July 9, 2007

Australian beef offal prices varies in June

Beef offal prices in Australia were mixed in June, compared with May and June 2006, according to Meat and Livestock Australia's (MLA) monthly co-products monitor.

The price of tongues averaged A$16.13 per kilogramme (/kg), 35 Australian cents lower than May, nonetheless, remained A$2.48/kg above June 2006, according to the MLA figures. On the other hand, thick and thin skirt prices were also down 34 cents and 30 cents, respectively, to average A$5.40/kg and A$5.74/kg, although this was 90 cents and A$1.33 above 2006 prices.

Australian beef offal exports to Japan have slowed down in June due to anticipated exports from the US.

The prices of cheek meat averaged A$3.20/kg in June, 24A¢ lower than May and a 45A¢ fall on 2006.

MLA said that demand for tail from Korea was firm during the month and prices remained solid, at A$6.13/kg - A$1.38 above June 2006.

Despite competition from Canada and strong Australian dollar, halal offal prices were steady during June in Indonesia. Halal heart prices eased 1 cent on May, to A$1.38/kg, while the price of halal liver increased 7 cents, to A$1.48/kg. Lung prices continued to drop however because of restricted import permits to Indonesia.

In Hong Kong, demand for tripe strengthened as it rose 29 cents from May and 67 cents from last year, to average A$2.03/kg.

MLA said that inquiries for imported meat and meat products were strong in China, as pig diseases and the high price of corn has resulted in lower supply for alternative protein. Importers from Malaysia and Singapore were looking for halal tripe, paying 32 cents above May, at A$2.25/kg.

The strong performance of Australian currency and some temporary plant closures in the next two months will have offal prices remained firm, MLA said.