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The Meat Trader’s Journal #24: African Swine Fever in Germany, Pork Industry Target's Gen Z, Weaker Global Beef Production and more.

This week, we delve into critical developments affecting the meat industry, including biosecurity concerns, strategic consumer engagement, food safety recalls, production trends, and regulatory alerts.

🔓Market Movers & Shakers Intel

This Week I am in Seoul Food Fair in Seoul. First Day.

It's that time of the year again when global suppliers, both old and new, gather in Seoul for the Seoul Food Fair. This event is a prime opportunity to forge new customer relationships, showcase the latest product lines, and reconnect with long-time clients.

As a Spaniard, I naturally gravitate towards the Spanish section, and I must say, this year is brimming with innovation. The product offerings are a significant upgrade from last year. Although the number of visitors is slightly lower compared to the previous year, I'm here to share some of the most interesting finds!

First on the list is “Snack’in”, a new hot item making waves in the market. This vegan and gluten-free baked snack is ideal for all ages and offers a healthy option with high protein content. It has garnered several innovation awards at SIAL Paris and Anuga Food Fair in Germany in 2022 and 2023.

I met today with Virto, a Spanish company that produces ultra-frozen vegetables and supplies them to over 100 countries. I can vouch for their quality since we use their products at home, especially the potato-based ones. They are incredibly delicious, healthy, and made from high-quality ingredients.

I also met with my customers, Myeongji Kim from Hyundai G.F., and Eric Park and Sam Park from Meat Bank. Meeting with customers and exchanging impressions in such a great environment feels truly wonderful.

I also met with several esteemed meat suppliers, each of whom I've known for years. Every brand offers something unique and exceptional, truly embodying the essence and quality of Spain. These companies leave a lasting impression, making you want to experience their remarkable products firsthand.

You can find their amazing products all across Asia. That plate of Iberico ham on the table was truly calling my name!!!! Another level. Thanks Jamones Blazquez.

Also other remarkable brands like for example olives, Karina and this amazing Yogurt & ice-cream call smooy. They even have Sangria Slush.

If you need brand recommendations, I'm here to help! I have a passion for discovering new products and tracking down the best brands from across Spain.

🏆Highlighting the relevant stories from top-down

→ African swine fever detected in German farm pigs
→ Pork industry’s new plan to win over Millennials and Gen Z
→ Aldi recalls popular chicken due to safety concerns
→ Weaker global beef production set to support prices

African Swine Fever in German farm pigs

Publisher: SwineWeb, 09/06/2024
New African swine fever (ASF) case confirmed in German farm pigs, raising biosecurity concerns.

Key Points:

• A new case of ASF has been detected in a German pig farm, threatening local pork production.

• The outbreak raises concerns over stringent biosecurity measures and their enforcement.

• Impacts on European pork trade as countries may impose import restrictions.

Trader's POV: This ASF outbreak underscores the need for robust biosecurity protocols, likely causing short-term supply disruptions and potential price fluctuations in the European pork market.

Pork Industry’s new plan to win over Millenials and Gen Z

Publisher: Pork Business, 09/06/2024

The pork industry unveils strategies to attract Millennial and Gen Z consumers with innovative products and marketing.

Key Points:

• Targeted campaigns emphasize sustainability, ethical farming, and health benefits.

• Introduction of new pork products designed to appeal to younger demographics' taste and lifestyle preferences.

• Use of digital and social media platforms to engage and educate potential consumers.

Trader's POV: Engaging younger consumers through sustainability and health-focused marketing can rejuvenate pork demand, presenting new opportunities for innovation and growth in product lines.

Aldi recalls popular Chicken due to safety concerns

Publisher: Yahoo News UK, 09/06/2024

Aldi recalls a popular chicken product due to safety concerns, highlighting food safety issues.

Key Points:

• Aldi recalls chicken due to contamination fears, impacting consumer trust.

• Recall emphasizes the importance of stringent quality control in food production.

• Retailers must manage consumer concerns and ensure safety standards are met.

Trader's POV: Food safety recalls can significantly affect brand reputation and consumer confidence, necessitating rigorous quality controls and prompt corrective actions to mitigate market impacts.

Weaker Global Beef production Set to Support Prices

Publisher: Border Watch, 09/06/2024

Decline in global beef production is projected to support higher prices in the latter half of 2024.

Key Points:

• Lower beef production levels globally could lead to tighter supply and higher prices.

• Droughts and disease outbreaks have been major factors reducing beef output.

• Importers might seek alternative sources or increase prices to manage shortages.

Trader's POV: Traders should anticipate potential price hikes and supply constraints, strategically managing stock and diversifying sourcing to mitigate risk from global production shortfalls.

🗺️Trends - Discussion

👀 Ai in the Fast Food Industry

AI is transforming fast food with innovations in customer service, efficiency, and personalized dining. Here’s why it matters and its impact on food trade.

Boosted Efficiency:

Fast food chains like Popeyes, Panera Bread, and Taco Bell use AI for drive-thru assistants and chatbots. This reduces labor and speeds up service.

Mixed Reactions 

AI implementation has been uneven. Some drive-thru assistants mess up orders and push too many upsells, frustrating customers.

Personalized Experience:

AI can personalize dining by anticipating preferences and offering tailored service, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Takeaways

AI in fast food is a game-changer, improving efficiency and personalization despite some hiccups. The impact on food trade is significant as operational practices and consumer expectations evolve.

3 ways I can help when you ready:

✅ 1:1 Strategy Sessions for Asian Market Entry (30 minutes)

• Understand local preferences and regulations.

• Adapt your product offerings for the Asian market.

✅ Global Partnership Development

• Build reliable distribution channels with local partners.

• Ensure product freshness and quality from production to consumer.

✅ Sales Training for Global Teams (Check video for an example)

• Enhance marketing and sales strategies for Asia.

• Leverage local media and influencers to boost brand awareness.

💎Did you know?

Keto Diet Declines, Vegan Steady: Food Shifts

Interest in the keto diet is plummeting, while veganism holds steady. What does this mean for the food industry?

First, what is KETO Diet? The ketogenic diet involves consuming very low carbohydrates, moderate protein, and high fats to induce ketosis. In ketosis, the body uses fat instead of glucose for energy, which proponents claim can help with weight loss.

Google searches for "keto" have dropped by 80% since 2019, signaling a major shift away from restrictive diets. This trend indicates that consumers are moving towards more sustainable and varied dietary choices.

Searches for "vegan" remain consistent, reflecting growing acceptance and market stability for plant-based diets. The vegan trend continues to hold strong, driven by health consciousness and environmental concerns.

Opportunities for Food Businesses:

Diversify your product offerings with more plant-based options. Highlight the health benefits and sustainability of vegan products to attract health-conscious consumers. With veganism on the rise, food traders can tap into this market by introducing innovative and appealing plant-based products.

Have a look at this video from Mic the Vegan.

So, after this video even though there is a decline in the internet of keto diets, there are still opportunities for Food and Meat Traders and whole sellers to promote meat consumption by emphasizing the benefits of ketogenic lifestyle or just the benefits of eating meat disregarding the fact that human can live without meat.

Below I list some kind of actions that the industry players can take:

1. Promote Keto Benefits

   Highlight the benefits of the keto diet, such as weight loss and increased energy, by focusing on how it helps the body burn fat for fuel instead of glucose.

2. Emphasize High-Quality Meats

   Market premium meat options like grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and heritage pork, which align with keto guidelines of high-fat and moderate-protein intake.

3. Create Keto-Friendly Products 

   Develop and offer products specifically designed for the keto market, such as meat-based snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and meat-based protein supplements.

Are you ready to boost meat consumption by leveraging the benefits of the keto diet and meat consumption?

That's all for this week Did you find this useful? Subscribe to this weekly newsletter to stay updated on Frozen Meat Trends and Food Tech.

Stay tuned for more updates next week.

Warm regards,

Laura Valls