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3749  Is China a benchmark for the food industry in times of covid-19 crisis?  The dimension of the Chinese market and the timing of the first shocks are different from what is happening now in the rest of the world.  <p>At the same time, China may and may not offer and example of how the food industry could deal with an epidemic crisis. The differences between the Chinese market and the rest of the world are significant. First of all, China's coronavirus outbreak was announced and confirmed just before the Chinese New Year's Holiday, a period when most of the consumers have already stockpiled food, considering the unbalance creat in the market by the ASF crisis.<br />China is also the largest meat market in the world, accounting for 30% of the global meat trade in 2019, and most of the acquisitions are made through governmental companies that are building stocks of frozen meat to be released in the market to ease the prices from time time, especially on pork.<br />Besides that, the lockdown of Wuhan, followed by several other cities, was one that happened almost over the night and not gradually as it happens right now in most of the countries confronted with the epidemic.</p> <p>Still, in the foodservice sector, e-commerce and retail there are some valuable lessons to be learned regarding the consumption habits for those consumers that are forced to remain in their homes.</p> <p>The foodservice sector has seen a drop of 43% in sales during the lockdown period. Retail sales have jumped 9.7% but let's not forget that 11 major cities in China have been under a total lockdown, limiting an increase in sales for retailers in those areas.<br />At the same time, China has one of the fastest growing online grocery markets in the world so a switch from classic retail to e-commerce was not surprising. What is most interesting in this sector is the new categories of clients appeared in online. "Enforced isolation caused online sales to expand beyond their typical demographic. According to retail giant Alibaba, grocery orders placed by users aged over 50 were four times their usual volume during Chinese New Year. Miss Fresh, a platform specializing in fresh produce, reported a rise in users aged 40+ of 237%" said a recent analysis issued by AHDB.</p> <p>At the same time, analysts from Meat and Livestock Australia have shared their vision about how the Chinese scenario of covid-19 crisis developed. Here it is:</p> <p>"<strong>First stages: Shock and reaction</strong></p> <p>Panic purchasing of all red meat segments (from hot loose, chilled &amp; frozen packaged to canned and meat ready-meals) for stock-up, prioritising volume purchasing of familiar staple cuts for traditional day-to-day dishes, which in China tends to be more bone-in cuts for wet slow-cooking rather than steak cuts for pan frying.<br />Sudden panic-buying disrupts meat retail inventories and supply. Many wet markets start to close with retailers focusing on boosting supply of staple cuts.<br />Consumer purchasing focuses on availability with less price sensitivity.<br />Consumers begin avoiding eating with large family and social groups and avoid eating out at restaurants, with some increase in take-away and delivery food services.<br />Higher-end foodservice outlets mostly shut down, with some excess meat supply diverted to retail. Some mid- and lower-end outlets adjust operations to meet higher demand for drive-through, take-away and home delivery services.</p> <p><strong>Middle stages: Lockdown and adaptation</strong></p> <p><em>Supply and logistics:</em></p> <p>Air-freight drops with travel bans and reduced passenger flights, causing supply disruption into some channels. Port activity slows and refrigerated containers build up, hindering supply of imports and re-circulation of refrigerated containers back into the global market. Travel bans and labour shortages disrupt product delivery to retail and foodservice channels.<br />Expansion of non-contact distribution services (online, home delivery, click-&amp;-collect) by some grocery retailers and foodservice operators challenged by labour shortage and transport bans.</p> <p><em>Consumer changes:</em></p> <p>Consumers shift to mostly scratch-cooking of familiar dishes at home with fresh produce and meat, interspersed with occasional prepared foods, meal delivery and home-cooking experimentation for variety and enjoyment. Cooking and eating become a particularly important element of lock-down home life and spending on fresh grocery increases.<br />Higher priority placed on hygiene and dietary nutrition for health and immunity and, hence, greater consumption of red meat for its perceived high nutritional value. Stronger demand for safe, high quality meat, benefiting premium suppliers like Australia.<br />Greater use of contactless service offerings for fresh grocery delivery.<br />Shift from purchasing hot, loose meat to chilled, packaged meat, particularly from local modern smaller-format grocery stores.</p> <p><em>Retail and foodservice:</em></p> <p>Shift in offline grocery retail traffic as hours are amended, with some growth in local smaller-format grocery retail and most wet markets close. Greater emphasis on hygiene and packaging of popular staple cuts.<br />Operational adjustments made to meet higher demand for hygienic front-gate delivery of packaged fresh produce and meat.<br />As eating-out shuts down, consumers explore other options for variety and home-cooking relief, turning to &lsquo;contactless&rsquo; online meal services for front door delivery, drive-through and take-away. Hotel food services mostly closed, with room service only where open.</p> <p><strong>Final Stages: Gradual return to a new normal</strong> </p> <p><em>Supply and logistics:</em></p> <p>Lack of travel and tourism still limiting air freight. Port back-logs begin to clear and lifting of domestic travel and work bans facilitate resumption of meat processing and distribution to retail and foodservice.<br />Businesses review their strategies for supply chain digitization, diversification and inventory management with a greater focus on risk management.</p> <p><em>Consumer changes:</em></p> <p>Consumer demand begins to return to normal and discretionary spending increases, as interest in novelty and variety re-emerges.<br />Sustained prioritisation of safety, hygiene, trust and transparency, with higher demand for chilled, packaged meat products from modern retail stores.<br />Resumption of some occasional eating out to satisfy pent-up demand.</p> <p><em>Retail and foodservice:</em></p> <p>Restaurants begin to open, mid- and lower-end more quickly than higher-end, with hotel foodservice slower to resume as people continue to avoid unnecessary travel.<br />Retailers begin to provide a wider range of chilled packaged meat product assortment to meet higher consumer need for trust and higher quality semi-prepared product, as consumers maintain a higher commitment to home cooking and eating. Sustained expansion of contactless delivery services and further development of omni-channel merging of retail and foodservice offers initially driven by consumer demand during lockdown."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>    Market 2020-03-27 13:37:19  2025-07-25 23:40:58  Details Edit Delete
3748  Russia creates Green Lane to secure supplies for animal farmers and vets  A back and forth corridor of transport with no duties will link Russia to the EU market.  <p>Russia has simplified the procedures for general good imports by eliminating for 30 days some of the bureaucratic measures in its customs and the duties for some important merchandises, as announced by the Romanian- Russian Chamber for Economical Cooperation.</p> <p>A "Green Line" for freight haulers have been established to reduce the time at the border checkpoints and to facilitate the quick access of some goods in the Russian market. <br />The measure aims to help animal importers, distributors of veterinary drugs and equipment along with other categories of businesses.</p> <p>However, food restrictions placed by Russia as a retaliatory measure in 2014 have not been lifted and will probably stay in place until the end of the year, as announced in the summer of 2019 by Kremlin.</p>    Market 2020-03-27 12:11:19  2025-07-26 05:48:22  Details Edit Delete
3747  Mongolia opens a new processing plant in Zavkhan province  The unit has the capacity of 500 sheep/goats and 150 cattle per day, according to the country's government.  <p>Mongolia has finished the construction of a new processing plant in the province of Zavkhan, in the western part of the country, thanks to an agreement established with Bayan New Food Century.</p> <p>The unit has a daily processing capacity of 500 sheep/goats and 150 cattle and aims to cover the domestic demand in the province. Also, the investment can be expanded in the future to take export orders as well, informs Montasame News Agency.</p> <p>At the beginning of the year, Mongolian authorities have reported nationwide 98.4% of deliveries in the sheep breeding and a low mortality rate of livestock offspring. However, harsh weather in some provinces, including Zavkhan, has impacted the mortality rate among offsprings.</p>    Industry 2020-03-27 11:50:39  2025-07-25 11:51:44  Details Edit Delete
3746  Global food shortage could appear in weeks, warns FAO  Disruptions are seen in almost every market due to protectionist policies and restrictive measures adopted to fight the covid-19 threat.  <p>UN's Food and Agriculture Organization warns about the risk of a global food shortage in the following months, as restrictive measures applied in the fight against covid-19 and protectionist policies taken by several countries around the globe are disrupting the global food trade on a massive scale.<br />The Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), QU Dongyu, today urged leaders from the G20 countries to take measures for global food systems to continue to work well, particularly in relation to access to food for the world's poor and most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> <p>"The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting food systems and all dimensions of food security across the world. No country is immune. We have to ensure that food value chains are not disrupted and continue to function well and promote the production and availability of diversified, safe and nutritious food for all", said FAO's head.<br />The Director-General said lockdowns and restrictions on movement could disrupt food production, processing, distribution and sales, both nationally and globally, with the potential to have an "immediate and severe" impact on those restricted by mobility.</p> <p>Dongyu Qu said global food markets are well supplied but there is growing concern and that measures should be taken to ensure that both national food markets and the world market continue to be a transparent, stable and reliable source of food supply. <br />Referring to the 2007-08 global food price crisis, FAO's Director-General said uncertainty at that time triggered a wave of export restrictions by some countries, while others started importing food aggressively. Qu said this contributed to excessive price volatility, which was damaging for low-income food-deficit countries.</p> <p>A slowdown in production and distribution has already been reported in the EU markets, where suppliers from Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Poland are complaining from bottlenecks created at national borders and the lack of personnel. In some cases, meat processed in some countries around the globe have been contained to cover the domestic demand, ignoring some export orders.</p>    Market 2020-03-27 10:40:55  2025-07-25 19:07:32  Details Edit Delete
3745  Vion plans changes in its business model  The company will be restructuring the organization from three divisions to four business units: Pork, Beef, Food Service and Retail. The company will be restructuring the organization from three divisions to four business units: Pork, Beef, Food Service and Retail. The company will be restructuring the organization from three divisions into four business units: Pork, Beef, Food Service and Retail.   <p>After a tremendous last year, Vion Food Group is ready to implement its new strategy of &lsquo;Building Balanced Chains&rsquo; to respond to the needs expressed by agricultural entrepreneurs and Vion&rsquo;s chain partners in the Netherlands and Germany. Key financial figures for last years are as follows:<br />- Revenue increased by 390m million (8.4%) to &euro;5.1 billion in 2019, primarily due to the increased prices for pork products.<br />- The normalised EBITDA for 2019 was &euro;113.2 million compared to &euro;60.5 million in 2018. The increase was a result of investments in recent years and excellent results achieved by the Pork division.<br />- Net profit increased from &euro;10.2 million in 2018 to &euro;26.6 million in 2019.<br />- Working capital increased by &euro;125.5 million due to higher livestock and meat prices.<br />- In 2019, &euro;54.7 million has been invested in various production locations.</p> <p>"Vion has had a very good year with excellent figures and a strong balance sheet. This was in part due to the significant demand in 2019 for pork from Asia resulting from the outbreak of the African swine fever there, as well as due to our investments in the modernisation of our production locations. Also, last year there was social unrest in our domestic markets about our food production methods. In 2019, we developed a new strategy with these social developments in mind. The &lsquo;Building Balanced Chains&rsquo; strategy was announced at the end of 2018. It continues to build on the development of sustainable and modern chains designed to make our sector strong and resilient, and to provide everyone with healthy future prospects. The choices emerging from this new strategy determine our driving force and way of working for the coming years, and make a positive contribution to a healthy and sustainable food supply,&rdquo; stated Ronald Lotgerink, CEO of Vion. Exposed to the coronavirus uncertainties, Vion intends to adapt its divisions to a new model of operation, split into four business units: Pork, Beef, Food Service and Retail. The Retail business unit is new and will focus on innovations, plant-based protein and meat products for retail customers. <br />The coronavirus (COVID-19) is creating major uncertainties in 2020. In supplying food products, Vion plays a critical role in the continuity of society&rsquo;s food supply. The corona crisis has created a major change in consumption patterns; people are no longer eating out, but are eating at home. The sale of meat to restaurants and hotels has come to a standstill, while deliveries to supermarkets have significantly increased. The turnover of convenience meat products, such as minced meat, is increasing in comparison to more luxurious products. These shifts have a major impact on the valorization of meat, causing the relationship between purchase and selling prices to shift as well. The safety of our employees has the highest possible priority, while we are doing everything in our power to responsibly continue production. Vion plays an essential role in supplying food to society and is working in close cooperation with governments in the Netherlands and Germany to keep the supply of food up to par during this crisis.</p> <p>Due to the coronavirus, the infrastructure in Asia has become difficult for pork exports. Yet, Asia continues to offer opportunities in 2020, in part due to the persistent African swine fever outbreak there. This also is a potential threat in Europe, which is being monitored in close consultation with governments, said the Group in a press release.</p>    Industry 2020-03-27 08:50:38  2025-07-25 20:52:30  Details Edit Delete
3744  EU lamb market is crushing just before Easter  Market uncertainties stirred by the covid-19 crisis are responsible for an unprecedented situation.  <p>Low demand for Easter lamb in Europe is sinking the British lamb market, with prices dropping between &pound;30/head and &pound;37, depending on the product. "Such a sharp change is almost unprecedented. There were some rumours yesterday that France was closing its border to UK exports. This is not the case, and the border between us and France remains open to commercial traffic although there are some extra checks in place. Food products are on the list for priority entry through EU borders and lorry drivers are temporarily allowed to work on Sundays in France to help commercial traffic flow," commented Rebecca Wright, red meat analyst for AHDB.<br />However, restrictions put in place by different states are expected to disrupt the supply chain to the EU and, besides that, with some the foodservice sector closed almost all over Europe, demand for lamb is expected to remain low despite the fact that Easter time is almost here.</p> <p>Lamb demand in France has been described as currently very low. In a similar situation, as we have seen here in the UK, shoppers panic bought and stocked up. Many consumers are now eating through those stocks. The further restrictions announced overnight are expected to lead to an increase in shopping again, but this time most likely of poultry and pork rather than more expensive beef and lamb.</p> <p>Throughout Europe lamb demand at Easter is expected to be low. This could lead to a significant oversupply of leg cuts which are a staple product for many at Easter. Retailers in some European countries have canceled their Easter lamb marketing campaigns.</p> <p>Looking at domestic demand. Lamb typically performs very well at pubs and independent restaurants, and with those now closed, there is likely to be downwards pressure on UK lamb consumption. Although some out of home eating is expected to move to within home, different meals and smaller portions are typically eaten at home compared to when eating out, said Mrs. Wright in its analysis.</p>    Industry 2020-03-27 06:50:47  2025-07-24 23:39:58  Details Edit Delete
3743  AMMP urge FSIS: "Limit the visits of your inspectors"  The risk associated with covid-19 infection is forcing American meat processors to ask food safety inspectors to limit their travel between the plants.  <p>There has been a growing concern in recent days about FSIS inspectors possibly spreading the COVID-19 virus as they travel between plants on their daily assignments, as well as the number of inspection personnel coming into plants, which made American Associaton of Meat Processors (AAMP) address these concerns with FSIS.</p> <p><strong>Inspector travel between plants</strong></p> <p>To help mitigate the possibility of spreading the virus from one plant to another, AAMP made several suggestions to the agency on proper protocols for inspection personnel. It is crucial that small plants do whatever to prevent the spread of the virus. Social distancing is a challenge due to space issues, so this means that having policies in place for staff, as well as inspection personnel and delivery drivers, is critical during this time, recommended Chris Young, AAMP Executive Director.</p> <p>AMMP suggested some preventive measures for inspection personnel and meat processors in the country such as:</p> <p>- Have a separate frock for each plant visit. Leave the frock at the plant it is being used in. Inspectors may not have enough frocks available, so you may need to offer one of yours to them to use while they are in your plant.<br />- Have the inspector wipe down their helmet with sanitizer before entering the plant to perform their duties. You should be prepared to provide the sanitizer for your inspector to do this.</p> <p>"The likelihood of an inspector transporting the virus from one plant to another on their frock or helmet is very low, but the possibility does exist. If this is something you want to enforce then you should have a conversation with your inspector and ask them if they are willing to follow these steps. FSIS continues to have regular phone calls with inspection personnel. There will be another call in the next few days at which time our concerns will be shared with them," said Mr. Young.</p> <p>Inspection personnel in plants</p> <p>Another concern appeared in the last few days is the number of inspection personnel in plants. AAMP has asked FSIS to limit the personnel in plants to only those doing essential inspection duties. "I was told last week by the agency, and again in a phone call yesterday, that they agree and are trying to make sure inspection personnel understand that. This will be covered in their upcoming phone call as well. There should be no FSA&rsquo;s going on at this time unless they are a &ldquo;for cause&rdquo; FSA. All other scheduled or risk base FSA&rsquo;s should not be happening at this point; this will keep traffic in your plant down," added Chris Young.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>    Industry 2020-03-27 05:48:05  2025-07-25 05:02:57  Details Edit Delete
3741  Italian poultry sector resists covid-19 crisis, but slowdown is inevitable  Increased demand for chicken meat and eggs in Italian retail is keeping the industry afloat but extreme cautionary measures are slowing down the production and distribution time.  <p>The Italian poultry sector is standing in front of the covid-19 crisis that appeared in Europe but "slowdown in activity in inevitable", confirmed Mr. Antonio Forlini (photo), President of UnaItalia, in a statement for EuroMeat News.<br />"Italian poultry chain is generally well-prepared regarding security protocols and crisis management and companies and their suppliers can continue to operate, according to the crisis legislation adopted by the Italian government as essential goods for feeding the population. <br />All poultry and egg producers in Italy are continuing all the operations, such as breeding, slaughtering, production and distribution, with inevitable slowdown and yet under precautionary and responsible protocols following the recommendations of authorities. Security protocols have been early adopted &ndash; even before the release of official guidelines - to minimize the risk of contagion between workers in all offices and plants, adopting smart working, social distancing, shifts slowdown, and preventive temperature measurement" said Mr. Forlini. <br />Due to availability in prices, poultry and eggs were the main choices in the animal protein segment for the Italian consumers when the restrictionary measures imposed by the coronavirus outbreak forced them to stockpile reserves of food in homes for at least a week or so.<br />The trend is present in most of the markets as some of the retail chains have closed their grocery counters and the foodservice segment, mainly based on takeaway, barely covers the demand of food in the market. An increased number of home meals served with the family is expected to change the dietary habits in the markets impacted by the covid-19 crisis and a small picture of this new reality comes from Italy, where poultry and poultry products are still in high demand.<br />"Poultry and egg producers are now facing the increasing demand from retailers, such as large supermarkets, pushed by the increased domestic consumption while the HoReCa sector shuts down. This is possible thanks to the commitment and responsibility of management and workers of the whole poultry chain. We are very proud of all the efforts thanks to which we still guarantee the production of meat and eggs to the Italian population in this dramatic situation. <br />All the Italian poultry and egg producers are also supporting local communities with donations to hospital and emergency services, and with economic bonuses and health insurance for workers, for at least 5 million euros until now", added UnaItalia's President, Antonio Forlini.</p>    Industry 2020-03-26 11:55:48  2025-07-25 21:24:09  Details Edit Delete
3742  Romania's status of CSF-free is suspended  OIE inspectors have decided to suspend the country's CSF free status after a mission conducted earlier this year.  <p>Romania&rsquo;s CSF free country status, as recognized by the OIE World Assembly of Delegates in terms of Resolution No. 22 adopted in May 2019, is suspended with effect from 23 March 2020, announced the World Organisation for Animal Health. To monitor Romania&rsquo;s compliance with the OIE Terrestrial Code provisions for the maintenance of its CSF free country status, a mission was conducted in the country in 2020.<br />Some of the stakeholders in the meat industry are blaming the authorities for not having any reaction to this announcement who is expected to have a serious impact on Romanian pork exports in the EU. "It is a subject discussed for some while. The document was officially issued a few days ago but no one in the Ministry of Agriculture doesn't want to talk about it. The risks are very high as we may lose the right to export pork and pork products", said Dragos Frumosu, SINDALIMENTA President, for <a href="https://www.industriacarnii.ro/Articol-EXCLUSIV.-Veste-proasta%21-Romania-si-a-pierdut-statutul-de-tara-libera-de-pesta-porcina-clasica/7531">IndustriaCarnii.ro</a> magazine.<br />OIE inspection team has focused on issues such as early detection system for Classical Swine Fever, biosecurity in farms, control and prevention measures at border checkpoints, slaughterhouses, commercial farms, and small farms. In May 2019, Romania was recognized as CSF free. However, since then the national pig inventory was hit by African Swine Fever, making the country probably the worst hit in the region.</p>    Industry 2020-03-26 13:42:05  2025-07-26 06:09:26  Details Edit Delete
3740  China is building a large flock to cover meat shortage  Estimates forecast the national sheep flock will increase by 6.7% (or 11 million head) from 164 million head in 2019 to 175 million head in 2020.  <p>China is building a massive sheep flock to cover some of the animal protein shortage in the market, says the latest GIRA estimates. Also, MLA analysts are saying that a large number of small herders and relatively short life cycle of sheep and goats makes China particularly susceptible to large swings in under and oversupply. <br />"In terms of all total meat consumed in China, sheepmeat plays a relatively small role, accounting for just 6% of consumption. However, given the size of the market, this still accounts for almost 3 million tonnes cwt. Supplying 44% of China&rsquo;s imported sheepmeat in 2019, Australia plays a relatively small role within this total consumption.</p> <p>Chinese consumption of sheepmeat this year is forecast to lift by 82,700 tonnes cwt to total just shy of three million tonnes. With such a prominent lift in production expected, the production gap (filled by imported product) is set to shrink by approximately 90,000 tonnes cwt this year", said the latest report from MLA, based on GIRA outlook for the Chinese sheepmeat market. GIRA estimates forecast the national sheep flock will increase by 6.7% (or 11 million head) from 164 million head in 2019 to 175 million head in 2020.<br />That will create more volatility in the market and even if China is one of the top buyers of Australian sheepmeat, New Zealand is more exposed to this market. In 2019, Australia's sheepmeat exports to China, including offal, reached $752 million, while New Zealand reported a value of $1 billion in sheepmeat exports to China for the same period, up 40% from 2018.</p>    Industry 2020-03-26 10:33:41  2025-07-25 21:14:18  Details Edit Delete
3739  EU pork exports strong in 2020, with China influencing the market  Exports to the largest meat market in the world generated declines in other Asian markets such as Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.  <p>EU pork exports in January remain elevated, as more shipments were directed to China. Including offal, the volumes shipped to third-countries reached 407,100 tonnes, up 27% compared with January 2019. "Exports of fresh/frozen pork increased by 32% to 264,800 tonnes. Volumes sent to China in January more than doubled on the year to total 174,700 tonnes. Influenced by this, shipments to other key markets &ndash; namely Japan, South Korea and the US &ndash; suffered double-digit declines," according to an AHDB report.<br />Nevertheless, volumes shipped to China, although much larger than a year ago, didn't match those exported in October and November last year, when China's demand for pork was at its peak. "The release of Chinese pork stocks, and high import volumes over the previous months, meant Chinese import demand eased in the New Year. The coronavirus epidemic also subsequently affected imports, though reports suggest trade has begun to move again in recent weeks," declared analysts.<br />Exports of pig offal in January rose 20% on the year to 125,700 tonnes, bolstered by a 37% rise in shipments to China (to 86,500 tonnes). This outweighed a near 60% fall in shipments to the Philippines. The EU does not import much pig meat; however, imports rose 18% year-on-year in January. Nearly 50% of these imports were from Switzerland.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>    Market 2020-03-26 09:23:31  2025-07-25 08:16:23  Details Edit Delete
3738  EU Agriculture Commissioner: "We are facing an unprecedented crisis!"  Farmers and producers are facing difficulties and increasing pressure, which requires further action to support the agri-food sector.  <p>EU's agri-food sector continues to show resilience amid the covid-19 epidemic but further action to support the agri-food sector is required, said the European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski. In an overview of the situation presented to the EU Agriculture Ministers, Commissioner Wojciechowski said: "We are facing an unprecedented crisis and I am ever more grateful to our farmers and producers for their continuous hard work, despite the increasing difficulties and pressure. These challenging times have shown the resilience of our food supply chain. Today's meeting allowed us to have an overview of this fast-changing situation. I listened carefully and took good note of all the suggestions and requests that the Commission will now analyse and reply to. I will continue to follow the situation in close contact with Member States. We are ready to take further action when necessary."<br />The EC adopted several measures since the beginning of the crisis in Europe such as the extension of the deadline for CAP payment applications; Increased state aid from &euro;100,000 per farm to &euro;800,000 for food processing and marketing companies; and Continuous flow of food products across the EU through green lanes created to decongestion the traffic at border checkpoints.</p>    Industry 2020-03-26 08:31:17  2025-07-26 00:46:01  Details Edit Delete
3737  New Zealand closes butcher shops in front of COVID-19 epidemic  Other small-scale shops in retail will share the same faith, according to governmental sources.  <p>New Zealand has been placed under lockdown for 4 weeks and non-essential services are to shut their doors. Smaller shops - including fruit and vegetable store operators - would be closed during the month-long lockdown along with butchers shops, according to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) officials. "We're not doing a Level 4 lockdown because it's not important. We've got one chance to eradicate Covid-19," MBIE deputy chief executive Paul Stocks.<br />Up to 15 sectors of society have been identified as being essential services; including supermarkets, pharmacies and banks, according to the New Zealand Herald.<br />Meanwhile, some butcher store chains in the country have taken extensive steps through legal representatives to keep their businesses open, arguing that the size and scale qualify their operations as a small supermarket.<br />On the other hand, Beef+Lamb New Zealand is taking a proactive and cautious approach around running events and industry activities. It is especially important that farmers and process workers look after themselves and those around them.</p> <p>&ldquo;If a farmer were to fall ill with COVID-19, there would be limits to the support available to help them on the farm. Likewise, if a meat worker were to be found carrying the virus, it could disrupt production at their manufacturing plant. This is a good opportunity to get in touch with your neighbours and make some plans to support each other. As New Zealand&rsquo;s second-largest export sector and the largest manufacturing employer, it is vital we take all measures to protect the red meat sector", B+LNZ Chairman Andrew Morrison said.</p> <p>In his opinion, as long as the NZ red meat industry is present in 120 international markets the sector will prove its strength. "With China initially closing its market, meat processing companies redirected the products elsewhere. As China&rsquo;s economy is recovering and re-opening its market, we are starting to take advantage of this again. But we are in uncharted territory and all sectors are vulnerable, particularly if our food producers or workers along the supply chain become sick. The coming months are likely to be difficult for NZ and it&rsquo;s important that we look after each other and follow the latest advice from the Ministry of Health," added Andrew Morrison.</p>    Industry 2020-03-26 07:18:27  2025-07-25 16:00:52  Details Edit Delete
3736  IMS is postponing major events due to coronavirus fears  Joint-conference with OIE and the World Meat Congress have been moved due to the epidemic situation.  <p>International Meat Secretariat (IMS) is postponing some of its major events initially scheduled for this month and the summer of 2020. At the end of March, IMS along with the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) were supposed to stage a conference on ASF in Paris. However, "stringent travel restrictions could be mandated by country authorities, with a strong possibility of quarantine requirements for conference participants' forced the organizers to move the event on an unspecified date.<br />"We will reschedule as soon the COVID-19 situation has improved, however, we cannot at this time predict when that will be (later this year). We regret any inconvenience this postponement has caused. We will inform you as soon as conditions permit rescheduling,", informed IMS on behalf of its President Guillaume Rou&eacute;, and OIE Director General Monique Eloit.<br />The main meat industry's event, the World Meat Congress, is to be postponed for a year also. "As you know the COVID-19 situation, while improving in China, is worsening in many regions of the world. We have the duty to place public safety first. We fear that in the coming months more stringent travel restrictions could be mandated by country authorities, with strong possibility of quarantine requirements for conference participants either as they enter Mexico, or as they return to their home countries.<br /> <br />We have decided to reschedule sufficiently far in the future (June 2021) to allow time for the COVID-19 situation to be resolved. Of course, we cannot at this time predict when the COVID-19 crisis will be over", announced IMS in a statement.</p> <p>For the meat industry, this is not the only blow suffered this year. Major events meant to promote meat products, enterprises, brands and to expand companies' presence in the global market have been canceled or postponed starting with FOODEX Japan, Alimentaria Barcelona, FOOD Expo Greece, SIAL China, etc.<br /> </p>    Events 2020-03-25 11:30:12  2025-07-26 02:45:40  Details Edit Delete
3735  Spain changes rules on animal transportation in time of crisis  The new set of measures sets exceptions for these critical times and will be presented to the EC to try to extend its validity also outside of Spain.  <p>The Spanish government announced that exceptions have been set for live animal transporters in the country to allow faster movement from farms to slaughterhouses. The validity of the authorizations of both the carriers and the means of transport and containers is extended, as well as the training certificates of the drivers or caregivers whose expiration has occurred from March 1, up to 120 days after the end of the declaration of the state of alarm or extensions thereof.<br />he logbooks or route sheets will be valid despite not having been sealed by the competent authority until 7 days after the end of the state of alarm or its extensions and could be extended 7 more days by the General Directorate of Agricultural Productions and Markets.<br />It is excerpted from the compliance with the rest times related to the protection of animals during transport and related operations, for all animal movements that are carried out during the state of alarm, reported Carnica magazine.<br />The effects of this measure have scope throughout the national territory, and will be communicated to the European Commission with the aim of trying to extend its validity also outside of Spain.</p>    Industry 2020-03-25 11:56:52  2025-07-26 05:55:23  Details Edit Delete
3734  Covid-19 and the impact for the global meat industry  Misinformation and a decline in purchasing power cand dictate over consumer's habits in the following months.  <p>The global problem raised by covid-19 threat is about to have a deep impact on the global economy and our ways of life, according to FAO and OCED experts and data compiled from different markets felt under lockdown in front of the coronavirus threat.</p> <p>"We know that the disease will eventually retreat, but we don&rsquo;t know how fast this will happen. We also know that this shock is somewhat unusual as it affects significant elements of both food supply and demand: Supply will be disrupted due to the disease&rsquo;s impact on people&rsquo;s lives and well-being, but also the containment efforts that restrict mobility and the higher costs of doing business due to restricted supply chains and a tightening of credit; Demand will also fall due to higher uncertainty, increased precautionary behavior, containment efforts, and rising financial costs that reduce people&rsquo;s ability to spend", said FAO in a statement regarding the initial impact of coronavirus crisis on the global economy.<br />In March, the OECD cut its forecast for global economic growth in 2020 from 2.9 percent to 2.4 percent, which would be the lowest level since the financial crisis a decade ago, warning that a prolonged and more intensive coronavirus epidemic could even halve this figure to a mere 1.5 percent.</p> <p>UN experts presented a downside scenario, where UNCTAD sees a $2 trillion shortfall in global income, as &ldquo;business as usual&rdquo; is no longer an option in a world ruled by quarantine in front of coronavirus outbreaks. "We need to rethink the system, diversify production and shorten value chains," said Isabelle Durant, deputy head of the UN's Trade and Development Organization.</p> <p><strong>Healthy food to increase its cost.</strong></p> <p>While most of the consumers will try to adjust their budget spending to a period of insecurity in the market, sales of different products may be hard impacted by decreasing production levels due to a chronic lack of personnel and measures that could close small producers of meat. Also, we cand add the issue of shelf-life for fresh products.</p> <p>Premium products have already been impacted in most of the EU countries as the food service has been closed as a precautionary measure. Now, rationing schemes may apply in several countries as the need to secure reserves for most of the buyers is increasing due to lower volumes of food, especially fresh food, coming from the countries that are hard-hit in this epidemic: France, Italy and Spain.<br />Food rationing is ma major topic in the UK nowadays, with the government delaying such a drastic measure, while scientists are urging officials to do so. "In the short term, the real cost of a healthy diet may rise because of the increase in the cost of perishable commodities, which would have a particularly adverse impact on lower-income households", according to FAO report.<br />Countries with high-commodity import dependence will also see price impacted by disruption on transport routes and eventual cases of processing plants closure due to infected workers found between their stuff.</p> <p><strong>A retailer's nightmare</strong></p> <p>Retail is also under siege, not only by panic buyers but the real threat of covid-19 affecting the personnel in this sector. A rise in eating at home is expected to increase the number of visits to the supermarkets, transforming this shopping free in a real threat to retailers.</p> <p>"We work with multiple scenarios to see the impact on our businesses, especially if the personnel is exposed to virus carries. We are trying to do what ever it takes to mitigate these risks. We haven't decided in the Association to make a recomandiotion to close the assisted counters for food in the store but that is a decision to be taken by any retailer based on its risk assessments", said George Badescu, head of Romania's retail association (AMRCR), for EuroMeat News.<br />Measures aimed at avoiding the further spread of the disease might affect agricultural production and trade. For instance, many countries are implementing higher controls on cargo vessels, with the risk of jeopardizing shipping activities.<br />Measures affecting the free movement of people, such as seasonal workers, might have an impact on agricultural production, thus affecting market prices globally. Measures to guarantee acceptable health standards in food factories may slow down production.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>    Retail 2020-03-25 09:34:59  2025-07-26 03:04:15  Details Edit Delete
3733  Slaughter pig figures in China drops. Prices hold steady  Major companies have reduced their hog sales by an average of 40% during the covid-19 crisis.  <p>The Chinese pig market has sunk during Jan-Feb 2020, due to the lockdown of major cities in the country and also the lack of personnel in processing plants. Many producers have reported lower figures of pork sales, included public listed companies such as Wens, Muyuan, Zhenbang, Tiabang, DBN, Tiakang and Tangren Shen reported volumes of pig sale decreasing from 31% to ^5%, compared to the same period last year.<br />There were several examples of companies with larger hog sales over the first two months of the year, New Hope (+18%) and Aonong (+12%). Major produces in the area, such as WH Group, have adjusted their activities in their farms and plants due to a massive lack of personnel. Only recently, activities have resumed at 95% in its units, said chairman Wan Long, quoted by Reuters.<br />Nevertheless, the impact on hog prices in China has been almost invisible due to a significant decline in demand. Between Jan 22 and March 4, the pig meat price per kilo rose from 36.615 to 36.66 yuans.</p>    Industry 2020-03-25 09:04:16  2025-07-24 11:32:41  Details Edit Delete
3732  Shopping spree hits Russia amid coronavirus fears  Retail is under pressure and meat processors are making efforts to increase production.  <p>Meat processors in Russia are forced to balance between the need for food in the market and the biosafety standards put in place to protect their plants and employees. Cherkizovo announced that it is ready to increase production in all of its units (9 poultry farms, 16 pig farms, and 8 meat processing plants) to respond to an increase in sales in the retail sector across Russia. "Cherkizovo Group, just like other Russian food manufacturers, has seen a spike in demand across several regions. Now more than ever, we are keenly aware of our responsibility as an industry leader to ensure a steady supply of meat products. We want to assure our customers and partners that the production and delivery volumes of our high-quality meats are going to remain completely the same,&rdquo; says Sergey Mikhailov, CEO of Cherkizovo Group.</p> <p>All of the Company&rsquo;s facilities are operating as normal and ship their products daily. If requested by retailers, Cherkizovo can ramp up and redistribute supplies, and deliver the bulk of its products directly to stores.</p> <p>While the coronavirus outbreak is going on, Cherkizovo prioritizes the safety of its employees. To mitigate the risk of infection, the Company has banned all international business trips and participation in any events. The number of external meetings and partner visits to offices or sites is kept to a minimum, and some office employees work from home. The Company has also scaled up the disinfection measures at its office and production facilities. Cherkizovo Group has tightened its biosafety standards even further, ensuring that no third party can access its production sites.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>    Industry 2020-03-25 06:09:29  2025-07-25 17:35:27  Details Edit Delete
3731  Covid-19 crisis has wiped out 40% of beef import companies in China  In February, there were only 300 firms involved in beef imports this year, 200 less than the number reported at the beginning of the year.  <p>The second month of 2020 came with a huge challenge for meat importers in China, not only due to logistic jams in the ports but also with the impossibility to deliver the goods in cities that have been lockdown. Among beef importers in China, covid-19 crisis led to a wipeout of 40% of the companies involved in this trade. According to official statistics, in February 2020, a total of 294 Chinese companies participated in frozen beef imports, while there were 500 Chinese companies in January 2020.<br />In February 2020, China imported a total of 122,914 tonnes of frozen beef, decreasing by 21% compared to the previous month, but increasing by 41% Year-on-Year (YoY). And the corresponding import value was about $688 million, 22% lower than the value reported in January but 73% up from February 2019.<br />Since the beginning of March, China has signaled that port congestion is over. Nevertheless, imports are expected to be impacted by the pandemic covid-19 situation. Some studies and reports suggest this could take several months for China to be back at full economic activity. Other reports fear a second wave of coronavirus later in the year could halt progress once more.</p>    Industry 2020-03-24 11:36:36  2025-07-25 22:21:46  Details Edit Delete
3730  Kenya poultry industry urges government to ban poultry imports from Uganda  While Kenyan poultry producers may feel some relief after such a decision, beef exports to Uganda may suffer.  <p>Kenyan poultry producers are asking the government to ban Uganda&rsquo;s cheap poultry imports. Uganda has resumed poultry exports in the Kenyan market last year, after a two-year ban. In exchange, Kenya has received to right to export beef in Uganda.<br />In a petition from the Kenya Poultry Breeders Association, the farmers have asked officials to limit or ban cheap poultry imports from the neighboring country.<br />&ldquo;We hereby urge the government to consider the plight of Kenyan farmers, employees and the economy as a whole by restricting chicken imports from Uganda as this is going to destabilize the industry,&rdquo; wrote Mr. Humphrey Mbugua, the chairperson of Kenya Poultry Breeders Association. He sid that Ugandese poultry is sold in the domestic market at prices 10% lower than the one produced locally.<br />According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, in the period between 2014 and 2018, Uganda&rsquo;s poultry production capacity had reached 42.9 million birds with 87.7% of these being indigenous. However, losing market access in the Kenyan poultry market may lead to retaliatory measures from Uganda, Kenyan beef being the first to be taxed or banned, informs Daily Mail newspaper.</p>    Industry 2020-03-24 10:13:49  2025-07-25 20:11:01  Details Edit Delete
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