January 14, 2013

Positive outlook expected for UK beef industry

According to Ireland-based ABP Food Group's agricultural manager, Stuart Roberts, the long-term expectations for beef in the UK and worldwide is positive.

Speaking at this week's Asda/ABP BeefLink producer group meeting at Ludlow, Mr Roberts told farmers supplying to the Asda supermarket chain that the current shortage of beef across the world was unlikely to change in the medium to long-term and worldwide demand was still rising.

Mr Roberts added the current equilibrium in worldwide supply and demand for beef could be seen as both positive and negative.

Amy Austin, Asda beef buyer, warned that while the long-term global outlook was positive, the UK retail market would not be without challenges in the coming 12 months.

The supermarket is developing a range of new beef products aimed at both cost and time conscious customers.

They include a range of fixed weight and fixed price roasting joints which are intended to also help people understand meat pricing better.

Asda is also developing a fixed-price steak range and introducing new packaging to its beef range to reduce waste and allow a longer post-purchase fridge life.