Market Report Aug 2011
The UK Market is suffering with a severe shortage of supply in British Beef, the worse in our generation, that is, in many ways is indicative of the pressures of past governments to put land aside and not to farm. These shortages have found their way onto the market and over the past 12 months prices have risen considerably – and are still increasing (even though there has been a stabilisation, and reduction in feed prices recently). The shortage is especially prevalent in the quality end of the market.. We have reproduced below the trend
graph from the
Farmers Weekly showing the prices of finished cattle over the last 12 month.
All our Market information (and though close contact with the UK suppliers and Farmers) indicates that this shortage is worsening and prices are getting higher. Foreseeing this Russell Hume Limited, have invested heavily into quality stocks, taking a long term view to cushion a lot of the large price increases for our customers. There is some discussion that supplies may improve from October onwards and we remain hopeful that this will be the case.
Pork
This market has seen rising demand as many customers have moved to Pork as a value for money alternative to Beef and Lamb cuts, especially Free Range and Freedom Food certified products. Prices are still showing an upward trend. The UK pig farmers are still making losses at the current prices and if demand continues to increase then there will be a related increase in prices going forward.
Lamb
After our fantastic spring British Lamb is the best quality it has ever been. Prices continue to fall over most cuts with the exception of shanks and lamb rumps (where as a nation we have always been reliant on volume from New Zealand - however due to the current New Zealand shortages this volume is having to be made up through British Product with a related effect on price).
Russell Hume Limited are proud to announce a premium range of Lamb products from Bolton Abbey, farmed on the Duke of Devonshire’s estate in the dales of Yorkshire. Fed on heather and grass this gives the product an exceptional flavour.
Poultry
Chicken prices remain stable, but high, with demand strong. Turkey prices remain firm following the price increases over the last couple of months, but there is concern on prices going forward. Opinion is that December prices may reach record highs due to the loss of some current imported supplies into the UK - which will result in increased demand over the British and other European suppliers.
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