August 20, 2010

Italian beef demand goes down

Italian beef demand has been weaker so far in 2010, mainly due to the shifting demand towards cheaper protein sources because of the region's tough financial conditions.

Despite a 2% rise in Italian beef production during the calendar year to May, Italian traders have increased imports from the north and eastern European regions where beef is cheaper.

According to USDA, the chicken industry has also benefited, with an expected 4% increase in chicken production, and stable consumption of around 11.5 kg per capita per annum in 2010.