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7427  Strong demand for Australian red meat continues in US  During May, 36,703 tonnes of lamb were exported, which is the highest lamb export on record for a single month. The United States (US) continues to be the largest market for Australian lamb, followed by China and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.  <p><span lang="DE">The increase in total export volume has led to a diversification in markets. For example, exports to Iraq have increased fivefold from last year to 1,386 tonnes, becoming Australia&rsquo;s eighth largest lamb market in May. As Australian exports maintain a strong pace, it will present opportunities to develop market share both in Australia&rsquo;s traditional key markets and emerging markets.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Australian exports of mutton rose 11% year-on-year to 21,664 tonnes, the largest single month figure since November 2019.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">China was the largest market for the month, though exports fell 38% year-on-year to 5,363 tonnes. Most of the export growth came from markets in MENA; Exports to Saudi Arabia doubled to 1,950 tonnes, exports to Oman rose by 146% to 1,284 tonnes and exports to Qatar lifted eightfold to 1,229 tonnes.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Exports to our other key markets (outside of China and MENA) remained robust; exports to Malaysia rose 26% year-on-year to 2,365 tonnes, exports to the US also rose by 26% to 936 tonnes and exports to Singapore lifted 11% to 889 tonnes.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">There was a rise of 9% from April and 25% (113,923 tonnes) when compared to May 2023 for beef exports. This makes May the biggest month for beef exports since December 2019, and the largest May export figure since 2015.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">The export growth was led by strong exports to the US, which lifted by 74% year-on-year to 31,294 tonnes, making up 27% of total exports. US declines in production are now having a noticeable impact on export flows; Australian exports to the US have been consistently high this year, and lower US exports to Japan and Korea have caused increased demand for Australian beef in those markets.&nbsp; Exports to Japan rose by 31% year-on-year to 19,366 tonnes, and exports to Korea lifted 9% year-on-year to 17,096 tonnes.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">China was the only major market to see a decline in volumes, with exports falling 22% year-on-year to 15,359 tonnes. Brazil is the major exporter to China, and with Brazilian production currently running at near-record highs, this is impacting the Australian market share.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">After the record export number in April, goat exports reached the second highest ever in May at 4,682 tonnes. This was largely driven by exports to the US, which more than doubled to 2,894 tonnes and made up 62% of trade, as well as exports to South Korea, which lifted by 80% year-on-year to 856 tonnes.</span></p>    Market adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2024-06-08 00:10:24  2025-07-12 08:53:41  Details Edit Delete
6751  Strong demand for Australian beef drive exports to US  Although easing this year, cow prices have outperformed the market relative to changes in the cattle market overall. Since the start of 2023, the processor cow indicator has eased by 28%, compared to a 36% decline in cattle prices overall.  <p><span lang="DE">This difference can partially be explained by the strong demand for Australian trimmings in the United States. Australian exports to the US have risen 72% this year as the long-running American herd destock begins to affect domestic production.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">In particular, demand for Australian lean cow trimmings has been strong this year. This is clear in the performance of the 90CL imported cow indicator, which has stayed well above 2022 levels this year, even as supply increases substantially.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">As such, strong American demand for lean Australian beef has been driving demand for cows, providing price assistance and partially explaining the difference in performance between the processor cow and the broader market. Moreover, the 90CL indicator likely has substantial room to grow as US domestic beef production continues to fall and import demand continues to grow.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">This year, the gap between domestic and imported 90CL beef in the US market is the largest it&rsquo;s been in a decade. Usually mirroring each other closely, the domestic premium has grown to 31% over imported 90CL, which is unusual as the indicators both track largely interchangeable, commodity-grade beef.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Price gaps between domestic and imported 90CL beef usually close, which either pushes down the value of US 90CL or boosts the value of Australian 90CL. In this case, it&rsquo;s more likely to be the latter, as forecast American declines in beef production would be large enough to keep US beef prices high.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Given that, demand for lean trimmings will likely continue to support Australian cow prices relative to the market overall. As Australian cattle slaughter continues to rise, the shortfall in American production will be important in generating demand for elevated Australian production.</span></p>    Market adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2023-09-19 00:05:00  2025-07-11 20:12:00  Details Edit Delete
5329  Strong demand and higher costs are rising pork prices in the US  A new report issued last month shows that consolidation within the industry has nothing to do with the recent spike in prices.  <p>A report from the economists with Iowa State University, North Carolina State University and the National Pork Producers Council found that pork prices have risen because of strong demand for U.S. pork, higher input costs and labor shortages throughout the supply chain, not concentration in the meatpacking industry. The report&rsquo;s authors, Iowa State&rsquo;s Dermot Hayes, NC State&rsquo;s Barry Goodwin and NPPC&rsquo;s Holly Cook, also found that pork prices in the United States are still lower than in many other countries.</p> <p>The pork packing industry is made up of fewer and larger plants than it was 50 years ago, but the structure of the industry has changed little in recent decades, the report stated, and concentration levels today are about 7 percent lower than they were five years ago because of new packing plants that opened from 2017 to 2020. Four of those five plants are at least partially producer-owned. In fact, more than 100 industries had a greater concentration level, according to a commonly used calculation, the report noted.<br />&ldquo;This report shows the concentration level in the pork packing industry is not significantly higher than it was 15 years ago,&rdquo; said NPPC President Jen Sorenson. &ldquo;The recent increase in pork prices is driven by strong pork demand, rising input prices, higher wages and supply chain bottlenecks throughout the industry.&rdquo;</p> <p>The report also found no evidence that significantly higher profits are being captured at the wholesale level during this time of higher retail prices. The farm-to-wholesale price spread &ndash; which consists of packers&rsquo; costs and profits &ndash; has been shrinking while the wholesale-to-retail spread has increased over the past six months. Packer gross margins also are estimated to be within their 5-year average range, according to the report.</p> <p>&ldquo;Although pork prices have risen rapidly in recent months,&rdquo; said Iowa State&rsquo;s Hayes, &ldquo;retail and carcass prices in the US are still relatively low when compared with prices in other countries.&rdquo;<br />&ldquo;Americans pay less for pork, not more than consumers in most other nations,&rdquo; Sorenson said. &ldquo;That includes big pork-producing countries such as Canada, Denmark and Germany.&rdquo;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>    Industry 2022-03-01 14:41:12  2025-07-12 09:43:09  Details Edit Delete
7659  Strong consumer confidence, an export uplift and a supply squeeze help protect Welsh beef prices  An export boost, a supply squeeze and robust consumer demand have helped positively offset increases in beef imports, Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales’ (HCC) analysts report.  <p><span lang="DE">"We are seeing a complex blend of factors influencing the beef marketplace in the first five months of this year", said Elizabeth Swancott, HCC&rsquo;s Senior Market Intelligence and Research and Development Officer. &ldquo;Supply across Europe remains tight; beef imports have increased and UK production is up, meaning more product is available for export.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"In fact, GB beef exports lifted by almost 11 per cent, from 41,900 tonnes in 2023 to 46,300 tonnes in 2024, with May exports up by twenty per cent on year-earlier figures" said Elizabeth.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">She said solid consumer positivity coupled with limitations on supply were likely to continue to help prices. &ldquo;Ireland is our largest beef trading partner. Some 30 per cent of total exports went to Ireland but, of the 99,900 tonnes of beef imported, 77 per cent came from Ireland, representing an 18 per cent Irish product increase year-on-year for the first five months of 2024.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Elizabeth reported that GB steer deadweight price strengthened week on week throughout July but Irish beef prices saw a decline, and, as a result, the widening gap between GB and Irish steer deadweight prices made Irish beef more price competitive within the UK.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">She said consumer data was showing strong beef demand and experts Kantar reported the volume of beef sold at retail was up three per cent on the year (12 weeks until July 7<sup>th</sup>).</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"This data underlines how HCC&rsquo;s marketing efforts continue to bear fruit both at home and overseas. For instance, the 'Uniquely Welsh, Naturally Local'&nbsp;domestic campaign saw awareness of Welsh Beef rise by 15 per cent to 80 per cent and propensity to purchase statistics increase by 21 per cent".</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">While Irish imports into GB are currently bolstered by increased demand from retail, this inward flow may not persist much longer because of impending tightening of supply. "Current Irish cattle population data suggests lower numbers of cattle of slaughter age towards the end of 2024 and into 2025", said. Elizabeth.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"This tightening of supply could have an influence on price and availability for export. In the longer term, Bord Bia forecast that Irish cattle slaughter could fall by 30-40,000 head (-2%) in 2024 for the year as a whole and may begin to influence the market towards the end of 2024 and into 2025.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"The Irish supply position, combined with the tighter EU and UK supply outlooks, and propitious consumer demand, would all suggest favourable undertones for cattle prices in the long term", she said.</span></p>    Market adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2024-08-16 00:25:08  2025-07-12 10:57:01  Details Edit Delete
5246  Strong Brazilian pork exports in 2021  The latest data shows a 13% rise in Brazilian pig meat exports (including offal) during 2021, totalling 1.27 million tonnes, according to AHDB.  <p>Although China/Hong Kong constituted just over half of the total export market, a range of destinations contributed to the overall growth. Shipments to the Philippines were four-times higher over the 12 months, reaching 33,300 tonnes. Meanwhile, trade with Venezuela trebled compared to 2020, totalling 40,900 tonnes.</p> <p>Trade with China/Hong Kong totalled 687,100 tonnes, only slightly higher than the year before. Shipments were constrained by falling Chinese import demand as their domestic production began to recover last year. In fact, by the fourth quarter, this trade was nearly 30% below year earlier levels. This meant that the uplift in 2021 trade was biased towards the first half of the year. Overall exports in the final quarter were only 6% higher than the year before, at 305,000 tonnes.</p> <p>The overall positive performance was influenced by a number of factors. Depreciation of the Brazilian real has helped the competitiveness of Brazilian product on international markets. Increasing production and slow recovery in domestic demand has also led to increased availability of product for export.</p> <p>In 2022, further export growth has been forecast for Brazilian pig meat, with some expectations of Chinese import demand picking up again later in the year although there is much uncertainty surrounding this. The latest USDA forecast (from October) anticipates a 7% growth in Brazilian pork exports this year, supported by a 3% increase in production.</p>    Industry adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2022-01-25 07:49:11  2025-07-12 10:57:30  Details Edit Delete
7480  Strengthening the presence of Spanish pork in Malaysia and the Philippines  In a significant step towards the expansion and strengthening of commercial relations in the Spanish pork sector, INTERPORC has signed two memorandums of understanding (MOU) with key associations in the Philippines (Meat Importers and Traders Association, MITA) and Malaysia (Malaysia Association of Pork Products lmporters and Exporters MAPPIE).  <p><span lang="DE">MOUs are key tools in the international arena to establish the will to collaborate between two or more entities. Although they do not legally commit the parties, they establish a common framework for action and general principles that guide the relationship between the signatories.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Therefore, the way with which these agreements have been approached is not only to increase the volume of exports, but also to share practices and knowledge that promote modern and responsible livestock farming. This way we encourage and promote collaborative ties between companies and professionals from both countries in order to solidify the good relations that already exist and increase the share of business that is already done.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Specifically, the MOUs signed with the Philippines and Malaysia contemplate the exchange of technical information, the organization of joint work days and other activities that will deepen cooperation in the pork sector.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">For all these reasons, at INTERPORC we consider that both agreements will open up greater possibilities for our companies to develop in markets that, although they are already among the most important for Spanish pork, at Interprofesional we consider that they have many possibilities of being even better.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">The data reached in 2023 places Spain as the leading pork supplier to the Philippine market, a country that has 111.5 million inhabitants. More internally, that country occupies the 5th position in the ranking of destination for our exports by volume, with 144,891 tons, and 12th in value, with 271.5 million euros. To put this information in context, in 2020 the data was 76,019 tons and 98.7 million euros.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">If we focus on Malaysia, the data is more modest since its population is only 33.6 million people. However, our sector also has very important figures in that country. Specifically, Malaysia occupies 17th position in volume, with 30,486 tons, and 20th in value, with 88.2 million euros. Comparing it with 2020, that year 2,881 tons were reached for a value of 8 million euros.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">In both cases, the increase in quotas in recent years can be observed, which has also allowed for increased trust between suppliers and buyers of both countries, which has been key to reaching the current moment in which the signing of these agreements should mean the beginning of an even more promising commercial future.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">That confidence could be felt during its signing, which took place at the INTERPORC stand at the Alimentaria fair in Barcelona. There, in an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual expectation, the visit of delegations from both Asian countries symbolized without a doubt a promising future for commercial and technical relations between Spain and these markets.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">INTERPORC's strategy with these agreements is not only to consolidate and expand the presence of the Spanish pork sector in key international markets. The promotion of relationships and exchange of technical information also seeks to promote the image of the Spanish pork sector as a sustainable and ethical production model. In that direction, these agreements are a testimony to the international recognition of the quality of Spanish white pigs and their ability to lead by example on issues of animal welfare and sustainability.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Arguments and reasons more than enough for the main markets in the world to continue trusting in the meat and processed products of white pork from Spain to feed their consumers.</span></p>    Market adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2024-06-26 00:15:32  2025-07-12 05:11:52  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  2025-07-11 15:36:28  Details Edit Delete
280  Strategic alliance between Interpack, Ipack-Ima and UCIMA signed  The major agreements first announced at Interpack 2017 between Interpack, Ipack-Ima, Interpack alliance and UCIMA were recently signed.  <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The aim of the partnership is to offer a reference network to companies in the packaging branch and related processing industries. Under the terms of the agreements,&nbsp; Interpack and&nbsp;Ipack-Ima&nbsp;will reciprocally support their packaging trade fairs held in D&uuml;sseldorf and Milan.</p> <p>In particular, the cooperation with Ipack-Ima includes communication measures like websites, mailings, brochures, press meetings or information booths for the reciprocal support of Interpack in D&uuml;sseldorf and Ipack-Ima in Milan.</p> <p>UCIMA&nbsp;will provide support to the international events of Messe D&uuml;sseldorf organized as part of Interpack alliance.</p>    Events 2017-10-08 07:05:51  2025-07-12 03:48:03  Details Edit Delete
4481  Storytellers, a citizen journalism project from the World Food Programme  The Pink Lady global family has joined forces to support this innovative communication concept through equipment and hands-on digital communications training.  <p>We believe that every young person should be given a voice to tell their stories, which is why we are incredibly proud to be supporting Storytellers, a citizen journalism project from the World Food Programme.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Pink Lady<sup>&reg;</sup> global family has joined forces to support this innovative communication concept which gives young refugees&nbsp;and youth living in vulnerable communities the knowledge and tools they need to share their stories, using their own words and images.&nbsp;</p> <p>The World Food Programme is the world&rsquo;s largest humanitarian organization, working to save and change the lives of 100 million people in 88 countries. This year it was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "for its efforts to combat hunger, for its contribution to bettering conditions for peace in conflict-affected areas and for acting as a driving force in efforts to prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of war".</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We are pleased that our support will help provide equipment and hands-on digital communications training, involving courses on visual communication, such as photography or filming on a smartphone. Through the Storytellers project, talented people among refugees, displaced and vulnerable communities share authentic stories with a large online audience.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Pink Lady<sup>&reg;</sup> will also help The World Food Programme amplify these stories by sharing them on our global social channels, engaging audiences across the world with these first-hand accounts of truth and reality. For several years, Pink Lady&reg; has highlighted WFP&rsquo;s work through the Pink Lady<sup>&reg; </sup>Food Photographer of the Year Awards and the Food for Life category. For the past two years, the awards have highlighted the inspirational work of graduates from the Storytellers programme and we hope this new support will enable the project to reach wider audiences while engaging, educating, and empowering people to tell their own stories.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Gioacchino Gargano, Project Coordinator&nbsp;for WFP Storytellers said: &ldquo;We&rsquo;re delighted to build on the relationship we have developed with Pink Lady<sup>&reg;</sup> through the Food Photographer of the Year Awards. The fact the Pink Lady<sup>&reg;</sup> global teams are involved is great as it enables these important messages and stories to reach even more people. The donation will allow us to train and invest in more people, empowering them, giving them a stronger, clearer voice.&rdquo;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Click <a href="https://www.pinkladyapples.co.uk/storytellers">here</a> to find out more about our support for the Storytellers project.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>(<em>Photo credit - Ali Barrah</em> )</p>    Technology 2021-02-16 11:36:37  2025-07-12 02:07:33  Details Edit Delete
949  Steady pig prices in UK in week ended 10 March  Last week, the EU-spec SPP was stable on the week, rising by a modest 0.05p to 145.71p/kg. The price stood 4p below year earlier levels when, in the equivalent week last year, prices were rising, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).  <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Abigail Schofield, trainee analyst at AHDB, said estimated slaughterings were up 11% on the year at 178,700 head. Estimated slaughterings were also 10% ahead on the week, which is to be expected, according to Schofield, given the bad weather conditions of the previous week. "Also likely related to the poor weather conditions, average carcase weights dropped 340g on the week to 83.94kg. This was also 230g below year earlier levels," added Schofield.</p> <p>The EU-spec APP in the week ended 3 March fell 0.17p on the week to 148.58p/kg. With the SPP remaining steady and the APP decreasing the gap between the two price series has narrowed slightly to 2.92p/kg.</p>    Industry 2018-03-16 07:00:27  2025-07-12 03:21:54  Details Edit Delete
5183  Steady figures in Welsh livestock inventory  The number of sheep, cattle and pigs in Wales remained relatively stable during 2021 despite Welsh farming facing the twin uncertainties of Covid and Brexit.  <p>Welsh livestock figures for 2021 remain steady, according to data collected for the 2021 Agricultural &amp; Horticultural Survey for Wales. Total sheep and lamb numbers in Wales have been steady for several years at around 9.5 million head. 2021 followed this trend with numbers totalling 9.46 million according to the June Survey &ndash; this is within 1% of their levels in 2019 and up by 5.3% on 2020. The total number of lambs (aged under 1) stood at 4.54 million, making it the largest lamb crop recorded since 2017.</p> <p>This is in contrast to the size of the UK lamb crop, as highlighted by a recent report published by Hybu Cig Cymru &ndash; Meat Promotion Wales (HCC). Report author Glesni Phillips said: &ldquo;The report references data from Defra which shows a 1.6% decrease in the size of the 2021 UK lamb crop when compared against 2020 figures, and a 2.7% decrease on 2019. This has led to a tight supply of lambs in the market, which, along with many other factors, has meant strong average prices for lambs. They are currently averaging some 25% above last year&rsquo;s levels."</p> <p>Cattle prices are also historically high with numbers remaining fairly static. The total number of cattle and calves in Wales stood at 1.13 million &ndash; a slight increase of less than 1% on year-earlier and 2019 levels. Overall, the Welsh breeding herd (beef and dairy combined) stayed relatively stable on year-earlier levels (+0.2%) at 415,000 head. But separately, the dairy breeding herd increased by 1.3% whereas the beef breeding herd dipped by 1.5% over the last 12 months.</p> <p>The beef breeding herd is currently at its lowest since 2004 with the dairy breeding herd in Wales accounting for a gradual increased proportion of the total cattle breeding herd over recent years, and currently accounts for almost 62% of the Welsh breeding herd.</p> <p>When compared to the rest of the UK, Wales accounts for a very small proportion of the total pig herd. The herd has contracted year-on-year due to a 5% decrease in the number of fattening pigs. However, the total number of pigs in Wales stood at 27,200 head, which is 4.4% fewer than 2020 but a notable 11% more than in 2019.</p> <p>Glesni Phillips added: &ldquo;It is hoped that consumer demand for red meat will continue during the run-up to Christmas, with consumers having already shown a strong level of support towards red meat. People spent 4.4% more on beef across Great Britain during the 12-week period to 31 October 2021 than they did during the same period in pre-Covid 2019. Total spend on lamb on the other hand was a significant 9.5% ahead of 2019 for the 12-week period ending 3 October, with roasting joints proving very popular. This increased consumer spend at retail, buoyant retail demand as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, decreased imports from New Zealand and Australia in particular, and Brexit-related issues at processing sites have all contributed to the increased farmgate prices during 2021.&rdquo;</p>    Industry 2021-12-31 06:44:20  2025-07-11 20:26:27  Details Edit Delete
2867  Statistic data shows improvement in Welsh lamb carcase classification  More and more farmers are producing meat to the highest market specification, according to the data presented by Welsh processors for 2018.  <p>Statistic data released recently by Welsh processors for last year shows improvement in Welsh lamb carcase classification, with more and more farmers producing meat to the highest market specification. During processing, lambs are graded according to the EUROP classification grid, which denotes whether animals meet the correct conformation and fat coverage.<br />The statistics released by Welsh processors for 2018 show a positive performance by the industry. This includes significant reductions in the numbers of animals which were over-fat and continued increases in the numbers which hit the highest desired conformation.<br />68.1% of all lambs from Welsh abattoirs hit the sought-after 2 or 3L fat grades, up from 64.5% the previous year. In terms of conformation, 40.2% fell into the highest &lsquo;E&rsquo; or &lsquo;U&rsquo; classes (up from 37.9% in 2017) with only 11.2% classified in the lower &lsquo;O&rsquo; or &lsquo;P&rsquo; ranges.</p> <p>"The prevalence of carcases with less fat coverage could be partly due to producers presenting their lambs earlier following the dry summer weather conditions of 2018 and limited availability of forage. However, the figures on both fat and conformation also show that Welsh farmers are focusing on what the modern consumer requires and adapting their practices accordingly. Different outlets, such as supermarkets, export and catering, may require different types of lambs. In order to achieve the highest return, farmers will ensure that the lambs sold are the correct type for those markets", explained Glesni Phillips, Data Analyst at Hybu Cig Cymru &ndash; Meat Promotion Wales (HCC).<br />In the last couple of years, the trend was to achieve higher grades and that reflects the increased use of rams and ewes with superior genetics for conformation traits, she added. Also, farmers have benefited from HCC&rsquo;s Livestock Selection courses which increase understanding of the needs of the modern consumer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>    Industry 2019-05-09 07:38:02  2025-07-11 15:52:34  Details Edit Delete
6255  Start of the new series of traysealer models from MULTIVAC  Compact, versatile, networked: The new MULTIVAC traysealers are highly impressive in their outstanding performance with exceptionally efficient use of the available production space. Just like the existing high-output TX 7 and TX 8 series, the space-saving new arrivals in the product range offer everything that customers could expect from a trend-setting machine generation. Also in terms of reliability, hygiene and ease of operation.  <p>These compact traysealers are coming at just the right time in view of the current economic challenges and the associated explosion in costs. &ldquo;Thanks to their small footprint, they make a major contribution to increasing output in the smallest of spaces - and all this on a very sustainable, flexible and cost-attractive basis,&rdquo; says Franziska Schreiber, Product Manager at MULTIVAC. The specialist packaging company has now completed its product range in the TX class, which began its success story in 2019 with the fully automatic TX 710.</p> <p><strong>Performance at the highest level</strong></p> <p>These new models, which were developed with rapid product change and high cycle output for a wide range of applications, are inspirational in their technical features with intelligent machine and line control, their high standard of hygiene, and of course their usual reliability. They can be easily integrated into a wide range of production environments thanks to their compact construction - and even designed as a two-track solution for still greater efficiency.</p> <p>Both models are equipped with robust servo drives, which guarantee maximum speed and gentle product handling over the long term. The intelligent machine control and state-of-the-art die concept, the so-called X-tools, ensure that the investment in these models is always future-proof. Particularly since both the TX 610 and TX 620 are designed for use with MULTIVAC Smart Services and MULTIVAC Line Control - both of which are tools for providing maximum transparency and very efficient line operation.</p> <p>When compared with the existing TX range available in the market, the TX 6 series has been completely redeveloped with the aim of producing a compact and cost-effective solution. &ldquo;The design language, functionality and areas of application are however based on their bigger brothers, the TX 7 and TX 8 series,&rdquo; emphasizes Franziska Schreiber. What distinguishes the TX 610 from the TX 620 is essentially the machine length and the usable size of the die.</p> <p><strong>Sustainability with potential for the future</strong></p> <p>The compact traysealers have been systematically designed for sustainability: Firstly, their long lifespan is an important factor in this context, and secondly depending on the application, there is no requirement at all for compressed air or cooling water - and this makes an active contribution to saving resources.</p> <p>The machines can run trays from a wide range of materials very reliably and without any limitations, and these include for example paper- and fibre-based materials as well as plastics. The range of applications extends from "Sealing only" through to Modified Atmosphere Packaging and right up to MultiFresh vacuum skin packs.</p> <p><strong>Ease of operation with a high level of process reliability</strong></p> <p>The clear operating concept of the TX 6 series provides for logical process sequences, significantly reducing the opportunities for incorrect operation. The intuitive HMI makes controlling the machine much easier, since many pack and process parameters are already configured and can be called up very quickly.</p> <p>The conversion of the machines to different pack formats without the need for tools also makes a major contribution to efficiency and safety - just like the simple cleaning and maintenance, since all the machine components are easily accessible.</p> <p><strong>The new TX 620 will be shown for the first time at interpack 2023</strong></p> <p>It will be the core element of a complete line solution on the MULTIVAC main stand (A23) in Hall 5. It will be packing ready meals under modified atmosphere in a sustainable cardboard tray, which is sealed very reliably with a thin recyclable film. The manually pre-filled trays are fed into the traysealer on a MULTIVAC conveyor system. A L 310 labeller is used to apply a top and bottom label very precisely to the MAP packs. A high-performance vision system, also manufactured by MULTIVAC Marking &amp; Inspection, checks the applied labels immediately, so that any faulty packs can be ejected at that point. The good packs then arrive at a MPS 102 pack stacker, which automatically stacks the packs, and this contributes significantly to simplifying and accelerating manual box packing at the end of the line.</p>    Technology adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2023-03-21 00:05:09  2025-07-10 11:01:12  Details Edit Delete
7125  Starbucks unveiled braised pork latte in China for Lunar New Year  Starbucks is betting on that unusual combination with a new drink released in China to mark the Lunar New Year. Dubbed the “Abundant Year Savory Latte,” the brand describes it as having an “interesting” flavor.  <p>The drink combines Dongpo Braised Pork Flavor Sauce with espresso and steamed milk, with extra pork sauce and pork breast meat for garnish, according to Starbucks.</p> <p>Lunar New Year is one of the&nbsp;biggest annual holidays in Asia.&nbsp;People across China travel back home during this period to celebrate with their families.&nbsp;Government data shows&nbsp;a total of 474 million trips were made within the mainland during this year&rsquo;s travel season.</p> <p>And while the&nbsp;foods served at New Year feasts&nbsp;vary by region, braised pork makes a frequent appearance. Named after the ancient poet, painter and statesman Su Dongpo,&nbsp;Dongpo&nbsp;rou&nbsp;is a dish made from braised pork belly, rock sugar, soy sauce, yellow wine and other seasonings.</p> <p>The 'Abundant Year Savory Latte' has undeniably stirred a pot of mixed reactions. While some consumers express eagerness to try this novel blend, others remain wary of its unconventional pairing and high price point. This divergence in public opinion underscores the broader question of how far culinary boundaries can be pushed in the quest for innovation. As Starbucks ventures into uncharted flavor territories, the response to the braised pork latte could very well set the tone for future offerings, signaling either a growing appetite for bold, cross-cultural culinary experiments or a preference for sticking to the familiar.</p>    Industry adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2024-02-20 00:35:52  2025-07-11 23:43:55  Details Edit Delete
5825  Standardized solutions for creating QSR products  How to produce fixed-weight, fixed-shape fast food cubes? Poultry processors are asked to add more and more value to their products, while keeping their production costs as low as possible. This is not only true in the retail market, but also in the food service market and most of all in the QSR (quick service restaurants) market. Marel understands what’s going on in the markets and is able to offer standardized solutions for the creation within specs of QSR whole muscle meat products such as cubes, strips and burgers, while ensuring highest yield and low labor dependency.  <p style="font-weight: 400;">The market for portioned products can be very diverse, mostly depending on the type of end product. The QSR industrial standards formulate the strictest demands. The end product must be uniform, standardized, consistent and repeatable. In the QSR market, cooking time is also important, but the highest priority is given to the fact that products are &lsquo;always the same&rsquo;. Marel has developed standardized production processes that comply with such precise specifications.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">In the QSR market, products such as McCrispy, Zinger Burger, Chicken Tender Strips, skewer meat, nuggets and popcorn are all standardized. They have one thing in common: their production requires multiple cuts or multiple processes. Single machines can&rsquo;t meet the requirements anymore, so complete solutions are necessary. Marel can support processors in making the right product-market combinations by implementing its dedicated standardized solutions.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">If the end products should be QSR cubes, Marel can offer a standardized process and can also advise on the raw material. For making a fast-food cube, a calibrated product is preferable. That&rsquo;s because a weight-calibrated product gives a better uniformity of the end product and a better control of the process. However, purchasing calibrated raw material is more expensive than uncalibrated product. And the availability could sometimes be an issue.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">If the raw material is uncalibrated, it&rsquo;s the exact opposite. The process can&rsquo;t be controlled properly, meaning that it will be more difficult to produce the cubes just as nice as the QSRs want them to be. So the impact of the raw material must not be underestimated.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>A dicing machine isn&rsquo;t useful for QSR fixed-weight fixed-shape cube cutting. If you take all the fillets and simply cut as many cubes out of them as possible, you&rsquo;ll get some smaller and some bigger pieces, all with different shapes and different weights. You have no control over this process, and that&rsquo;s what we call dicing. Those dices typically go to supermarkets into bags of 500 gram, and you&rsquo;ll use them for goulash or stir fry. It is true that you&rsquo;ll get more dices than cubes out of a fillet, but this presumable yield win isn&rsquo;t valid for QSR purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Fixed-weight cubing for QSRs requires a specific procedure, with an analysis of each individual fillet or strip. Therefore, cubing needs more processes and intelligent software to make it work, it is not simply cutting squares. The uniformity and consistency of the production process for every single cube are crucial. Meeting these strict requirements is an absolute necessity, because QSR chains only accept 18-22 gram or 15-20 gram fixed-weight cubes that have the same shape and dimensions. The challenge is to achieve the highest yield out of every fillet, with the lowest possible giveaway.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The preparation of the fillets before portioning, such as height calibration, is also very important. Marel&rsquo;s&nbsp;SmartSplitter&nbsp;performs horizontal slicing, with its knife set at a fixed position. Lying on the conveyor belt, the fillet enters the SmartSplitter and anything that is above the height of the knife will be cut away. The end result is a piece of trim and a nice, calibrated piece of breast meat.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The cubing process needs the height-calibrated breast fillet as its input. First, the&nbsp;I-Cut 122 TrimSort&nbsp;portion cutter cuts the fillets into strips. After this, the additional process makes the same I-Cut 122 cut the strips into cubes. The recipe for this process is easy to program via the HMI display of the I-Cut 122. It is controlled by internal machine software, which can be combined with overarching Innova process control software.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">This standardized configuration can produce high volumes of in-spec cubes. Marel knows exactly how to produce the strips with the required characteristics and the right quality and avoid making them look like French fries. Irrespective of what kind of raw material is brought in, it is always possible to create a high-quality strip and cube.<br />This solution is very flexible. Processors who don&rsquo;t produce cubes day-in-day-out, want to make other types of products too. That can be done by adding a&nbsp;SensorX, a&nbsp;RoboBatcher&nbsp;or even another component to the line. In this way, the same portioning line setup can produce burgers, tenders, and schnitzels.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">A relatively new product in McDonald&rsquo;s core menu around the world is the McCrispy. It is the company&rsquo;s first new permanent chicken burger menu item in 15 years. It is a 70-gram teardrop design whole muscle burger, in fact a crunchy breaded fillet, and it will be on equal terms with the Big Mac, Nuggets or Quarter Pounder. Marel already knows how to produce the McCrispy and has solutions available.</p>    Technology adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2022-11-02 04:39:32  2025-07-12 03:26:35  Details Edit Delete
5957  Stable year for SPF-Denmark despite turmoil in the market  A minor decline in turnover and small progress on the bottom line signal a year without major fluctuations, but the story behind SPF-Danmark's accounts is completely different.  <p><span lang="DE">The financial year 2021/22 was characterized by large fluctuations in the prices of piglets, turnover difficulties, great variation in transported fattening pigs throughout the year and significant price increases in relation to the operation of 135 pig trucks for national transport tasks.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">"</span><span lang="DE">We have had a year in which there has really been a need for an effort beyond the usual on the part of our employees.&nbsp;In the first half of the year, we had quite a lot of fattening pigs to transport, which drew big changes.&nbsp;Corona effects in daily operations and large quantities of slaughter placed extraordinary demands on efficient planning of the transports.&nbsp;The piglet turnover has been characterized by a very volatile market with large shifts in the balance between supply and demand.&nbsp;In other words, every corner of the company has gone to great lengths to service our customers, so I am actually very satisfied with our result," says Jens Kongensholm, CEO of SPF-Denmark.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">SPF-Danmark came out of the financial year 2021/22 with a turnover of DKK 862.7 million ( 1 DKK = 0,13 EUR) compared to DKK 872.2 million in the previous year.&nbsp;A drop of just over one percent.&nbsp;The profit after tax, on the other hand, increases from DKK 7.1 million to DKK 7.4 million, which is an increase of just over four percent.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">Towards the end of the financial year, SPF Danmark expanded its activities when the company, together with VikingDanmark, bought the Kolding Export Center, which for many years has functioned as a collection center for SPF-Danmark's export of piglets.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">"We have a strong, well-invested and flexible setup, so we are well prepared to face the major changes that are currently taking place in pig production across Europe.&nbsp;At the same time, we have a competent staff of employees who are passionate about their jobs, so even though our industry is characterized by uncertainty right now, I have no doubt that we will also have a central role in the industry in the coming years," says Jens Kongensholm.</span></p>    Market adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2022-12-20 04:17:11  2025-07-11 09:59:28  Details Edit Delete
2117  Stable sales for Atria in the first 9 months    <p>The company's EBIT was down to &euro;21.5 million in the mentioned period from &euro;27.5 million in 2017, which was attributed to the poor profits reported in Sweden and Russia due to currency fluctuations.</p> <p>Atria saw good results in the markets from Finland, Denmark and Estonia, but its business suffered in Sweden and Russia because of a weak krona and rouble and the increase in prices for raw materials.</p> <p>"&ldquo;The moderately good economy has had a positive impact on consumer demand, and market development has remained favorable in all the countries in our business areas. The poultry and convenience food product groups showed the largest growth. Eating out continues to increase its popularity, yielding interesting opportunities for increasing Food Service sales. On the other hand, the increased demand has raised the costs of several materials, supplies and services. Price competition has continued strong," said Juha Gr&ouml;hn, CEO Atria.</p> <p>"In Sweden, the growth and profitability targets were not reached. This was influenced by high raw material costs, the poor profitability of poultry operations, and the persistently weak Swedish krona, thus increasing the costs of imported materials and supplies," Gr&ouml;hn added.</p> <p>The CEO of Atria is expecting a further increase in prices for raw materials by the end of this year. "The prices of cereals, crops and animal feed have increased strongly during the autumn. The price of meat is also on the rise. Atria is preparing for increased raw material costs.&rdquo;</p>    Industry 2018-10-29 14:02:14  2025-07-12 09:30:43  Details Edit Delete
454  SSA: NARMS should include seafood in its drug resistance monitoring program  The Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA) urged the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to add fish and seafood on the list of products that is surveilled through the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS).  <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As currently organized, NARMS allows the public to access data regarding incidents of detection of antimicrobial resistant pathogens for seven different bacterium (including salmonella, e.coli, and campylobacter) related to cattle, swine, chicken, and turkey products. No seafood products are currently covered by the monitoring system, according to SSA.</p> <p>The group that represents shrimp fishermen and processors in the southern US says that seafood products should be also monitored after a research showed the presence of resistant Salmonella in imported shrimp.</p> <p>A Science Board review of NARMS, completed in June, observed that there was &ldquo;interest in expanding monitoring to fish and other seafood, such as tilapia, salmon and shrimp.&rdquo; The Science Board recommended sampling seafood along with other meat products.</p> <p>The members of the Southern Shrimp Alliance are increasingly concerned by the prevalent use of antimicrobials in shrimp aquaculture outside of the United States. As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) appropriately recognizes, the presence of certain antimicrobial residues in food products creates health risks for consumers. This, in turn, adversely impacts<br />consumer confidence in shrimp products available for consumption in the US market.</p> <p>SSA says that because the US regulatory system for country-of-origin labeling is weak &ndash; with no such requirements in place for food purchased and consumed in restaurants &ndash; any reduction in consumer confidence has<br />a direct negative effect on the market for US wild-caught and farm-raised shrimp.</p> <p>Furthermore, SSA says that a coalition group called "Keep Antibiotics Working" also supports the expansion of the monitoring program to &ldquo;incorporate sampling of imported foods, including imported animal feed, feed ingredients, and seafood, into NARMS.&rdquo;</p> <p>Keep Antibiotics Working is composed of the Center for Food Safety; John Hopkins Center for a Livable Future; the Antibiotic Resistance Action Center, the George Washington University; the Center for Foodborne Illness Research &amp; Prevention; Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT); the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG); The Humane Society of the United States; the Humane Society Legislative Fund; and Natural Resources Defense Council.</p> <p>Keep Antibiotics Working observed that &ldquo;there is ample evidence that there are different antibiotic resistance risks between countries with some countries having much higher level of clinically important resistance in bacteria from meat and seafood.&rdquo; Accordingly, the coalition &ldquo;recommends sampling seafood&rdquo; while emphasizing &ldquo;examining imported food for seafood [as] this means most seafood marketed in the U.S. since most is imported.&rdquo;</p>    Industry 2017-11-28 10:00:02  2025-07-11 20:34:41  Details Edit Delete
5382  Spray system replaces film interleaves for sliced products  Greater efficiency, lower costs, less plastic and still the same taste and convenience: When MULTIVAC exhibits at the two leading trade fairs, Anuga FoodTec 2022 (Hall 8.1, Stand C010) and IFFA 2022 (Hall 11.1, Stand B11), it will be showing a future-proof solution for packing thinly sliced or very sticky sliced products as part of a slicer line. Thanks to MULTIVAC's innovative Sustainable Liquid Interleaving spray system, there is no requirement for the conventional interleaving film between the individual product slices, and the consumption of plastics during packing can therefore be reduced to the bare minimum.  <p>This process has long been standard with bakery products and sweets. Now MULTIVAC is presenting a versatile spray system, which has been specially developed for packing sliced sausage, ham and cheese or vegan alternatives. The solution can even be used with wafer-thin cut portions (e.g. shaved meat), for which the classic interleaver is not suitable. The space-saving spray system can be easily integrated into new or existing slicer lines. The individual slices are presented very attractively in the pack. Above all however, the slices do not stick to each other, and they can be removed cleanly by the consumer.</p> <p><strong>The functioning principle is simple - and perfectly designed for the product</strong></p> <p>The precision nozzles on the new spray system atomise a liquid interleaving medium, which is both odourless and tasteless and can be tailored to the particular properties, e.g. fat content, of the sliced product. The interleaving medium is applied evenly to the underside of the slices. The taste, quality and shelf life of the product are not impaired.</p> <p>The solution also however offers further benefits - particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness. &ldquo;During our reference calculations, in which we simulated the slicing and packing of cheese, the typical film interleaves made of polystyrene generated total costs of around 3,800 euros per day. The daily costs for the interleaving liquid on the other hand amounted to only 425 euros - this equates to a saving of 85 percent,&rdquo; explains Manfred Achenbach Senior Vice President of the Slicing Business Unit. The total time involved in refilling the interleaving liquid is up to 95 percent less than that for replenishing and threading the interleaver rolls. Other benefits of the spray system include: less storage space required, longer service life of slicer blades, and also less use of materials.</p> <p><strong>Trade fair exhibit</strong></p> <p>MULTIVAC will be showing the spray system at both trade fairs on a high-performance line featuring a slicer and thermoforming packaging machine. The modules for the automatic slicing, infeeding, packaging and labelling of the sliced product are integrated completely into one line, and they can all be operated efficiently and reliably from the HMI of the packaging machine or slicer thanks to the centralised MULTIVAC Line Control.</p> <p>As part of the demo operation of the line, the product logs are sliced in multi-track format by the slicer, which also sprays each slice with the interleaving liquid. The individual portions are subsequently inspected on a checkweigher. Portions with the incorrect weight are ejected by means of a rocker for later weight correction by hand, while portions with the correct weight are conveyed onwards on a transport conveyor, before being grouped according to the format layout of the thermoforming packaging machine. The portions slide into the pack cavities during the advance, and the optimum loading results are achieved thanks to the flat loading angle. After the products have been packed under modified atmosphere, the MAP packs arrive at the cross web labellers, which apply the required labels to the top and base of the packs.</p> <p><strong>More added value</strong></p> <p>The technology has already been proven many times in practice. The spray system has been used successfully since 2018 on a MULTIVAC slicer at a dairy customer for interleaving cheese slices, and a ham producer uses this solution as well for extending the shelf life of his delicate products and intensifying their taste.</p>    Industry adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2022-03-28 08:30:42  2025-07-12 06:50:54  Details Edit Delete
6043  SPP bounces back to new record high  For the week ending 14 January the EU spec SPP ( Standard Pig Price ) has increased 1.65p to stand at 201.85p/kg, a new record high and welcome move for producers in the first full working week of the new year, informs AHDB.  <p><span lang="DE">An estimated total of 159,600 clean pigs were slaughtered in the week, a weekly increase of 11,100 head but 18,100 head behind the 5-year average.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">In the week previous (week ending 7 January) the EU spec SPP slipped by just over 1p after&nbsp;hitting a record high&nbsp;in the week ending 31 December, taking some in the industry by surprise.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">The first week of the new year saw variation in the number of working days at different abattoirs due to bank holidays and staff leave, disrupting usual throughputs, and with processors contributions also varied, this ultimately impacted the overall average.</span></p> <p><span lang="DE">The EU spec APP ( All Pig Price ), although a week behind, appears to be following the same trend as the SPP with the latest data showing that the APP moved down 1.69p in the week ending 7 January to 204.74p/kg, after reaching a new record of 206.43p/kg in the week ending 31 December.</span></p>    Market adrian.lazar@industriacarnii.ro 2023-01-22 00:10:47  2025-07-07 15:53:55  Details Edit Delete
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