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1345  Aurora Alimentos set to resume operations at all of its plants  The Brazilian meat producer Cooperativa Central Aurora Alimentos has announced that starting with Wednesday (May 30) it will gradually resume its activities at all of its poultry, pork and milk plants.   <p>Aurora will restart the activity at all 16 of its plants that process 1 million birds per day, 20,000 pigs and 1.6 million liters of milk.</p> <p>Representatives from Aurora told O Estado de S. Paulo that the company will negotiate with truck drivers and will resort to police force if necessary to ensure the production flow.</p> <p>According to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), the nine-day protest has forced producers to cull nearly 70 million birds, while about 1 billion chickens and 20 million pigs were not receiving the necessary amount of feed.</p> <p>Furthermore, because of the strike, volumes close to 120,000 tons of chicken and pork have ceased to be exported.</p> <p>According to Financial Times, the crisis cost the industry so far about $350 million in losses.</p>    Industry 2018-05-30 13:57:16  2025-08-06 10:44:29  Details Edit Delete
8458  Innovation and optimism: the industry shows its strength at IFFA 2025  The atmosphere at the stands of over 1,000 exhibitors at IFFA – Technology for Meat and Alternative Proteins was characterised by a high investment confidence. In a complex global economic situation, the industry impressively demonstrated its innovative strength and competitiveness. This was also confirmed by the visitor numbers: a total of 63,117 trade visitors from 144 countries came to the leading international trade fair in Frankfurt. The proportion from abroad was 74 percent.  <p>The international meat and protein industry took advantage of IFFA to experience the latest trends in automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. AI-supported and data-driven process intelligence is the future, and numerous exhibitors presented groundbreaking solutions in this field. In addition, companies showcased a wide variety of innovative ingredients, trends in craft meat processing and new products made from alternative proteins. 63,117 visitors from 144 countries came to Frankfurt am Main from 3 to 8 May, the majority of whom were from the protein processing industry, but also from the food retail, packaging, butchery and spices industries.</p> <p>"No distance is too far for IFFA &ndash; that has been impressively demonstrated once again", says Wolfgang Marzin, CEO of Messe Frankfurt. "Three out of four visitors came to Frankfurt from abroad - and especially from outside Europe, for example from the USA, China, South America and Australia". Marzin continues: "I was particularly pleased with the feedback on the noticeably positive atmosphere in the halls. Despite the current challenging economic conditions, there was a real spirit of optimism at the stands. IFFA has demonstrated how much innovative power there is in the industry - and that it is ready to invest in the future".</p> <p><strong>Protein processing in transition: smart technologies are revolutionising production.&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Under the motto &ldquo;Rethinking Meat and Proteins&rdquo;, 1,019 exhibitors from 52 countries&nbsp;presented machines, technologies and solutions for the entire value chain &ndash; from processing and packaging to innovative ingredients and sales trends. The comprehensive range of products and services on offer made it clear that meat and protein processing is developing rapidly, driven by a growing shortage of skilled workers and the need for more efficient processes. Among other things, the focus was on AI applications and automation solutions. Digital technologies for analysing production data also demonstrated their potential for greater transparency, sustainability and cost-effectiveness.</p> <p>Visitors from the butcher trade took advantage of IFFA to gain an overview of practical solutions for their businesses: from digital systems and modern business structures to forward-looking packaging technologies. Discussions with colleagues, exciting competitions and award ceremonies showcased the diversity of the trade and completed the experience.&nbsp;</p> <p>Alternative proteins are a growing segment of the food industry, as demonstrated by the interest in the World of New Proteins, which had its own exhibition area at IFFA for the first time. Innovations in taste, texture and nutritional value were the focus of attention. New products based on plant proteins and mycoproteins from fungi, as well as precision fermentation, were the main topics of discussion.</p> <p><strong>Positive assessment of the industry&rsquo;s economic situation.&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>More than&nbsp;half of visitors expect the economy to improve, while a third believe it will remain the same. Respondents were enthusiastic about IFFA: 98 percent said they had achieved their trade fair goals. Satisfaction with the exhibitors' range of products was also exceptionally high at 95 percent.</p> <p><strong>Event programme: Experience, exchange, innovation.&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>With a varied&nbsp;and practical event programme, IFFA provided stimulus and inspiration. The IFFA Kitchen impressed with a mix of live cooking, product tastings and specialist presentations. Discussion panels covered a wide range of topics: issues such as the status quo of cultured meat, biointelligence in mechanical engineering, plant-based proteins for tailor-made products and opportunities in the meat alternatives sector from the perspective of start-ups met with great interest.<br /> The IFFA Factory showed how mechanical engineering, research and start-ups are actively combating the shortage of skilled workers with an innovation show and presentations. The focus was on technologies that make processes smarter, simplify operation and relieve employees of specific tasks. The Discovery Tours &ndash; guided tours to selected exhibitors and products &ndash; were also very well received.</p> <p>The German butcher trade impressively demonstrated the high quality and craftsmanship of its businesses in product and quality competitions. At the Butcher of the Year 2025 award ceremony, representatives of the trade came together to select the representative of a modern, sustainably managed butchery business. The international competitions and award ceremonies were also especially well received.&nbsp;</p> <p>The next IFFA will be held&nbsp;from 13 &ndash; 18 May 2028.</p>    Technology adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2025-05-09 00:05:46  2025-08-06 10:44:30  Details Edit Delete
4697  Brazil to build the largest pork plant in Latin America  An investment of $470 million will be made in a large processing unit located in the state of Parana.  <p>A large, integrated pork processing unit is to be built in Brazil in 2023, according to official information released by the authorities in the state of Parana. This will be the largest processing plant in Latin America, covering a floor space of 147,000 square meters, with a total processing capacity of 15,000 pigs per day.<br />With the expanding scale of the pork industry in Brazil and its increasing number of plants as well, the pork production chain in Brazil will be further strengthened correspondingly with this investment estimated at $470 million, informs the local government.<br />According to official data, in the first 4 months of this year, Brazil's pork exports reached 311,000 tonnes, up 28% YoY. Among which, 178,000 tonnes were shipped to the Chinese mainland, increasing by 38% YoY. In addition, its pork exports to Hong Kong (36,000 tonnes), Chile (20,000 tonnes), Singapore (14,000 tonnes), and Uruguay (13,000 tonnes) were all beyond the 10,000 tonnes level in the same period last year.</p>    Industry 2021-05-20 07:12:13  2025-08-06 10:44:38  Details Edit Delete
6964  PERDUE releases Air Fryer Ready Crispy Wings  Now available in the USA, PERDUE’s new Air Fryer Ready™ Crispy Wings, available in Roasted, Hot N’ Spicy and Lemon Pepper varieties, are the first ever at-home wings specifically formulated for air frying.   <p style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Packed with rich flavor, the new offering is mess-free and allows you to prepare restaurant quality wings quickly and easily at home.</p> <p style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: 400;">To celebrate the release,&nbsp;for a limited time and limited quantity, the number-one brand of fresh chicken in the U.S. is&nbsp;giving wing lovers the best way to wing with&nbsp;The Ultimate at Home Wing Kit.&nbsp;Featuring everything you need to conveniently make crispy and delicious wings at home, including a brand-new air fryer, 100 limited-release kits are available for just $10&mdash;less than the cost of an average takeout order. Say goodbye to cold, soggy takeout wings!</p> <p style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: 400;">"When ordering takeout, many of us have experienced the disappointing bite of not-so-crispy wings. Knowing 75% of households in the U.S. have air fryers, Perdue saw an opportunity to create the first of its kind chicken wing uniquely made for the air fryer, conveniently delivering the crispiest wings in just 16-18 minutes", says Cody Walter, senior marketing manager at Perdue Foods. "To end the takeout vs. at-home wing debate, we wanted to show wing lovers the best way to wing is at home, and with an air fryer. That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re offering 100 limited-release Ultimate at Home Wing Kits for less than the price of a standard takeout order, so you can skip takeout and enjoy crispy wings at home, anytime - whether it&rsquo;s for football game days, upcoming family and friend gatherings, or a mealtime favorite".</p> <p style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: 400;">The kit includes a package of each new wing flavor, a four-quart air fryer, a &ldquo;Crispy Business&rdquo; apron, one pair of tongs, a tote bag, and a coupon redeemable at participating retailers.</p> <p style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: 400;">Like all Perdue products, Air Fryer Ready&trade; Crispy Wings are made from chicken raised without antibiotics, hormones or steroids, fed an all-vegetarian diet and raised cage free. Packed with rich flavor and so crispy that it&rsquo;s hard to believe they were made at home, Air Fryer Ready&trade; Crispy Wings are available in three delicious mouthwatering flavors:</p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Hot N&rsquo; Spicy Air Fryer Ready&trade; Crispy Wings&nbsp;are a burst of fiery flavor. Coated in a paprika-based bold spice blend, these wings are sure to test your tastebuds.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Ready&trade; Crispy Wings&nbsp;offer a savory and tangy bite with zesty undertones from lemon oil and lemon juice, and feature a subtle warmth from turmeric and onion, delivering a bold flavor in every bite.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Roasted Air Fryer Ready&trade; Crispy Wings&nbsp;are a perfectly crispy savory wing that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Each bite is packed with a variety of balanced flavors like onion and garlic, followed by deliciously juicy, tender chicken.</li> </ul>    Retail adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2023-12-15 00:05:27  2025-08-06 10:44:42  Details Edit Delete
3942  China bans Dutch pork imports  Due to an increased number of COVID-19 infections in abattoirs, Dutch pork imports are suspended for a period.  <p>China decided to suspend pork imports from the Netherlands as of this week without offering any details on the decision. However, Dutch officials believe that a hike in COVID-19 infections reported among workers in slaughterhouses may stand behind Beijing's announcement. Dutch government spokeswoman Elise van den Bosch confirmed that the Chinese authorities have banned meat delivered by four of the largest Dutch abattoirs. "Clearly, China is looking for the source of its second wave of COVID-19 infections, which they might feel could come from imported meat. But there is no scientific evidence for the possible transmission of the virus through food or packaging materials," she said, according to Reuters. Most of the slaughterhouses in Southern and Central Europe or Scandinavian area are operated by migrant workers, who work close to each other and often share cramped housing facilities. This has led to large coronavirus outbreaks at many of them in recent months in countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy etc. Dutch pork exports to China ran to a total of 299,000 tonnes last year, with a total value of &euro;335 million. <br />Since the beginning of July, Dutch pig meat prices in several European markets have dropped by &euro;0.22 - &euro;0.30, according to sources reporting from Poland. Last month, meat imports from Tonnies have been suspended by China due to large outbreak of COVID-19 reported by the German company.</p>    Market 2020-07-02 11:51:22  2025-08-06 10:44:45  Details Edit Delete
4816  Brazilian halal poultry shipments, close to 1 million tonnes  Halal poultry exports to the Middle East have increased in the first half of 2021.  <p>Almost 950,000 tonnes of halal poultry products have been exported from Brazil to Arab countries in the first six months of the year. In terms of value, shippents to the Middle East are woth $1.3 billion, according to data released by the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA). The main importers were: Saudi Arabia with 396,365 tonnes; UAE 239,826 tonnes; Yemen 85,130 tonnes, Kuwait 73,050 tonnes and Libya 64,918 tonnes.<br />The total amount of halal poultry exported by Brazil accounts for an average of 40% of Brazilian poultry meat exports. "The world needs quality protein. It is important to maintain our resilience and continue with strict sanitary controls, seeking and expanding business opportunities. Our goal is to cover the types of proteins for the halal market, including halal sheep and goat meats. The idea is to offer more halal-certified meat options to Muslims around the world. We have a demanding export market and some Brazilian slaughterhouses targeting the Middle East", explains Omar Chahine, International Relations Manager at Cdial Halal (a halal certification agency in Brazil), quoted by Avicultura Industrial magazine.</p>    Market 2021-07-16 08:06:49  2025-08-06 10:44:49  Details Edit Delete
3556  JBS to supply meat worth $717 million to China  The Brazilian meat producer signed a distribution agreement with the Chinese giant WH Group.  <p>Two of the world's largest meat producers signed an agreement to distribute poultry, beef and pork in the Chinese market. Brazilian JBS and China's WH Group agreed on a deal worth $717 million per year, according to Reuters. The first shipments under the agreement are expected to take place in the first quarter of 2020, announced JBS. In a statement issued Monday, the two companies said they will offer a portfolio of Friboi and Seara branded products in a deal that could reach $717 million annually. The agreement will allow JBS to have direct access to Chinese consumers through WH Group's 60,000 points of sales across the country. WH Group is the parent of Smithfield Foods Inc and the largest pork producer in China.<br />"This agreement reflects the maturity and evolution of our trade relations with China. It will be an opportunity for us to evolve in our supply chain in an unprecedented business model for JBS," declared Renato Costa, president of Friboi. He also said that JBS has seen changes in the Chinese consumers' profile regarding protein consumption and a growing concern for food quality, product traceability and enhanced food safety. To meet the demand from Chinese consumers, the Brazilian meat giant has developed on the ground teams in a series of partnerships and projects in China.</p>    Market 2020-01-29 06:08:02  2025-08-06 10:44:51  Details Edit Delete
4406  USMEF expects 2021 to be a good year for beef exports  November 2020 was one of the best months for US beef exports and USMEF President Dan Halstrom expects the trend to continue this year.  <p>US beef exports posted one of the best months on record in November, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. "Demand for U.S. beef in the global retail sector has been outstanding and we expect this to continue in 2021. Unfortunately, foodservice continues to face COVID-related challenges. We expect a broader foodservice recovery this year, especially from mid-2021, but will likely still see interruptions in some markets," said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. <br />November beef exports totalled 115,337 tonnes, up 6% from a year ago and the largest since July 2019. Export value climbed 8% year-over-year to $707.5 million. Encouraging results are coming from Mexico, Taiwan, Guatemala but also from China, a country that has increased demand for US beef by 700%, compared to November 2019. Beef exports to Japan, the main market for these products were steady, while the South Korean market has slightly reduced the demand. Both Asian countries have signed FTA's with the US in the last couple of years.</p>    Industry 2021-01-11 12:58:57  2025-08-06 10:44:51  Details Edit Delete
3121  EC is urging member states to collaborate on ASF  The Czech Republic, Belgium and Hungary are examples to follow, according to the European Livestock and Meat Traders Union (UECBV).  <p>A new wave of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks in countries already hit by the disease and the constant danger for the rest of the EU member states is forcing the European Commission (EC) to ask for collaboration between countries in the bloc.<br />After the recent meeting of the EU&rsquo;s Agriculture and Fisheries Council, EC as reassured member states that it would remain active in fighting ASF but stresses the importance of collaboration in order to contain the disease.<br />Member states are urged to renew efforts at all levels with the aim of ensuring compliance with existing rules on the protection of animals during transport, in particular over long distances and under hot weather conditions. Several ministers emphasized the need for a uniform application of animal transport rules within the EU and others even called for new, stricter measures, noted <a href="https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/african-swine-fever-eu-urges-collaboration-and-braces-for-peak-summer-risks.html">Food Ingredients First</a> magazine.<br />Also, the European Livestock and Meat Traders Union (UECBV) shows support for the EC recommendation. "The success of the EU control system, including EU regionalization, can be seen in the eradication of ASF in the Czech Republic, or in the containment of the disease in the wild boar population in Belgium and Hungary, or even in Estonia since 2018. Furthermore, no cases of ASF were linked to trade in pork, be it intra-EU or for exports.</p> <p>A joint effort from all EU authorities and stakeholders based on the accomplishments of the European system in containing ASF and delivering safe pork and on the World Organization for Animal Health&rsquo;s (OIE) standards for safe international trade is needed to convince our trade partners of the fact that EU pork is safe,&rdquo; says UECBV.<br />The Czech Republic was the first European country to be declared ASF-free while Belgium has done notable efforts to keep the disease out of its domestic pig population.<br />Jean-Fran&ccedil;ois Heymans, Chief Veterinary Officer at Belgium's Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) declared: "Belgium has initiated a closer collaboration with the neighboring countries such as daily communication about the situation and technical meetings between wildlife experts of different countries. In addition to the broad, national collaboration, we believe that total transparency towards our neighboring countries, other EU Member States and Non-EU Members States is essential for the management of ASF in Belgium, Europe and worldwide and to ensure the necessary trust between Belgium and its commercial and other partners. Therefore, the FASFC continues to inform about the situation and the measures taken trough different platforms of communication".<br />On 13 September 2018, the African swine fever (ASF) virus was confirmed in two wild boars in the Belgian municipality Etalle. Since then, Belgium has initiated a series of measures meant to prevent the spread of the virus in its national pig inventory.<br />Among those: registration of the pigs and the farms in a central national database: SANITEL. Belgium currently has 6.2 million pigs distributed over approx. 7,200 pig farms. 94% of the herd is located in the Flanders Region. FASFC officers check the registration, infrastructure and hygiene obligations, as mentioned by the <a href="https://www.intouch-intelligence.com/latest-news/diseases-health/belgian-meat-office-how-belgium-successfully-keeps-its-pork-virus-free">Intouch-Intelligence</a> website.<br />A complete prevention plan including physical barriers, prohibition of assemblies of pigs, access restrictions and application of strict biosecurity on farms, prohibition of feeding pigs with swill or kitchen waste (even occasionally), cleaning and disinfection of vehicles that transport pigs. Mandatory examinations from the vet are required so every pig farmer must conduct a free vet examination every 3 months. Every call from a pig farm must be responded by veterinarians in 24 hours. In the first 8 months, blood samples were taken from 4,081 pigs on 938 farms.<br />Every pig introduced into a farm must undergo a 4-week quarantine period before being allowed to mingle with the herd. Besides that, Belgian authorities have collaborated closely with officials from France, Germany and the Netherlands, coming up with a common set of measures in order to prevent the disease from spreading.</p>    Industry 2019-07-23 11:01:30  2025-08-06 10:44:53  Details Edit Delete
1729  German poultry producers ask for higher purchase prices  Feeding costs have increased due to the drought present in Northern Europe and analysts are talking about a catastrophic situation.  <p>German poultry producers are requesting a higher purchase price from the retailers as the feeding prices have gone up. "The significant rise in animal feed prices in past weeks has brought German poultry farmers into great difficulty. Prices for wheat, a central component of chicken and turkey feed, is currently about 25% over last year&rsquo;s level, with a rising trend.<br />We call on the food retail sector to increase their purchase price. And consumers should be willing to pay more for poultry meat", said German producer association ZDG in a statement. Cereal production in the country is expected to drop by 25%, according to <a href="https://www.poultryworld.net/Eggs/Articles/2018/8/German-egg-producers-prices-must-rise-because-of-drought-318026E/">Poultry World</a> magazine.<br />At the same time, the situation is described as "catastrophic" for the whole of Northern Europe. The forecast for soft wheat in the EU it was cut by 130 million tonnes, which represents a six-year low. Predictions regarding cereal production are ranging from a drop of 40% in Sweden to a five year low in the UK.</p>    Retail 2018-08-07 11:12:26  2025-08-06 10:44:58  Details Edit Delete
7539  How demand for transparency is accelerating digital transformation in the seafood industry  The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) research has revealed that 71% of seafood consumers say origin labelling influences their purchase of seafood. Meanwhile, governments worldwide are legislating for greater transparency and traceability in seafood value chains.  <p style="font-weight: 400;">This pressure is causing the industry to search for innovative ways to ensure seafood&rsquo;s provenance and sustainability. Fortunately, as technologies like&nbsp;<em>IoT</em>&nbsp;(Internet of Things),&nbsp;<em>UAVs</em>&nbsp;(Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and&nbsp;<em>AI</em>&nbsp;(Artificial Intelligence) mature, they&rsquo;re offering transformative applications. This is resulting in the seafood industry&rsquo;s digital transformation - from sea to plate.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">In this article we explore the trends and pressures driving digital transformation in the seafood sector. We also spotlight some of the latest innovations, which are improving efficiency, traceability and transparency across the value chain.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Rising concerns about seafood provenance and sustainability</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Sustainability has come into sharp focus in recent years as feeding the world&rsquo;s growing population ascends the public agenda. This, and concerns for the environment, animal welfare and unethical labour practices, are causing consumers to take more interest in where and how their seafood is sourced. Meanwhile, global, regional and national legislation is catalysing a shift towards responsible and sustainable practices across the value chain.</p> <h3>Sustainable seafood is vital for food security</h3> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Global research organisation,&nbsp;WorldFish, has highlighted the benefits of sustainable ocean food systems in providing livelihoods and nutrition, arguing global food systems can achieve negative emissions by 2050.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">At COP28 in Dubai, campaigners highlighted the potential for aquatic food systems to feed the growing global population. This illustrates growing recognition for seafood as a valuable protein, plus the importance of effective fish stocks management to safeguard its availability for future generations.</p> <h3>Provenance &amp; sustainability influence purchases</h3> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Thanks to campaigners and media interest, consumers are aware of the impact of their choices. So they&rsquo;re asking more questions and making conscious decisions to support sustainable and ethically sourced seafood.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The NSC spoke to 18,000 seafood consumers worldwide, and 71% agreed origin labelling affected their seafood purchases. Many are willing to pay a premium for sustainability too, with more than 4 in 10 saying they'll pay more for sustainable fish or seafood.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">This highlights opportunities for retailers, distributors and producers to improve and communicate traceability, raising sustainable seafood&rsquo;s value as a result.</p> <h3>&nbsp;</h3> <h3>Legislation is pushing for transparency</h3> <p style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Uni-lateral agreements and legislation are accelerating the move towards responsible and sustainable practices. Through initiatives such as the&nbsp;<em>Port State Measures Agreement</em>&nbsp;(PSMA), the&nbsp;<em>FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Catch Documentation Schemes</em>&nbsp;(CDS), and national regulations like the&nbsp;EU's&nbsp;<em>Common Fisheries Policy</em>&nbsp;(CFP) and U.S.&nbsp;<em>Seafood Traceability Rule</em>, governments are setting standards and requirements for documenting and tracking seafood. In turn, seafood producers, processors, and retailers are complying through implementing robust systems that record catch data and verify origin.</p> <h3>Digital technologies transforming the value chain</h3> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Fortunately, groundbreaking technologies are maturing and being adopted across the seafood value chain. From harvesting to production and distribution, to understanding and predicting consumer preferences.</p> <ul style="font-weight: 400;"> <li><strong>Amphibious drones</strong>&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;<strong>AI</strong>&nbsp;preserving ecosystems and eliminating the guesswork in seafood harvesting.</li> <li><strong>Robots</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>drones</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>IoT</strong>&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;<strong>machine learning</strong>&nbsp;improving efficiency and decision-making in aquaculture.</li> <li><strong>Trading platforms</strong>&nbsp;mimimising waste and transaction costs through simplified buying and selling.</li> <li>Retailers creating immersive "phygital" experiences with&nbsp;<strong>QR codes</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>robot shoppers</strong>&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;<strong>mobile payments</strong>.</li> </ul> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><em>&lsquo;&lsquo;Fishing is, of course, absolutely possible without using AI. But the increased knowledge means we will be able to make better decisions, both for the environment and the business.&lsquo;&lsquo;</em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Anette Gr&oslash;ttland Zimowski</span></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Chief marketing and communications officer at Ava Ocean</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Precision harvesting: scallops to sea urchins</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wild seafood is traditionally harvested through dredging, which causes lasting damage to the seabed. So when the Norwegian government banned dredging in 1993,&nbsp;Ava Ocean&rsquo;s&nbsp;scallop fishery was forced to close until they could come up with a new approach.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Today, the scallop fishery is thriving, having shown regulators the value of its state-of-the-art amphibious drone: the "Ava Ray". Using innovative non-invasive technology, this is successfully reducing the guesswork in harvesting as well as the environmental impact of scallop harvesting.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">According to Anette Gr&oslash;ttland Zimowski, chief marketing and communications officer at Ava Ocean, the Ava Ray is:</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"unlike any other fishing gear in use today, [it means you know] exactly what you harvest, where you harvest.&rdquo;</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Scallops are part of a diverse ecosystem on the seabed called the benthic zone. Dredging disturbs its vital biodiversity, leading to damage, which has wide-ranging effects on surrounding sea life. To avoid this, the "Ava Ray" seabed harvester gently hovers above the seabed, plucking seafood using a precision water flow system to efficiently lift its target. Ava Ocean&rsquo;s advancements are not just about technology but also a shift in mindset.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">&ldquo;The focus for [previous] technological improvements have been mainly geared towards improving efficiency. It is only in recent years that environmental and ecosystem impacts have started to become a consideration to R&amp;D in the industry.&rdquo;</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">&ldquo;Fishing is, of course, absolutely possible without using AI. But the increased knowledge means we will be able to make better decisions, both for the environment and the business.&rdquo;</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Keen to continue reducing its environmental impact, Ava Ocean works closely with marine scientists.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">&ldquo;We still know so little about the intricate workings of the habitats we harvest from, and it will take time and research to begin to truly understand the impact of doing anything on the seabed, even with our gentle harvesting method.&rdquo;</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Ava Ocean is applying the technology in other locations for seafoods like sea urchins and sea cucumber. It has also received government funding to harvest an overgrowth of sea urchins in Northern Norway. The goal? Revitalise lost kelp forests and develop new products from the urchins gathered.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">When asked whether Ava Ocean&rsquo;s sustainability credentials are important to their customers, Zimowski explains that although sustainability and traceability are becoming more important, price and supply remain a big draw.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">&ldquo;With a world in financial turmoil, price and availability continues to be of critical importance to most buyers. Many consumers will still pay for superior quality and the knowledge that the food on their plate does not come from environmentally harmful fisheries, but it is a crowded space with a lot of tall tales and unsubstantiated claims.&rdquo;</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">This makes education even more important; she says,</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"Even if they are environmentally conscious, most people have no idea how scallops are traditionally caught, or how harmful dredging is to seabed habitats. So, the job starts there, working with our customers B2B to educate and inspire.&rdquo;</p> <h2>Improving welfare &amp; efficiency in aquaculture</h2> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Aquaculture is vital if the industry is to meet demand for sustainable seafood. Fortunately, a raft of technologies is helping to streamline operations and maximise yield for aquaculture farmers.</p> <ul style="font-weight: 400;"> <li><strong>REMOTE MONITORING:</strong>&nbsp;In a sector where growth takes place out-of-sight and underwater, IoT supports &lsquo;smart fish farming&rsquo;, enabling farmers to optimise operations and safeguard the welfare of their fish. Farmers are notified when anomalies or emergencies occur, leading to improved efficiency and productivity plus reduced labour and operational costs.</li> <li><strong>ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION:</strong>&nbsp;Robotics and automation can improve speed, accuracy and quality in aquaculture. Adapting to different types and sizes of fish, robots skilfully and hygienically fillet, sort, grade and package fish; with minimal human involvement. As well as reducing labour costs and energy consumption, this can increase safety and profitability.</li> <li><strong>DRONES IN FISHERIES:</strong>&nbsp;Drones have become a valuable tool in fisheries management. Employed for surveillance, they allow authorities to monitor fishing activities and enforce regulations. Drones are also used for fish-stock assessment, providing valuable data on population size, migration patterns and habitat conditions, while playing a crucial role in monitoring illegal fishing activities and aiding in the conservation and protection of marine resources &ndash; particularly at offshore sites, high-risk or difficult to access locations.</li> </ul> <h2>Trading platforms reducing seafood waste and improving traceability</h2> <p style="font-weight: 400;">One in three fish caught is never eaten, according to tech firm&nbsp;Rooser. To address this, the Edinburgh-based firm has created a seafood-trading platform for Europe&rsquo;s 140,000+ seafood buyers and sellers.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Enabling faster, more transparent buying and selling of seafood, the platform helps to reduce waste. And as the company scales globally, it has plans to improve traceability, through using the data to accurately track the carbon footprint of each piece of fish.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">This data could then be used by governments to better manage fish stocks, says Wired magazine, describing Rooser as having the potential to "become the Google Maps for the fishing industry."</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"><em>As QR codes replace barcodes, there&rsquo;s a huge opportunity to educate consumers about every detail: from country &ndash; or even square mile &ndash; of origin, to what the fish was raised on and how you might like to cook it.</em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kjetil Hestad</span></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Director of aquaculture and market access, Sjoematbedriftene</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How retail is embracing digital</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Retailers are embracing technology to improve productivity and boost customer experience. AI crunches valuable data on consumer behaviour, enabling them to predict demand and streamline inventories.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">A handful of retailers are using algorithms to inform product development, optimise pricing and improve personalisation. And several pioneers are creating immersive &lsquo;phygital&rsquo; shopping experiences.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">But with innovations like QR codes in their infancy, seafood distributors say consumer education is vital to encourage adoption.</p> <p><strong>The smartest smart stores</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">In China&rsquo;s Hema Fresh, smart technology means customers can scan QR codes on products to get more information &ndash; including when food items were harvested, where they were sourced from and when they were delivered to the store. With a strong emphasis on domestic produce, this system also highlights locally sourced credentials.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Payment can be made through the Hema app, while the in-store dining experience &ndash; staffed by robots &ndash; is a big draw. Customers can use the app to book a seat and order their food, before robots move items from the shelves to the kitchen and deliver meals when they&rsquo;re ready.</p> <p><strong>Maximising the benefits of QR codes</strong></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Some seafood consumers want to know more about the life of their fish before it arrives in their shopping basket. These important, underlying questions can be answered by QR codes.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Kjetil Hestad, director of aquaculture and market access, Sjomatbedriftene says:</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"As QR codes replace barcodes, there&rsquo;s a huge opportunity to educate consumers about every detail: from country &ndash; or even square mile &ndash; of origin, to what the fish was raised on and how you might like to cook it.<br />But this potential is not yet being used to its full potential".</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">&ldquo;To pick up your phone and scan a QR code to get that information, to read it and make a decision on whether you take a product or not? That&rsquo;s a time-consuming process &ndash; and one that is certainly off-putting for many consumers.&rdquo;</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Hestad explains that many consumers don&rsquo;t even realise what information is offered through QR codes &ndash; even if it's exactly what they want to know. And this information will become increasingly important as suppliers opt for QR codes to replace product information.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"If it&rsquo;s cheaper for producers to use a QR code instead of printing information on packages, they might start to do that".</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">When asked about what the solution is, Hestad says:</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"Consumer education is vital, and it needs to be done joined up and at a large scale at the company and at the organisation level. It&rsquo;s not enough for one company to do this. The only way we can give consumers the opportunity to use QR codes, is to help them understand what these codes are".</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">&nbsp;he digital transformation sweeping through the seafood supply chain represents a sea change in how the industry operates.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Driven by environmental sustainability and operational efficiency, these advancements are not just reshaping the landscape of seafood harvesting and aquaculture, but also enhancing end-to-end traceability and transparency in the entire value chain.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">As these digital tools evolve, there&rsquo;s potential to go further, preserving natural environments, ensuring animal welfare, and reducing waste. And with widespread adoption, these technologies can go towards reassuring consumers that they are buying responsibly sourced products.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The journey towards a fully digital supply chain is complex and fraught with challenges. But these potential benefits make this transformation both necessary and inevitable. For the seafood sector, embracing digital innovation is no longer just an option; it will be essential for sustainability and success in the modern marketplace.</p>    Market adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 0000-00-00 00:00:00  2025-08-06 10:45:02  Details Edit Delete
1703  Strategic Thai-Chinese alliance in farming projects  Charoen Pokphand Group has signed a partnership with Hainan State Farm Group to build a new agriculture and aquaculture park in China.  <p>New shrimp, poultry and pig farms are to be built in the Chinese province of Hainan as part of a strategic alliance developed between Thai Charoen Pokphand Group and its Chinese partner Hai Ken Group &ndash; also known as Hainan State Farm Group. <br />Charoen Pokphand Group is an important player in the seafood segment in China, acting as an aquaculture producer and distributor of seafood products to local retailers, reports <a href="https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/aquaculture/cp-partners-with-hainan-state-farm-group-to-build-new-shrimp-farms-in-china?utm_source=marketo&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter&amp;utm_content=newsletter&amp;mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWlRRek5ETTFaR1JrTW1KbSIsInQiOiJFczRVWWhQdVwvbTgxalRcL2tUWFFtUlNualZ1SkJOY0pkcndHY0xPcFwvWVVvQWtuTVIwaUgxUjAzYlVIdldGWXlqNkduR2N0MWsrZzJWaTNLbEdodE5IeE5oWmZ1VHB1VUlZZFRiNGJxU2lMXC94VHVsWHo4YmpJWHhpVDAwYXVxK3UifQ%3D%3D">Seafood Source</a> magazine. It also expanded its line of business to pig farming in this market and now intends to increase its presence in the Chinese agricultural landscape by developing a "modern agriculture" park with a local state-owned partner, Hai Ken Group.<br />Along with some new shrimp farms that are to be built in the Danzhou city region of Hainan, the two companies want to create an agricultural park that will include feed milling facilities, poultry farms, and pig farms producing 300,000 pigs.<br />Hai Ken Group is a conglomerate of companies with a staff of 60,000 workers manning rubber plantations, &ldquo;tropical agriculture,&rdquo; tourism, and real estate operations.</p> <p><em>(Photo source: Pyxera Global)</em></p>    Industry 2018-08-02 10:31:21  2025-08-06 10:45:05  Details Edit Delete
6599  USMEF expands US Pork’s differentiation campaign in Mexico  The American Pure Pork campaign moves beyond retail into foodservice as social media initiatives work to get the word out to important groups  <p>A primary market development objective in Mexico is to strengthen U.S. pork identification in the retail and foodservice sectors by differentiating U.S. pork as top quality. &ldquo;American Pure Pork,&rdquo; a marketing program that guarantees no water was injected into the labeled U.S. pork product, is an ongoing promotional campaign with Costco at each of its 27 outlets in Mexico. The promotions include featured U.S. pork cuts, product sampling, special labeling, the production of cooking videos with influencers and implementation of social media campaigns.</p> <p>USMEF is expanding this program into the foodservice sector to foster product identification on menus and in restaurants. As in retail, U.S. pork identified as &ldquo;American Pure Pork&rdquo; will have no water injected and will be free of tenderizers and preservatives.</p> <p>&ldquo;Consumers tend to think that all pork is the same&rdquo;, says Gerardo Rodriguez, USMEF regional director for Mexico, Central America and Dominican Republic. &ldquo;We are working to position U.S. pork as a flavorful, nutritious option for the center-of-the plate. American Pure Pork is superior and consumers are beginning to seek it out&rdquo;.</p> <p>USMEF is supporting the American Pure Pork initiative in the retail and foodservice sectors by speaking directly to consumers about U.S. pork quality through social media. Moms are a focus of these campaigns, which tout the nutritional benefits of U.S. pork along with its superior taste.</p> <p>&ldquo;Mothers care deeply about nutrition and we are finding great interest among bloggers in promoting American Pure Pork. We have developed what we call an &lsquo;American Pure Pork Academy,&rsquo; in which we provide education and cooking demonstrations to &ldquo;mommy bloggers&rdquo; who then post about U.S. pork&rdquo;, says Leticia Flores, USMEF communication specialist. &ldquo;We have also engaged a respected pediatrician who creates Instagram reels about U.S. pork for mothers&rdquo;.</p> <p>Promotional funding for the American Pure Pork campaign is provided by the National Pork Board, United Soybean Board, Illinois Soybean Association, Indiana Soybean Alliance and USDA&rsquo;s Market Access Program and Agricultural Trade Promotion program.</p>    Market adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2023-07-20 00:15:38  2025-08-06 10:45:05  Details Edit Delete
3456  ARC celebrates 20 years of existence  Unfortunately, the festive moment is shadowed by the gloomy outlook of the ASF crisis in Romania.  <p>ARC, the Romanian Meat Producers and Processors Association has celebrated this week 20 years of existence. However, the festive moment was used by its members to share their knowledge and worries in a deep analysis of how the sector must deal with the challenges brought by the ASF outbreak in Romania.<br />By now, the country is almost "red" due to multiple outbreaks reported in wild boars and domestic pigs, mostly in backyard farms. Only two counties in 41 are free of disease, Suceava and Bistrita-Nasaud, according to the latest information released by the Romanian authorities. The risk of a ban placed by the European Commission (EC) on Romanian pork products is high and leaders of the association have urged authorities to better present the case in front of the EU officials.<br />"We need the Romanian government to act and support the industry. We have 5 counties with no ASF cases reported in the last 7 months. At least, that region can be placed outside the 'red map' and biosecurity measures can be adopted to prevent the disease to re-appear", believes Dana Tanase, ARC's CEO and vice president of Clitravi.<br />Still, Romania has to do a lot of work to regain the trust of European partners after a delay of a year and a half in applying any solid measures in fighting the disease. "We've lost a lot on trust, so we have to present a solid plan of measures before making any demand from the EC. I am going to present a plan of action to the Ministry of Agriculture and, after that, we will present it to the European Commission. It's about time for stakeholders in the industry to act together against ASF", mentioned Robert Viorel Chioveanu, head of ANSVSA, the Romanian Veterinary watchdog.<br />At this point, Romania imports almost 60% of the pork consumed. The losses in the national swine inventory are at 550,000 head and the disease keeps spreading due to a mix of factors that comprises wild animal influenza, human influence and a black market for pigs in the country's rural areas.</p>    Industry 2019-12-11 11:30:51  2025-08-06 10:45:07  Details Edit Delete
7928  UK: NPA welcomes confirmation of 12-month EUDR delay  The National Pig Association (NPA) has welcomed confirmation by the European parliament that the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has been delayed for a year, which will bring some stability to the market for soya.  <p style="font-weight: 400;">The European Commission proposed the delay in early October in response to concerns raised by member states, third countries and traders that they would not be able to fully comply with the new rules under the original timetable of December 31, 2024.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The European Council of Ministers endorsed the proposal a few weeks later and MEPs have now ratified the 12-month postponement by 371 votes to 240 against and 30 abstentions.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">EUDR, adopted by Parliament on 19 April 2023, aims to fight climate change and biodiversity loss by preventing the deforestation related to EU consumption of products, including soya, cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm-oil, wood, rubber, charcoal and printed paper.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The parliament said it had agreed to the delay so that companies can comply with the new regulations, which ensure products sold in the EU are not sourced from deforested land.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Under the new timetable, large operators and traders will have to respect the obligations stemming from this regulation as of December 30, 2025, whereas micro- and small enterprises would have until June 30, 2026.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">This additional time will help operators around the world to implement the rules smoothly from the start without undermining the objectives of the law, the parliament said.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said: "This is the most sensible option available, given that it has become increasingly clear the supply chain is simply not in a position to deliver the requirements of EUDR by the start of next year",she said.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"This will allow a transitioned introduction and, therefore, time for the supply chain to adjust to the new conditions, the detail of which will require further clarification.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">"It is now important that the UK government adjusts the timetable for the similar UK Forest Risk Commodities regulation accordingly, so we are in step with the EU on this".</p>    Industry adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2024-11-19 00:15:56  2025-08-06 10:45:10  Details Edit Delete
3051  Asian countries with ASF cull 4 million pigs  China's outlook for the pig industry gets more severe as the virus keeps spreading.  <p>Asian countries hit by ASF outbreaks have culled almost 4 million pigs in a bid to stop the disease from spreading. The largest number of pigs slaughter due to ASF was reported in Vietnam, 2,8 million, while China has reported only 1.1 million head. By now, the disease has been reported also in Mongolia, Cambodia, North Korea, and Laos and it will probably affect other countries as smuggling meat is a common practice in the border areas.<br />In Vietnam, officials have reported large-scale farms being hit by the virus, while analysts are looking with scepticism at data collected from China where the real situation may be more complicated.<br />32 areas in all the provinces in China have been confronted with ASF outbreaks and one Rabobank assessment estimates that losses in the Chinese swine herd may go from 20% to 70%.<br />Not only foreign observers are worried about the ASF situation in China but also local investors and consultants. <br />Edgar Wayne Johnson, a veterinarian who has spent 14 years in China and founded Enable Agricultural Technology Consulting, declared for Reuters that losses may be of 50% at this point and three other executives from producers of vaccines, feed additives and genetics also estimate losses of 40% to 50%, based on falling sales for their companies&rsquo; products and direct knowledge of the extent of the deadly disease on farms across the country.<br />Chinese officials mentioned in June that sow herd in the country declined by 23.9% in May from a year earlier. Pork accounts for more than 60% in meat consumption in the country and a governmental estimate on prices are foreseeing a 70% surge by the end of the year.</p>    Industry 2019-07-01 08:15:34  2025-08-06 10:45:11  Details Edit Delete
7507  Kirkintilloch High School triumphs again in the Better Burger Challenge 2024  The Better Burger Challenge, a contest designed to inspire students to reformulate classic burgers into healthier and innovative versions using Scotch red meat, has announced its winner for 2024. Kirkintilloch High School in East Dunbartonshire has emerged victorious once again with their extraordinary creation - the ‘Sandman Burger’.  <p><span lang="DE">Burgers are hugely popular in Scotland with this year&rsquo;s shop sales showing an eight per cent increase to &pound;23.6 million, and the competition for pupils in Scotland aged 11 to 15 received numerous entries. The challenge, developed in partnership with Food and Drink Federation Scotland (FDF Scotland) and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), continues to inspire young minds to innovate and think critically about food production, nutrition, and enjoying healthy eating. The winning &lsquo;Sandman Burger&rsquo; was developed by secondary 3 pupils Adam Solyman and Elisha Hossell from Kirkintilloch High School and captivated the judges with its exotic Moroccan-inspired flavours and commitment to health-conscious ingredients.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">The 'Sandman Burger' features Scotch Beef infused with aromatic spices such as cumin and coriander, and the pupils sealed the burger in a frying pan before grilling it to meet the dietary goal of reducing total fat intake.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Gordon Findlater and Alison Bankier, QMS Cookery Demonstrators led the judging panel alongside OMS&rsquo;s Health &amp; Education Co-Ordinator, Tracy Martin and Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland Skills Manager, Moira Stalker. The &lsquo;Sandman Burger&rsquo; was praised for its bold creativity, unique flavour profile, and adherence to the Scottish Dietary Goals.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Tracy Martin said: "QMS was delighted to work with FDF Scotland on the Better Burger Challenge for 2024, and it was a struggle to choose just one very worthy winner. The winning creation &ndash; 'The Sandman' &ndash; was chosen for its exotic flavours, but also because the pupils, Adam and Elisha, worked hard to reformulate their ingredients to ensure that the burger was using healthy cooking methods and ingredients alongside our Scotch Beef. It&rsquo;s great to highlight to pupils how red meat can be consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet".</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Moira Stalker, Skills Manager at FDF Scotland, added:</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"The Better Burger Challenge is a fantastic initiative. It educates young people on the processes and people involved in making food and the many careers available, helping to develop the workforce of the future for the vital food and drink sector".</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Miss Susan Miller, their teacher, shared her pride in the students&rsquo; achievement: "Adam and Elisha&rsquo;s dedication and creativity were exceptional. The 'Make it With Meat' resources provided an excellent framework for teaching and the competition itself was a fantastic opportunity for the pupils to explore food reformulation and product development".</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">As a reward for their innovation and hard work, the students were thrilled with a class trip to the Royal Highland Show, where they received their certificates and prizes in front of their classmates.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Elisha and Adam said: "We're really happy to win the QMS Better Burger Competition and enjoyed taking part in developing our own product. Our Moroccan-inspired &lsquo;The Sandman Burger&rsquo; fuses flavours that tantalize the taste buds and elevate the burger experience to new heights. Its succulent grilled beef, infused with aromatic spices, transports diners to the vibrant streets of Morocco with every bite".</span></p>    Market adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2024-07-04 00:05:31  2025-08-06 10:45:12  Details Edit Delete
3417  EP changes the rule of the game for Ukrainian poultry  A loophole in the trade agreement between the European Union and Ukraine was patched this week in the European Parliament.  <p>The EU intends to amend the trade agreement with Ukraine to patch the loophole that allows the Ukrainian poultry producers to export poultry meat in the EU market without tax. According to the current agreement, imports of poultry with bone from Ukraine are not taxed but that will change once the revised agreement gets approval by the Council and after the ratification of the agreement by Ukraine, according to <a href="https://www.rp.pl/Handel/311269927-Bruksela-zablokuje-drobiowa-kontrabande-z-Ukrainy.html">Rzeczpospolita</a> magazine.<br />in a resolution adopted with 444 votes in favor, 128 against and 74 abstentions, MPs urged Ukraine to comply with the full trade agreement on good cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. They added that food safety and health standards apply to all products imported into the EU.</p> <p>The new regulations will impose a single tariff on both boneless and bone-in meat and will sett a new limit on tariff-free poultry imports from Ukraine. After the duty-free quota has been exhausted, Ukrainian exporters will have to pay customs duties on additional exports to the EU. Polish poultry producers have constantly raised the problem of Ukrainian poultry imports that were flooding the EU market favoring producers such as MHP, who has its processing plants in Slovakia. Imports of poultry with bones from Ukraine have increased almost 15 times in the last three years.</p>    Industry 2019-11-27 07:39:17  2025-08-06 10:45:15  Details Edit Delete
8377  PROVACUNO: The European Union has lost a million cows in the last year  Spanish beef production has increased by 2.6% in the last year, rising from 695,000 tons in 2023 to more than 713,000 tons in 2024. Its value rose to €4.641 billion in 2024 (up 15% vs. 2023), representing 17% of final livestock production. However, the animal population continues to decline both in Spain and in Europe.  <p style="font-weight: 400;">According to Eurostat data, comparing January 2024 with January 2025, there has been a decrease of 121,000 total cattle in Spain, of which 95,000 are suckler cows and 19,000 are dairy cows. In the case of suckler cows, this reduction in the population is explained by two consecutive years of drought (2002 and 2023), the incidence of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) since autumn 2023 and its subsequent consequences, and the slaughter of cows supported by their good market price. Despite all this, Spain has suffered a smaller percentage reduction in its population than other large EU producers.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">This figure worsens when analyzed at the European level, with a reduction in the number of cattle of nearly 1.7 million head, which represents a drop of 2.3% compared to the previous year, but 5% compared to 2021. In the case of total cows in the EU, the decrease has been 1,763,000 cows in the period 2021-2024, and specifically 1 million cows in the last year alone.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Despite the decline in animal numbers, net beef production in Spain increased last year due to a decrease in live animal exports to third countries (-13%).</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The total amount of meat exported (including fresh, frozen, offal, fat, and other meats) amounted to 271,652 tons, practically in line with the previous year's figure.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">For the most part, these total Spanish beef exports were destined for the European market, with Portugal (76,304 t), Italy (41,815 t) and France (40,574 t) leading the way.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Fresh meat exports increased by 8% in 2024 to 195,402 tonnes, and among the destinations, apart from the traditional markets (Portugal, Italy and France), the emergence of Algeria stands out, absorbing 26,514 tonnes in less than a year, which has led our country to double its exports to third countries, which totaled 52,196 tonnes.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The increase in fresh meat exports was offset by a decline in offal exports, reflecting the growing market interest in these traditional products in Spanish cuisine.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">In terms of the value of these exports, fresh meat has once again increased the most in the last year, rising from &euro;1.012 billion in 2023 to &euro;1.170 billion in 2024. Overall, total meat exports amounted to &euro;1.507 billion in 2024, compared to &euro;1.381 billion the previous year.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Regarding imports, a total of around 190,500 tonnes were imported in 2024 (around 30,000 tonnes more than the previous year) for a total value of &euro;1.171 billion, mainly from Poland, the Netherlands, and Germany, with Brazil being the top supplier on the list of third countries. There was again a notable increase in fresh meat imports, both in volume, which increased from 96,192 tonnes in 2023 to 114,326 tonnes in 2024, and in value, from &euro;736 million in 2023 to &euro;870 million in 2024.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Producer prices are the highest in the history of this sector, with the average price for AR3 yearlings (medium conformation and fatness) reaching &euro;542/100 kg in 2024, compared to the average of &euro;518/100 kg the previous year. It's worth noting that so far in 2025 (the first 12 weeks), the average price for the same category stands at &euro;657/100 kg.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">Despite the price trend, household consumption has seen a slight increase in 2024, rising from 3.89 to 3.92 kg/capita.</p>    Market adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2025-04-10 00:20:23  2025-08-06 10:45:15  Details Edit Delete
4139  Egypt resume poultry exports to Gulf countries  Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the first markets to open for eggs, frozen chicken and live birds from Egypt.  <p>Egypt is set to export poultry in the last quarter of 2020 following a decade-long suspension after the avian flu crisis in 2006. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the first markets to open for Egyptian poultry products and live birds. Head of the Poultry Division of the Cairo Chamber of Commerce Abdul Aziz Al-Sayed said that a number of Egyptian poultry companies are preparing to export their first shipments to the Saudi market in October, according to the Arab News newspaper.<br /> Last week, the UAE said it would allow the resumption of table egg imports from Egypt, as well as chilled and frozen poultry after the country adopts a veterinary health certificate. The UAE will also import ducks and live quails, provided that Egypt gives a full list of its poultry farms and facilities.<br />Nabil Darwish, head of the Egyptian Poultry Producers Association, said that contact was made between the General Authority for Veterinary Services and its counterpart in the UAE last week and that the two parties agreed on a UAE visit to poultry farms in Egypt in preparation for the start of exports.</p> <p>Darwish said the exports will include different types of poultry products, including frozen food and eggs. He added that there are about 14 poultry companies now allowed to export, including Ismailia Misr Poultry, Alwatania Poultry and Al-Sabeel Poultry. In his opinion, the resume of poultry exports will not have an impact on prices in the domestic market. Currently, Egypt has about 55,000 poultry farms with an annual production of 1.4 billion chickens and 13 billion eggs.</p>    Industry 2020-10-05 10:02:47  2025-08-06 10:45:16  Details Edit Delete
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