Wholesale lamb trade improves

Press, 25 February 1989, Page 33

Wholesale lamb trade improves

PA Wellington New Zealand lamb demand at wholesale in Britain has improved since last week, the New Zealand Meat Producers Board said. This is mostly a result of increased domestic lamb prices, but this better demand has not percolated through to retail levels yet, the board said. Carcase prices have increased by two pence a pound at hook. On Smithfield Market this week, New Zealand new season PL grade carcases were quoted at 58 to 60 pence a pound (8NZ3.66 a kg). Good demand for all primal cuts continues to be strong and carton legs have moved up in price again by one pence a pound, the board said. The general trade view indicates that old season carcase stocks should be sold by mid-March by which time the larger

volumes of new season lamb should be starting to arrive. Trade in other meats have again been slow with fair supplies of beef meeting a generally subdued trade and consequently prices fell by two pence a pound. Demand for pork has been slow, although trade for legs has been a little better. the imported manufacturing beef market in the United States remained quiet throughout the week, characterised by the importers as a “flat market.” Limited demand was accompanied by small offerings. Prices remain little changed from last week. Prices for 1989 arrivals of 95C1 bull beef were quoted at SUSI. 22 and 90C1 cow beef at SUSI.2I a pound c.i.f. ($NZ4.24 and $NZ4.22 a kg c.i.f. respectively).