N.Z. lamb demand

Press, 9 March 1988, Page 28

N.Z. lamb demand

PA Wellington New Zealand lamb has been in better demand in Britain as a result of domestic prices improving, the Meat Board reported last week.

So far, this has not shown improved sales and trade is described as steady. During the last 10 days the New Zealand Lamb Promotion Council has made seven successful presentations to various sectors of trade in Britain.

The subject of the presentations was the spring “Anyday” promotion cam-

paign due to start next week.

On Smithfield Market last! week New Zealand PL ! grade lambs were quoted at 62p to 63p a pound ($3.67 to $3.73 a kilogramme). Domestic beef prices remain unchanged, while heavier weight range pork has' firmed 4p a pound and lower weight ranges have weakened 6p a pound. Poultry remains in good demand but even these prices have fallen 3p a pound at wholesale levels since last week.

! The United States beef market is in a volatile state. The cattle slaughter since the beginning of the year is 6.2 per cent below the level for the corresponding period last year.

In spite of reduced supplies, prices fell because of weak demand. Prices for imported beef firmed earlier in the week but weakened in response to falling domestic prices. Imported manufacturing bull beef was quoted at SUSI.I4 a pound c.i.f. ($3.88 and $3.81 a kilogramme respectively).