Beyond Borders: Practical insight for UK red meat exporters

French beef processors face historically low margins as cattle prices remain elevated

The latest report from France’s Observatory of Price and Margin Formation (OFPM) highlights the growing pressure on the French beef processing sector.

In 2025, only €11.90 out of every €100 spent by consumers in supermarkets on a seasonal beef basket accrued to slaughtering and cutting operations, compared with €16.20 in 2024 and more than 20% in several years before 2021.

At the same time, the share of the retail price represented by the agricultural raw material increased to 63.4%, up by eight percentage points.

Retailers also reduced their gross margin, although less sharply, from 28.2% to 24.8%. Despite the compression of margins throughout the downstream chain, the average retail price of the beef basket increased from €14.43 in 2024 to €15.83 in 2025.

The situation is particularly pronounced for minced beef, where retailers have absorbed part of the increase in raw material costs in an effort to limit retail price inflation on a key traffic-driving product.

The report points to a pronounced cost squeeze for abattoirs, with lower slaughter volumes coinciding with higher labour, energy, water and packaging costs.

French beef imports and exports both decline, widening the trade deficit

French beef trade slowed significantly in May, according to French Customs data reported by FranceAgriMer.

Imports fell by 8.6% year-on-year during the month, with volumes from the Netherlands down 6.5%, Ireland down 16%, the UK down 9% and Poland down 12.6%. Imports from Germany and Belgium, however, increased.

Over the first five months of 2026, French beef imports were down 1.6%. The UK supplied 19,089 tonnes carcass equivalent during the period, representing an increase of 3.5% compared with the same period of 2025.

Germany recorded stronger growth, with supplies to France increasing by 9.2%, while Irish shipments declined by 10.1%.

French exports have fallen more sharply. May shipments were down 23.7% year-on-year, while exports over January-May declined by 14%. Shipments to Italy, Germany, Greece and Belgium all recorded double-digit declines.

As a result, France’s beef trade deficit widened from 50,050 tonnes carcase equivalent during the first five months of 2025 to 61,263 tonnes in 2026.

EU beef production expected to fall further in 2026 as imports increase

The European Commission expects EU beef production to decline by a further 2.2% in 2026, following a 4.1% fall in 2025.

The reduction is primarily linked to structural herd decline: the number of cattle slaughtered is forecast to fall by 6.2%, only partly offset by higher average carcase weights.

The contraction in supply is expected to have a direct impact on European trade. EU beef exports are forecast to fall by 12%, while imports are expected to increase by 12%, supported in particular by additional supplies from Mercosur following the provisional implementation of the trade agreement.

The Commission also expects EU live cattle exports to decline by 18%, following a 37% fall in 2025.

Competition from South American suppliers, geopolitical tensions and reduced availability of European cattle are all contributing to the deterioration in the live export outlook.

Despite lower prices during the first part of 2026, the Commission expects beef prices to remain historically high because of persistent supply constraints.

At the same time, consumption is forecast to decline further, reaching an estimated 9.7 kg per capita.

French cattle prices continue to ease as summer demand weakens

French cattle prices have continued to retreat from the record levels reached earlier in 2026.

By week 30, the average weighted price of finished cattle stood at €6.69/kg, down 9.7% from its historic peak at the end of March, although still 2.9% above the same period in 2025 and almost 28% above two years earlier.

Young cattle have experienced the sharpest correction.

The R3 young bull was quoted at €6.42/kg, down 15.5% from its February peak and broadly back to its 2025 level. The R-grade beef cow stood at €7.14/kg, down 7.5% from March but still 6.6% above its 2025 level.

The market for store cattle has also weakened, with finishers facing both lower young-bull prices and rising production costs.

Prolonged drought is adding another concern as farmers assess the availability of forage.

Demand has also been affected by the extreme summer temperatures.

Abattoirs reported weaker demand, particularly for minced beef, while some operators reduced activity to four days per week during the holiday period. Better-finished animals remain the most sought after.

Drought leaves French grassland in poor condition and raises concerns over 2026 forage balances

The exceptionally hot and dry conditions experienced since June have severely affected French grassland.

June 2026 was the hottest June ever recorded in France, with average temperatures 3.8°C above seasonal norms, while rainfall was approximately 50% below average. By mid-July, around 80% of the country was subject to water-use restrictions.

According to the RMT Horizons Prairies agro-climatic assessment, grass growth had effectively stopped across most of mainland France by mid-July.

In some areas, growth had stopped as early as June, while grass in mountain grazing systems was also drying rapidly. Farmers in several regions were already anticipating earlier returns from summer grazing.

Forage yields are estimated to have fallen by between 20% and 50% in many areas.

Second and third cuts have been particularly disappointing, while lucerne and some summer forage crops such as sorghum and millet have shown greater resilience.

The early end to grass growth is creating concerns over forage balances for the 2026 campaign and may increase the reliance of livestock farmers on purchased feed and existing stocks during the autumn and winter.

Sheep producers face higher production costs as energy and fertiliser markets remain volatile

French sheep producers are facing renewed cost pressure following continued disruption to international energy and fertiliser markets.

Réussir Pâtre magazine reports that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to increased volatility in oil, gas and fertiliser markets, with fuel, nitrogen fertilisers, plastic materials and feed transport among the main cost items affected.

An analysis by the French livestock institute IDELE estimates that, under a prolonged disruption scenario, fuel costs could increase by 65.8%, nitrogen fertiliser costs by 39% and plastic products by 40%, while feed transport costs could rise by 1.5%.

For sheep meat systems, the impact varies considerably according to the production model.

Under the most adverse scenario, production costs could rise by €0.65/kg carcass for forage-based systems, €0.89/kg for grassland systems and as much as €1.46/kg for pastoral systems.

Even under a shorter disruption scenario, costs would increase by between €0.21 and €0.89/kg depending on the production system.

The combination of higher input costs and difficult forage conditions is adding to the pressure already facing French sheep farmers.

Global live sheep trade continues to concentrate around Mediterranean markets

Global trade in live sheep remains heavily concentrated around North African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean destinations.

According to an analysis published by Les Marchés, approximately 14 million sheep are exported internationally each year, with the trade increasingly shaped by demand from countries in these regions.

The pattern highlights the importance of religious consumption and seasonal demand in shaping international sheep flows.

Live trade remains particularly significant around major religious festivals, while countries with limited domestic production continue to rely heavily on imports.

For European producers, the development of live export markets is increasingly influenced by competition from Australia, New Zealand and South American suppliers, as well as by transport, animal-health and welfare requirements.

Changes in these flows can affect the availability and pricing of sheep and lamb meat in European markets, particularly around key seasonal consumption periods.

Consumer insight

Charal targets younger consumers with smaller, more versatile beef formats

French beef brand Charal is continuing to adapt its product range around convenience and new consumption occasions, with a particular focus on younger consumers.

Its autumn range includes 200g packs of diced sirloin designed for quick pan cooking and use in dishes such as bowls, stir-fries and meals served with pasta or vegetables.

The company is also expanding its smaller-format burger range, with a 115g mini burger positioned at a lower price point than its standard products.

Further launches include beef meatballs, air-fryer beef patties and ready-to-heat beef dishes.

The strategy reflects a broader effort by the French meat sector to diversify the ways in which beef is consumed.

Rather than relying primarily on traditional steak-and-sides occasions, brands are increasingly positioning beef around convenience, speed of preparation, smaller portions and informal meals.

The focus on younger consumers is particularly notable as the sector continues to address concerns around the price of beef and changing household cooking habits.

The development of formats suited to bowls, wraps, burgers, air fryers and quick weekday meals is helping to reposition beef within more contemporary eating occasions.

Escoffier 2026: Growing media interest for Quality Meat from Britain

At the prestigious Disciples d'Escoffier Soirée Blanche in Paris in July, the AHDB French team hosted top gastronomy decision-makers, serving signature British beef and lamb to high-profile chefs, importers, and distributors.

The event was the ideal showcase to promote our ‘Quality Meat from Britain’ and share the UK's sustainability commitments, including our net zero progress, pasture-fed production and low environmental footprint.

By welcoming four key journalists and distributing targeted press releases, we secured major coverage across top French trade media, directly reaching our core B2B targets.  The publications are:

• Néo Restauration (150k readers/issue): Reaches key decision-makers across restaurant chains (38%), contract caterers (30%), and independent restaurants (23%)
• L'Hôtellerie Restauration (142k readers/issue): Reaches foodservice professionals (59%) and hotel/hospitality operators (22%), including head chefs, managers, and business owners
• Réussir (145k+ monthly print run): Engages the broader agricultural and food supply-chain network, reaching farmers, livestock producers, and agribusiness managers

 Beyond the increased volume of coverage, the quality of the editorial content was particularly encouraging. The articles consistently highlighted the messages we wanted to get across during the event, including:

• the premium quality and provenance of Quality Meat from Britain
• the expertise and high production standards behind British beef and lamb
• the strong relationship between the UK and French markets, with France remaining the UK's leading export destination for lamb
• the complementary role of British lamb alongside French production, rather than direct competition
• AHDB's commitment to supporting exporters while promoting responsible and sustainable production

The growing interest from leading French trade media confirms the value of the Escoffier partnership as a platform to strengthen AHDB's reputation and amplify our key messages among chefs, distributors and foodservice professionals.

Lamb promotion – Changeons l’agneau

At the start of the new season, we will launch a major lamb promotion in partnership with Interbev as part of the Changeons l’agneau campaign.

The activation will involve 50 points of sale, with dedicated training for butchers followed by in-store promotions. The campaign will focus on the Paris region, the north and the south-east, our key priority regions for lamb development.

National retail lamb audit

We will conduct a comprehensive audit of lamb availability across France’s 13 metropolitan regions and across all major supermarket and hypermarket chains.

The study, to be delivered in October, will provide a clear picture of the lamb offer currently available to consumers, including distribution channels, formats and positioning.

This will help us better understand the market and provide our levy payers with actionable insights and opportunities for future development.

Halal market study

We will also undertake a dedicated study of the halal market in France, looking at distribution channels, key stakeholders, market dynamics and the main players involved.

The findings, expected by November will provide our levy payers with a clearer understanding of the opportunities available within the French halal market and how the offer could develop further.

Latest market news

Deepening structural shifts and climatic disruptions

The discrepancy in the German and Austrian meat markets has further intensified entering August 2026.

While overall meat consumption remains robust – buoyed by the peak summer barbecue season – domestic meat production faces unprecedented challenges.

Following the massive price drops in July, August is defined by a desperate fight for margins across all levels of the supply chain.

According to early August reports from the Federal Statistical Office, meat production in the DACH region dropped by a further 0.7% in the first half of 2026, marking an acceleration of the structural decline.

Furthermore, the regulatory environment is tightening. As of August 5, 2026, the German federal authorities have introduced rigorous new enforcement protocols for the Occupational Health and Safety Control Act.

This strict crackdown on shadow labour and subcontracting in slaughterhouses has sharply increased operational costs for processors, leading to immediate pushback from industry associations who claim it further disadvantages domestic production against Eastern European competitors.

Food retail and gastronomy developments

The food retail sector is currently in an intense battle for consumer foot traffic.

Inflationary fatigue has made German and Austrian shoppers highly price-sensitive. Discount giants such as Aldi, Lidl, and Hofer have aggressively expanded their ‘summer BBQ promo’ lines.

We see a significant shift in shelf space allocation: large, premium roasting joints are being replaced by highly processed, margin-rich convenience products such as marinated pork neck steaks, mixed-meat skewers and grill sausages.

Premium retailers like EDEKA and REWE are attempting to differentiate through ‘Haltungsform’ (animal welfare) levels 3 and 4, as well as organic ranges.

However, sales volumes for organic meats have noticeably stagnated since mid-July, as consumers increasingly trade down to standard conventional cuts to manage household budgets.

New study: Service counter a hit with customers

In mid-July 2026, YouGov published a new industry study titled Freshness in Food Retail – The Counter Compass.

The data clearly shows that the traditional meat and fresh food service counter remains the strongest differentiation factor for full-assortment retailers (like EDEKA or REWE) compared to discounters.

The study proves that the meat counter significantly shapes customer loyalty and the overall perception of quality and trust for the entire supermarket – far beyond the actual meat purchase itself.

Organic assortment grows faster than the overall market

Despite the high price sensitivity of consumers, figures from early August from the Federation of the Organic Food Industry (BÖLW) show a sales increase for organic food of 4.9% in the first half of 2026.

This means that the organic segment, which includes animal welfare level 4 and organic meat at the counters, is once again growing noticeably faster than the conventional overall market in the food retail sector.

Shortages in traditional meat alternatives

While meat sales are stagnating or declining, the food retail sector is currently recording extreme volume growth of over 20% for traditional, natural meat alternatives (such as tofu or falafel).

Since domestic production (as confirmed by the Federal Statistical Office for the previous year) has not grown at the same rate, German supermarkets have increasingly experienced empty shelves and supply bottlenecks for these substitute products in recent weeks.

Gastronomy and food service – menu re-engineering

The gastronomy sector is grappling with a severe cocktail of high input costs and chronic staff shortages.

Across Germany and Austria, restaurants are actively re-engineering their menus. Due to the high cost and preparation time of complex beef dishes, many mainstream outlets are substituting beef with premium pork cuts (e.g., Duroc or Iberico) or using imported, pre-portioned steaks to minimize kitchen labour.

The premium gastronomy segment continues to rely heavily on imported dry-aged beef from the US, UK, and Ireland, passing the high sourcing costs directly to the consumer.

Portion sizes have been subtly reduced across the board to maintain acceptable menu price points.

Pork

Weak retail demand driving the pork crisis

A market report published in early August sheds light on the background of the massive price crash for pork in July.

Contrary to expectations, the heat-related lower supply of slaughter-ready pigs could not support the market. The main reason was a noticeable slump in demand within the food retail sector.

With the start of the summer holidays, the sales of classic pork in retail dropped massively. This weak sales performance in the LEH gave large slaughterhouses the necessary leverage to further increase price pressure on producers.

Vital rebound after July's crash

The German pork sector is finally seeing a reversal of the catastrophic downward trend experienced in July.

On August 5, the Association of Producer Groups for Livestock and Meat (VEZG) raised the association price by a crucial 10 cents to €1.50 per kilogram carcase weight.

This upward correction was desperately needed by fattener farms that were operating at substantial losses throughout July.

The primary driver for this price increase is a sudden tightening of live pig supplies. Many farmers delayed restocking piglets during the July price crash, creating a supply gap now that processors are looking to fulfill late-summer retail contracts.

Piglet prices (North-West) have bottomed out and stabilized between €30.00 and €39.00 per head. The low price reflects deep uncertainty among fatteners regarding winter energy costs and feed prices.

The market for slaughter sows has also seen a marginal recovery, lifting slightly from the €0.53/kg low in July to €0.58/kg in early August, driven by renewed demand from the processing industry for sausage manufacturing.

Pork production 0.5% higher than same period last year

The number of slaughtered pigs increased by 0.5% or 107,000 animals to 22.2 million in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period of the previous year.

Positive ASF trends and export prospects for Germany

In the first half of 2026, Germany saw a 61% fall in African Swine Fever (ASF) cases, dropping to just 621 recorded instances compared to 1,612 in 2025.

This positive trend stands in stark contrast to other European countries like Italy and Lithuania, which experienced a sharp increase in wild boar infections during the same period.

In mid-June 2026, Germany and China agreed on a roadmap for a regionalisation agreement.

This breakthrough could soon allow pork exports from ASF-free German regions back to China, which would provide enormous economic relief for the German meat industry.

Beef

The Austrian drought catastrophe

The beef market in August has seen a stark difference between Germany and Austria, driven entirely by climatic factors.

Austria is currently suffering from a severe summer drought and heatwave that has decimated pasture grass and silage corn yields.

Faced with an acute lack of winter fodder, Austrian cattle farmers have been forced into mass emergency slaughters.

The ARGE Rind reported in the first week of August that the number of slaughter cows registered for processing is currently three times higher than average.

This unprecedented oversupply has overwhelmed abattoir capacities and caused a dramatic price crash. Slaughter cow prices have plummeted below the €5.00 mark, currently trading at an abysmal €4.85 to €4.95/kg, threatening the livelihood of countless family farms.

In stark contrast, the German beef market remains in a state of quiet stagnation.

The supply of young bulls perfectly matches the subdued, weather-dampened domestic demand.

Prices for young bulls (R3) have flatlined, oscillating tightly between €5.95 and €6.05/kg. German slaughterhouses are currently taking advantage of the Austrian crisis by importing cheap Austrian cow beef for the domestic processing sector.

Lamb

Peak barbecue season and import dominance

The lamb market in August remains robust, fully benefiting from the peak barbecue season. Live prices have recovered slightly from their July dip.

The retail landscape is heavily dominated by imported, chilled lamb from New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, which absorbs the vast majority of mass-market demand due to its competitive pricing and consistent supply volume.

British lamb marketing boards continue their aggressive summer push, having successfully sponsored several high-profile BBQ championships across Germany in late July and early August.

Domestic ‘Weidelamm’ remains a niche, high-priced premium product exclusive to traditional butcheries and specialised gastronomy, marketed heavily on animal welfare and zero-transport-miles narratives.

Retail prices overview – mid-August 2026

Lamb

Germany

Austria

Beef

Germany

Austria

Producer and wholesale prices overview

Germany

At the producer level, quotations reflect the essential price recovery in the pork sector, beef remains uninspiring and stable in early August 2026.

Pork (VEZG quotations, mid-August 2026):

• Slaughter pigs: €1.50/kg carcase weight (significant recovery)
• Piglets (25 kg): €30.00 – €39.00/head (stabilised at low level)
• Slaughter sows: €0.58/kg carcase weight

Beef (VEZG quotations, mid-August 2026):

• Young bulls R3 (meat breeds): €5.95 to €6.05/kg carcase weight
• Heifers R3: €6.00 to €6.15/kg carcase weight
• Slaughter cows R3: €5.60 to €5.75/kg carcase weight
• Slaughter cows O3: €5.50 to €5.65/kg carcase weight

Lamb (VEZG quotations, mid-August 2026):

• Slaughter lambs (Class I, up to 45 kg live weight): €3.95 to €4.15/kg
  Lamb carcase (wholesale purchasing): Stabilised firmly around €10.80/kg carcase weight

Austria

Agrarmarkt Austria (AMA) reports for Week 32 (August 2026) a catastrophic collapse for cow prices due to drought-induced emergency slaughters, alongside weak dynamics for young bulls.

Slaughter cattle (AMA target prices, gross incl. 13% VAT):

• Young bulls E-P (Class 2, 310-470 kg): €6.40/kg carcase weight (dropping)
• Oxen E-O (Class 3, 300-440 kg): €6.45/kg carcase weight (dropping)
• Heifers E-O (Class 2, 270-400 kg): €6.50/kg carcase weight (dropping)
• Slaughter cows R2: €4.85 to €4.95/kg carcase weight (crashing – drought impact)
• Organic surcharges: Organic calves maintain peak prices of up to €10.50/kg carcase weight, though demand is softening

AHDB marketing activities

Foodrock Open Air Festival

From 7–9 August, the ancient Picard natural quarry in the Palatinate Forest was rocking. At the 6th Palatinate Foodrock Open Air Festival, fine dining, smoky barbecues and thunderous classic rock merged into an absolutely world-class, all-inclusive experience over three incredible days.

Among the TV chefs and world barbecue champions, there was a special star on the grill this year – English premium lamb returned to the event to thrill guests.

Heiko Wild and Giuseppe Messina – two prominent figures in the German culinary and meat scene – masterfully presented the lamb over hot charcoal and grilled two whole lambs on the asado cross.

Renowned as the most exclusive gourmet festival in Germany, with weekend tickets priced at €952, the event is limited to just 350 guests.

Alongside unlimited all-inclusive feasting, it offered exclusive drinks tastings, exciting cooking and meat workshops, and legendary open-fire parties.

An unforgettable weekend that proved premium meat, real open fire and rock 'n' roll are the perfect combination.

Latest market news

Number of butchery shops falls

The Dutch butcher industry has experienced another decline. The latest data shows there were 1,980 butcher shops in the Netherlands in 2026, a fall of over a quarter since 2007.

In 1997 there were 2,695 active butchers and the decline since then has been almost continuous.

The recent developments are particularly noteworthy. In 2021, the Netherlands had 2,090 butcher shops but this had fallen to 2,035 branches by 2023.

There was a slight recovery in 2024, when the number went up to 2,055 but it has fallen again and is expected to stay at this level in 2026.

Meat prices increase faster than general inflation

Since last year, meat prices have been rising much faster than general inflation and faster than the average price development of food.

In 2022, headline inflation was 10%. Food became on average 10.8% more expensive, while meat prices rose by 15%, with beef going up by 19.2%.

Pork (+12.5%), dried and salted meat (+9.5%) and meat preparations (+13.8%) also became significantly more expensive.

After a more moderate 2024, 2025 saw another clear acceleration in prices.

Total inflation was 3.2% last year. The total food basket rose by 3.5%, while meat became 11.3% more expensive on average.

Beef stood out again with a price increase of 23%. Pork rose by 6% and meat preparations by 6.6%.

The most recent figures for 2026 also show that meat prices remain high.

In the first three months of the year, price increases were between 10% and 11.3%. In March 2026, headline inflation was 2.7% and food rose by an average of 1.7%.

However, the price of meat was still 10% higher in March than a year earlier. Beef again recorded the strongest increase, with almost 19%. Pork (+2.5%) and meat preparations (+5.1%) also became more expensive.

As a result, meat is now developing clearly differently from the rest of the shopping package. While general inflation and food price developments remain stable, meat prices are rising relatively sharply.

New nitrogen measures announced

A new package of measures aims to achieve the legal nitrogen targets for agriculture. According to agriculture minister Van Essen, the measures should withstand any legal challenges.

Livestock farms situated within a one-kilometre radius of 15 significant nature reserves, including De Peel and the Veluwe, are particularly affected.

A designated ‘buffer zone’ will be established where nitrogen emissions will be significantly reduced. Within this zone, farmers are required to implement extra measures to reduce emissions by an additional 20% beyond the national requirements.

A 500-metre zone will be established around another 85 nitrogen-sensitive Natura 2000 areas. The government will establish specific standards for these areas in 2027.

Farmers are allowed the flexibility to meet these standards in their own manner. Should they fail to comply, the government will implement more stringent measures from 2035 onwards.

Farmers protest over government nitrogen plans

Farmers in some regions of the Netherlands have been protesting against the government’s new nitrogen management plans. They are demanding that Agriculture Minister Van Essen withdraw the plans and allow farms to retain their permits.

Protests have been held along numerous roads throughout the country.

Roads were deliberately not blocked, but protests were held on bridges and alongside highways instead, as protesters aimed to maintain a public-friendly approach to garner support.

Organisations including Agractie and Farmers Defense Force are actively involved in the protests. They have not ruled out further demonstrations if their demands are not met.

A national demonstration day was held in Den Bosch on 14 August with another planned for 15 September, the day of the national budget.

Latest market news 

US cattle herd expands for first time in eight years 

USDA mid-year inventory data showed the US cattle herd increasing for the first time since 2018.

Although numbers remain historically low, herd rebuilding signals improving producer confidence. Tight cattle supplies are still expected through 2026 and 2027, supporting strong beef prices and continued demand for imported beef. 

Mexican border closure continues to disrupt supply chains 

New World Screwworm controls have left an estimated 1.7 million cattle stranded in Mexico. USDA announced a US$25 million (about £19 million) sterile fly facility to strengthen disease control.

Ongoing restrictions continue to tighten US cattle supplies and support imported beef demand. 

Beef imports forecast to rise further 

USDA raised forecasts for US beef imports in both 2026 and 2027 as domestic production remains constrained.

The development could create additional opportunities for international suppliers, including UK exporters targeting premium market segments. 

Market analysis 

Pork sector struggles despite strong exports 

US pork exports are tracking close to record 2024 levels, yet many pork packers remain under financial pressure as processing margins stay negative.

The situation highlights the importance of efficiency, differentiation and value-added market positioning. 

Animal welfare debate continues around Proposition 12 

A US$250,000 campaign (about £188,000) has been launched to protect California Proposition 12.

Animal welfare requirements continue to influence production systems and purchasing decisions, highlighting the growing importance of welfare credentials in export markets. 

Regional developments 

Ontario opens first new meat plant since 2003 

Ontario has opened its first new federally inspected meat processing facility in more than 20 years.

The investment is designed to meet growing halal demand and expand regional processing capacity. 

Mexico beef sector benefits from border restrictions 

Mexico’s domestic beef industry has benefited from restricted cattle exports to the United States.

Increased domestic supplies have supported processing activity and sector growth. 

Industry and policy developments 

USDA proceeds with major reorganisation 

USDA is moving forward with a significant organisational restructuring despite opposition from some employee groups and policymakers.

Exporters should monitor potential impacts on market access and trade administration. 

Cargill highlights resilient supply chains 

Cargill’s CEO has emphasised the need for stronger global food supply chains.

Disease outbreaks, geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainty continue to reinforce the importance of resilience and diversification. 

AHDB market activity 

Americas Food & Beverage Show 2026 

AHDB will exhibit at the Americas Food & Beverage Show, Miami, on 14 to16 September 2026 at Stand 861.

The event will showcase British beef, lamb and pork, connect levy payers with buyers and distributors, and support export opportunities across the USA, Caribbean and Latin America.

China

AHDB welcomes Chinese importer delegation to showcase British meat industry

We hosted a delegation of 13 representatives from six leading Chinese importing and trading companies to the UK.

The visit on 24–28 August provided an opportunity to showcase the quality, standards and expertise behind British meat production.

During the mission, delegates visited three pork processing sites approved for export to China, as well as a beef processing plant, gaining first-hand insight into British production systems and supply chains.

The programme also included meetings with exporters and industry stakeholders, alongside a series of seminars highlighting the strengths of British pork production, including Red Tractor assurance, high animal welfare standards and responsible antibiotic use.

A butchery demonstration also showcased the versatility and quality of British meat, featuring cuts commonly traded within the Chinese market.

Hosted in an agricultural college, the session also highlighted the UK's commitment to developing future skills in agriculture and butchery.

China remains the UK’s largest and most valuable pork export market, with exports exceeding 135,000 tonnes and valued at more than £170 million in 2025.

The visit formed part of our continued efforts to strengthen relationships with key international buyers and support future export opportunities for the UK meat sector.

Japan

Beef exports could be slowing

Trade data so far for the year is suggesting that for now beef exports to Japan have been strong but are potentially slowing.

Volumes to Japan have increase 110 tonnes up to June this year (when compared to the first half of the previous year), however for this June volumes reduced 38% compared to the same month in 2025.

The value of the trade however has increased significantly to an estimated £7.5 million for the first half of the year – compared to a total of £9.7 million for all of 2025.

British pork promotion helps build demand in growing Japanese market

Japan continues to be an increasingly important market for UK pork exporters.

In the first half of 2026, UK pig meat exports to Japan reached 3,975 tonnes, up 294% year on year, with export value increasing 293% to £14.4 million.

With market conditions creating new opportunities for UK suppliers, we have been working to help exporters build long-term demand and strengthen relationships with customers in market.

A month-long British pork promotion was held with Japanese restaurant chain Fukushin. Supported by AHDB, the campaign showcased British pork across 29 restaurants and 19 vending machine locations, highlighting its quality, consistency and versatility in popular dishes including ramen, gyoza and fried rice.

The activity reached more than 64,000 consumers and generated a 58% increase in pork in the targeted locations during the promotion.

The promotion has also delivered encouraging longer-term results. Fukushin continues to use British pork following the campaign and provided positive feedback on its quality, citing the flavour, sweetness and juiciness of British pork belly.

The restaurant also highlighted the value of promoting British pork's high production standards and reliability to customers.

This campaign demonstrates how we support exporters in converting market opportunities into sustainable commercial relationships, helping build confidence in British pork and encouraging repeat business.