Meat picks up

Press, 3 August 1985, Page 25

Meat picks up

PA Wellington Meat trading in Britain this week showed signs of coming out of the doldrums, but buying activity is described by traders as being “nervous,” reports the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board. Home-killed lamb advanced by 2.5 p a lb and this has been reflected in improved hook prices. Lightweight carcases

reached 74p a lb and indications are that this type of carcase will advance to 78p next week. The numbers of domestic lambs coming forward have been reduced by harvesting and the variable support scheme so prices are expected to firm. Pork prices have eased at wholesale level, increasing the competitive edge for this product at retail. The demand for New Zealand lamb last week was disappointing, but it could also be seen as obtaining a fair share of an over-all poor meat market. Sales in coming weeks are expected to improve with four major retail chains joining the board’s September promotion campaign. On the Smithfield market this week New Zealand PL grade lambs were quoted at 64.5 p to 65.5 p a lb (SNZ3.B3 to $3.89 a kg). Beef Trading on the United States imported manufacturing beef market this week was very slow, with little volume and lower prices. The light trading was because of meat being sold at lower prices to create a movement in arrivals from past weeks. Most imported beef cuts dropped by 1c to 2c (U.S.) a lb c.i.f. this week. Stronger Australian and New Zealand dollars have made exporters reluctant to make offers. Imported bull beef dropped by 1c to 99c (U.S.) a lb c.i.f. K. 13 a kg), while cow beef y 1.5 c to 85.5 c a lb c.i.f. ($NZ3.57 a kg).