac allows the processors to combine for the first time features like flexible packaging sizes in a continuous and fully automatic filling and loading process without the need for manual work. Besides the fact that these lines reduce cost with the personnel they also proved to be flexible enough to correlate the production at peak times.<br />Last but not least, automation used properly can ensure a higher level of hygiene without pausing the production process.</p> <p>"When the customer desires it, the sub-processes (like the bag filling and machine loading processes) can now or later be further automated in modules. If, for example, the optimal way to operate a large vacuum packaging machine is often carried out with several people for bag filling and for machine loading, then it is possible to save several people with a fully automated line from Supervac. These people may then be better used in other areas of the company. Only one person is required for the operation and monitoring of the plant", informs the company in a press release.</p> <p>A fully automated line from Supervac can also benefit from adding a cooling tank to it. This machine can be positioned immediately after a shrink tank for the production of shrink packaging and is thus perfect for integration into a modern vacuum packing line. Occupying the smallest possible footprint, after shrinking with hot water the products are immediately cooled down. This prevents colour changes and significantly improves product life, as shown by a university study. The tank’s main areas of application are in the packing of fresh meat.</p>	1		Technology		2018-04-17 13:21:31	2025-07-18 01:53:22	Details Edit Delete
1114			<p>Tönnies slaughtered 20.6 million pigs in 2017, with an increase of 1% compared to the previous year.Of these, 16.6 million pigs were slaughtered in Germany. This corresponds to an increase of 400,000, an increase of 2.5%.</p> <p>Tönnies also slaughtered a number of 432,000 cattle in 2017. The small increase in the number of pigs slaughtered outside of Germany can be attributed to weakness in the Danish market. The slaughter output decreased by about 5% overall – Tönnies was also stronger here. The export share was about 50%.</p> <p>"We are experiencing stable growth – contrary to the market trend. I feel confident about the future, despite the fact that price pressure and competition have intensified significantly in recent months," says Andres Ruff, Managing Director of the Tönnies holding company.</p>	1		Industry		2018-04-17 13:36:44	2025-07-18 12:21:33	Details Edit Delete
1115	Miratorg produced 27.5 thousand tons of poultry meat in Q1 2018	Bryansky Broiler, ABH Miratorg's poultry subsidiary, produced over 27.5 thousand tons of poultry meat since the beginning of 2018, a stable production compared to the first quarter of 2017.	<p>Miratorg is one of the ten largest poultry producers in Russia. The company invested over 25 billion rubles in the building its vertically integrated production "from the farm to fork."</p> <p>Its production chain includes a feed mill with a capacity of 360,000 tons of feed per year, an incubator with a capacity of 86 million eggs, 19 poultry sites and a meat processing plant.</p> <p>Bryansky Broiler has a number of over 6.5 million birds and exports its products to the European Union, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and a number of other countries.</p> <p>"To date, the poultry division has reached a stable production capacity and produces meat products in accordance with the demand of consumers. Now our efforts are aimed at improving the basic indicators. We will continue to invest in increasing the efficiency of existing production and creating new capacities that will ensure the entry of new types of products to the market, "the press service of the Miratorg Agribusiness Holding said.</p>	1		Industry		2018-04-17 15:29:20	2025-07-18 15:39:11	Details Edit Delete
1116	China's increased pork production is pushing down the prices	Live hog prices in China has taken a plunge by almost 30%, the steepest in a very long time.	<p>Pork production in China has increased by 2.1% in the first quarter reaching a volume of 15.4 million tons, informs <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/china-economy-output-pork/china-pork-output-up-2-1-percent-in-first-quarter-stats-bureau-idUSB9N1R500A">Reuters</a> who is citing official data released by the National Bureau of Statistics.<br />The number of pigs slaughtered has increased by 1.9% compared to the same quarter of 2017, to 199.8 million head. The increased production has put pressure on the prices pushing them down by about 30%.<br />This is the steepest decline registered in the last years on the Chinese market and the situation was caused by farmers fear for a further decline and a rush to slaughter the herds. China is the world's top producer of pork and its herd accounts for more than half the global total.<br />Until recently, the demand for pork was high but now it seems that the prices are going to stay down for a while due to the oversupply existing on the market.<br />"The whole pig farming industry has started to lose money", commented Tang Ke, director of the ministry's market and economy information department.<br />During the first quarter of 2018, total meat production in China, including beef, lamb and poultry, reached 23.2 million tonnes, up by 1.8 percent.</p>	1		Market		2018-04-17 15:30:00	2025-07-18 20:55:17	Details Edit Delete
1117	Bristol Seafood will invest $5 million in its processing facility	Bristol Seafood partnered with the Maine Technology Institute to invest almost $5 million in its Portland, Maine processing facility over the next three years.	<p>According to a company statement, Bristol Seafood received a grant of over $740 thousand from the Maine Technology Asset Fund.</p> <p>Through this investment, the company will create an additional 40 jobs and the new capabilities will provide critical and necessary infrastructure to the Portland Fish Pier.</p> <p>“We are proud to partner with MTI. Through this grant and our substantial investment, we will bring seafood products made to our uncompromising Maine standards to more consumers, create quality jobs for Mainers, and bring new processing technologies and capabilities to the local waterfront,” said Bristol’s President & CEO, Peter Handy.</p> <p>Bill Needelman, Waterfront Coordinator for the City of Portland noted, “For nearly three decades, Bristol Seafood has been an anchor of the seafood industry on the Portland Fish Pier. With this investment, we look forward to the next thirty years.”</p>	1		Industry		2018-04-17 16:48:10	2025-07-18 00:07:57	Details Edit Delete
1118	The Spanish pig sector is an international reference today	Spain is the third largest pork exporter worldwide after the USA and Germany. In 2017, the country managed to export 5 billion euros worth of pork, representing 1.4% of the country's GDP. Alberto Herranz, general manager of Interporc, explained to EuroMeatNews in an exclusive interview why Spain's pig sector is today considered an international reference and how Interporc plans to further sustain this industry.	<p><strong>Spanish white pig meat exports reached 2,079,000 tons in 2016 and reported an increase in value by 16.5% compared to the previous year. How was the situation last year and what do you expect for 2018?</strong></p> <p>The 2017 was a historic year like never before, not only in exports but also for the entire pig sector as a whole, just like it happened in 2016. More than 15,000 million were invoiced, representing 1.4% of the national GDP, and sold abroad more than 5,000 million euros. All this because the sector is a national and international reference today, which has a model that represents an example throughout the world for its professionalism, quality, food safety, animal welfare and environment standards.</p> <p>In this respect, we will be working in 2018 to continue advancing in aspects such as innovation, promoting the Spanish brand in foreign markets and, of course, in being increasingly sustainable.</p> <p><strong>How much did pork exports account for from Spain’s total meat exports? And how much did they account for from the country’s total agricultural exports?</strong></p> <p>Exports of the Spanish meat industry exceeded last year 6,000 million euros and 2.3 million tons. This means that the exports of the pig sector are responsible for 80% of the total exports of the meat sector. The pig sector’s exports also represented about 11% of the total Spanish Agri-food exports. Furthermore, the Spanish pork is the third most sold product in the foreign markets, only behind fruit and vegetables.</p> <p><strong>Which were the main countries that Spain exported pork to? Are Spanish white pork producers looking to open new markets?</strong></p> <p>In 2017, France was our main market in terms of volume (322,000 tons) and value (902 million euros). The second largest importer was China with a volume of 318,000 tons and a value of 500 million euros, followed by other important markets such as Italy, Portugal, Japan, Poland, the United Kingdom, Germany and South Korea.</p> <p>We present our product to more than 130 countries around the world. Of course, it is important to conquer new markets, it is also important to consolidate our position in those markets where we are already present.</p> <p><strong>To which countries have the exports increased? Were there any declines reported in pork exports to other countries?</strong></p> <p>France and other EU markets have increased their purchases from Spain, regaining market share in 2017 against Asia, mainly due to the decline in sales in China, but this was not seen as bad news, because from this it can be observed that the Spanish pork sector is prepared to diversify markets without depending on a single country. Less sales in China were automatically translated into more exports to Europe, Japan, or the Philippines.</p> <p><strong>What are the most popular Spanish pork products on the main markets?</strong></p> <p>Exports of fresh, chilled and frozen pork represent more than 70% in volume and value of whole exportation, but other products such as offal, sausages, bacon, cured hams and cured shoulders are also important in the foreign sales.</p> <p><strong>Interporc has been carrying out an international promotion plan for the Spanish pork. How many of your goals have you reached in 2017?</strong></p> <p>The main objective of the internationalization is to gain or consolidate the trust in our product and the 'Brand of Spain'. We are looking to become a reliable partner in which we have converted already. The numbers are endorsing the work that INTERPORC does in promoting but this work bases its success on the raw material: products that are a benchmark worldwide in terms of quality, safety, and sustainability.</p> <p><strong>What challenges do Spanish pork producers have to face in 2018?</strong></p> <p>The challenge of our producers is to continue responding to the demands of the consumer, increasingly concerned about health, animal welfare and the environment. The sector must continue to grow, favoring the territorial structuring and settlement of the population in rural areas. On the other hand, animal health and animal welfare, the main strengths of the sector, should remain a priority, because in addition to complying with the requirements of European legislation, we must go further and be sensitive to what society demands of us.</p> <p><strong>What are your thoughts regarding Alimentaria? How much does this trade fair help the local white pigmeat producers?</strong> </p> <p>Alimentaria is one of the most important fairs for professionals in the sector and attracts buyers from all over the world, which makes it the perfect showcase to publicize our products. On this occasion, we will have a prominent space in INTERCARN once again, the show dedicated to fresh meats and meat products of this fair, we will carry out numerous activities, such as culinary demonstrations by Michelin star chefs like Kisko García, tastings, exhibitions cutting of ham or dissemination actions towards professionals and consumers. </p> <p><strong>What is the strategy of INTERPORC to support and promote Spanish producers during the following years?</strong></p> <p>We as an Inter-professional Agri-Food Organization represent the entire sector from production to processing and commercialization. In this sense, our work involves developing actions that benefit all sectors. For example, we carry out numerous promotional campaigns trying to inform consumers about the nutritional and healthy properties of pork, encouraging consumption that can benefit all parts of the food supply chain. But we also work to enhance the image of the pig sector as an example of sustainability, which I think is the term that best defines the Spanish and European production model. We have the most demanding production model in the world in terms of animal welfare and care of the environment, which along with food safety have been key to open the doors of many countries, in which this type of aspects is valued as a priority.</p>	1		Industry		2018-04-18 07:06:56	2025-07-19 22:52:21	Details Edit Delete

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