Welcome to the MEAT Traders’ Journal

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Market Intel Weekly Nugget

What’s Moving Meat Prices This Week?

Pork in High Demand: An unfortunate resurgence of African swine fever (ASF) in China has tightened pork supplies and driven up prices in the world's largest pork consumer market. This creates potential opportunities for increased pork exports to China from major producers like the U.S. and Europe. However, it also signals possible pork price inflation in the coming months.

Beef Exports Sizzling: U.S. exports hit a record high in February thanks to robust demand from Asian markets. This bullish export trend could keep upward pressure on American beef prices. Meanwhile, drought conditions in major cattle producer Australia raise concerns about supply shortages and higher beef costs down the road.

Spain Protects Iberico: For those dealing in Spain's famous Iberico ham, new regulations aim to further promote and safeguard this iconic product's reputation and quality standards. This could benefit pricing and demand for authentic Iberico pork.

Regulatory Summary: The regulatory landscape is also evolving. The EU has proposed upgraded livestock transport rules to enhance animal welfare. The USDA has finalized stricter silica exposure standards in U.S. meatpacking plants. And China recently lifted some beef import restrictions following a mad cow disease incident.

The Changing Appetite of Younger Buyers

For meat importers and suppliers, keeping track of evolving consumer tastes is crucial. And one trend we can't afford to miss is the shifting attitudes towards meat among younger generations. Millennials and Gen Z have a very different appetite compared to their parents and grandparents.

What's Driving the Younger Crowd or What is behind this generational shift?

Ethics and environment are big factors. Younger buyers are more conscious of concerns like animal welfare, health impacts of overconsumption, and sustainability issues like greenhouse gas emissions from industrial meat production.

Social media has been a powerful influencer too. Viral content and influencers advocating for things like "Meatless Mondays" and plant-based diets really speak to these audiences.

The Flexitarian Factor: while most young people aren't fully ditching meat, they are cutting back. Studies show over one-third of Millennials and Gen Z consumers identify as "flexitarians" - people who limit meat but still eat it occasionally.

In contrast, only around 15-20% of older generations like Baby Boomers follow a flexitarian style of eating. Traditional meat-heavy diets still tend to be the norm for them.

Quality Over Quantity: It is not that younger buyers want to eliminate meat entirely. Only a small percentage identify as vegan or vegetarian. But they do want higher quality products that check certain boxes:

• Ethical sourcing and animal welfare

• Natural ingredients and transparent practices

• Environmental sustainability

The Supplier's Opportunity: This opens up opportunities for forward-thinking suppliers to innovate products and messaging that resonate, such as:

• Meat-plant blended patties and sausages for flexitarians

• Grass-fed, free-range, organic and non-GMO options

• Marketing claims highlighting sustainable production

The Bottom Line!

While older generations may stick to meat-centric traditions, the priorities of Millennial and Gen Z buyers are crystal clear. For meat suppliers who can deliver on quality, ethics and sustainability - the future looks bright with these conscious consumers.

BUSINESS CORNER

Stay Policy Savvy: The Meat Importer’s Checklist

Staying ahead of shifting trade policies is crucial for protecting your meat import business. Use this checklist to maintain a vigilant watch:

Follow the Official Sources

☐ Subscribe to government trade agency publications (e.g. USDA Bi-Weekly Product Reports)

☐ Sign up for email alerts from the WTO, national trade authorities, and regulatory bodies

☐ Bookmark agency websites and set up news notifications for instant policy updates

Know Your Supply Chain

☐ Map out how policy changes can impact each supply chain link

☐ Regularly review effects on suppliers' costs, taxes in consumer markets, etc.

☐ Work closely with logistics partners on freight rates, border process implications

Build a Network of Trusted Advisors

☐ Cultivate relationships with trade representatives and policy specialists

☐ Connect with embassy officials and counselors for local insights

☐ Network with other importers to exchange news and intelligence

Leverage Policy Monitoring Tools

☐ Invest in AI-powered trade news platforms (e.g. Global Trade Tracker)

☐ Utilize predictive policy analysis and risk monitoring solutions

☐ Implement trade management software to audit classifications and compliance

Always Have a Contingency Plan

☐ Scenario plan for potential supply chain disruptions from sudden policy shifts

☐ Develop strategies to pivot operations and mitigate impacts of trade upheaval

☐ Stay agile and decisive when negotiating turbulent policy landscapes

With this check list maintain a competitive maintain your edge amidst the ever-evolving trade environment.

One last thing…

If you are aiming to strengthen your business foothold in the APAC Market in this areas:

• Market Expansion and helping with client Acquisition

• New Market Fit with product/specification development

• Sales Growth and Price Optimization with Market Intel

• Sales Training and objection ideation to gain new clients

There are 3 ways that Meat Trading Hub (MTH) can help you when you are ready:

✅Your Supply and Purchasing Advisor 1:1

✅I create win-win partnerships between you and strategic importers and/ or suppliers

✅On-line/off-line Sales Training sessions to elevate your Global sales team

Schedule a discovery call. Though times are coming and we all need to source and sell with better margins, right?