Farmers see a greater share

Last year's average beef farmgate price of 259.60p/kg was a 26% increase on 2007, while the average 2008 retail carcase price at 520p/kg only increased by 15% on 2007.

Lamb producers also upped their share of the lamb retail price to 47% in 2008, with an average farmgate price of 296.8p/kg representing a 26% increase on 2007 prices. The average 2008 retail carcase price of 628.8p/kg was only 9% up on 2007.

Richard Lowe, EBLEX chief executive, said the figures clearly showed margins had tightened in the processing sector: "Farmers will undoubtedly welcome the news that they received a larger share of last year's retail price, but the ongoing impact of increased costs means they are still struggling to achieve real profitability.

"Meanwhile processors are now clearly battling with the challenges of the exchange rate, tightening domestic supplies and changing consumer consumption patterns as shoppers switch to cheaper cuts such as mince and stewing steak.

"The months ahead will clearly be testing times for the UK beef and lamb supply chain - particularly as the industry waits to see the wider impact of the recession work its way through the system."

Shoppers spent £634m on fresh and frozen lamb in 2008, and £1,717m on beef. Retail volume sales were down slightly on 2007, with beef dropping slightly by 2.3% to 300,986 tonnes last year. Lamb sales also dipped by 4.1% to just over 101,000 tonnes.

Lowe added: "Although beef and lamb volume sales have fallen year-on-year, this was against a backdrop of exceptional sales in 2007, driven by the poor weather."

Printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

Bookmark this

---