With the holiday season now in full swing across most of central Europe, Danish Crown has confirmed it is experiencing “weak demand” for a whole host of meat cuts that would normally have been selling faster than any other point in the year.
“The meat processing industry is quiet right now,” noted Soren Tinggaard, vice president of Danish Crown’s export department on 28 July. Danish Crown said the poor weather has had a noticeable impact on the meat industry as popular cuts of meat - like sausages - consumers would normally cook on the BBQ simply don’t have the same appeal in the grey and overcast climate.
However, the company is still enjoying particularly good trade with countries outside of the EU, especially with the perennially pork hungry China.
China charge
Sales to China have been picking up pace after a slightly calmer period in the spring. Whilst sales appear to be rising, Danish Crown is exporting its pork at a slightly lower price and believes it has now passed the peak period in summer.
The business has also been boosted by rising demand for pork in Japan and says it there is a lot of good news for its UK pig farms operated by subsidiary Tulip.
“We are seeing a growing demand for welfare of pigs from one of Britain’s largest retail chains and greater interest from other markets outside the UK,” said Carsten Lehrman, vice president of pork exports at Danish Crown.