Welcome to the MEAT Traders’ Journal

Your essential guide for the latest in pork, beef, chicken, and more.

2024 Pork Market Outlook

1. Expect Fluctuating Prices 📊:

   • With Europe’s production decline, global pork prices might fluctuate.

   • Buyers should keep a close eye on market trends and be ready for price changes. 1Q prices are expected to rise and then stabilize before the beginning of the 2Q.

2. Diversify Supply Sources 🔄:

   • Due to drops in production in countries like Spain and Germany, diversifying pork sources is smart.

   • Consider suppliers from the USA, Brazil or even Asia for more stability in supply and prices, specially in pick times.

3. Quality and Regulations 📜:

   • European pork is known for strict environmental and animal welfare standards.

   • Staying informed about these regulations is crucial for understanding quality, pricing and availability.

4. Be aware of Disease Outbreaks 🦠:

   • Diseases like ASF and PRRS can hugely impact pork production. Beware of potential supply shortages.

   • Keeping up-to-date on health and safety standards is important for managing supply chain risks.

5.  Consider Alternatives Proteins🌱:

   • With current industry challenges, alternative proteins like plant-based and lab-grown meats are rising in popularity.

   • These could be a strategic choice for buyers/importers focused on sustainability and ethics.

6. Long-Term Contracts and Relationships🤝: 

   • Long-terms contracts can help to navigate uncertain market and secure stable prices and supplies.

   • Strong relationships with suppliers ensure consistent quality and availability. Make sure to stay connected with the right suppliers, agents and brokers that provide you the full picture of the market that you are selling or buying.

7. Market Dynamics and Consumer Preferences 🔄:

   • Watch for shifts in consumer preferences driven by health, environment, and economy trends.

   • Adapting early to these changes can give a competitive advantage.

By combining strategic planning, staying informed, and being adaptable, importers, suppliers and all supply chain can effectively navigate the complex global meat industry landscape.

Pork Iberian Breed.

What is “La Montanera”?

“La Montanera” spans late October- March, every year, timed with the acorn maturation period. Acorn availability varies annually, depending on the season’s rainfall and temperature.

During time, the pig might drink up to 50L of water per day and eat up to 12kg of acorns.

This nutrient-rich diet enables them to gain over half their final weight (at least 46kg) - typically starting at 90kg and reaching 160kg per head.

The iberian pigs that don’t reach the expected weight during “La Montanera” will continue to be raised in the field, either in the farm or in the pasture, but always outside.

The Iberian breed’s exercise also impacts their growth. Living free-range, they walk up to 15km daily to forage acorns, building muscle without compromising the integrity of their body structure. The acorns provide marbling that enriches the flavor of the lean meat. This regulated diet and exercise program produces the high-quality product that the Iberico breed is well-known for.

Did you know…?🔍

The color of beef

The bright red color of beef isn’t an indicator of freshness; it’s actually a result of oxygen interacting with pigments in the meat.

In fact, the red hue that we often see in beef at the store is due to a protein called myoglobin, which reacts with oxygen in the air. This reaction forms oxymyoglobin, giving the meat a bright red color. This is a normal process and doesn't necessarily mean the meat is fresher.

Over time, as beef continues to be exposed to air and light, it can turn a brownish color.

Note that this color change is more about the meat's exposure to air and less about its freshness or safety.

So, a darker color doesn't always mean the beef is old or spoiled; it could simply be due to its natural interaction with oxygen.

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:

1. Market Advisory 1:1

2. Collaborative Partnership

3. On-line and off-line Training sessions to elevate export/sales team

Schedule a discovery call and let’s explore opportunities together!

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