Meat & Poultry news

Poultry week 28: heat losses in Europe, record exports from Brazil

A record heatwave cut European poultry supply while Spain's Newcastle Disease cases and Brazil trade tensions add risk. Vesper's week 28 poultry view.

Egg markets split as Europe nears a floor and US prices firm

The world's two big egg markets are pulling apart. In Europe, prices are still easing from their spring peak, but the decline is slowing and a floor may be...

California almonds firm up as May shipments beat expectations

The California almond market is holding firm heading into the close of the crop year, after a May position report that came in stronger than the trade...

Brazil sets a poultry export record, but EU access hangs in the balance

Brazil delivered its strongest poultry export month on record in May 2026, yet the milestone is shadowed by a real risk to its European market access....

Egg prices fall on both sides of the Atlantic, for opposite reasons

Egg prices are falling in both Europe and the US, but the forces behind the move could hardly be more different. In Europe, the market has split in two....

Pistachio and peanut supplies tighten as hazelnuts stay soft

The global nut complex is splitting between tightening tree-nut supply and a still-soft hazelnut market, according to ofi's latest monthly update....

Chicken prices fell across the board last month, but the autumn outlook points higher

Brazilian chicken breast fillet led a broad decline in poultry prices over the past month, dropping 16% to around €2,890 per tonne. It was the steepest move ...

Brazil loses EU poultry access from September; the authorisation body meets too late to fix it

The European Commission has confirmed that Brazil will not be permitted to export poultry meat and animal products to the EU from 3 September 2026. The...

EU egg prices correct from highs; heatwave hits at the worst possible moment

European egg prices are falling across all categories this fortnight, driven by rising imports from Eastern Europe and Turkey, approaching seasonal demand...

Record May temperatures lift European grain futures as US crop weather eases CBOT

European and US grain markets moved in opposite directions this week. Euronext milling wheat climbed to EUR 214/mt from EUR 213/mt at the previous report,...

US cattle placements post largest year-on-year gain in nearly two years

April placements of cattle on feed reached 1.70 million head, up 5.5% from a year earlier, the largest year-on-year increase since July 2024, according to...

Imported beef hits a record 23.4% of US supply in Q1

US beef imports totaled 599 million pounds in March, a 19% increase from the same month last year and well above LEAP Market Analytics' (LMA) forecast,...

European eggs cool while the US flips from scarcity to surplus

The European egg market is starting to ease from its post-Easter highs, but the correction is uneven. Caged and standard eggs are softening as Eastern...

US broiler supply keeps climbing while breast meat demand cools

US chick placements totaled more than 1.18 billion over the six weeks ending May 2nd, a 2.8% increase from the same period a year earlier, according to LEAP ...

California almond shipments beat March expectations, Turkey absorbs Middle East rerouting

California almond shipments outperformed expectations in March. Total shipments reached 257.99 million lbs, well above industry estimates of around 225...

Nordic Sugar to close Porkalla refinery, first EU standalone closure since end of quotas

Nordic Sugar has announced the closure of its standalone refinery in Porkalla, Finland, with raw sugar refining to be moved to the company's beet factory....

China set to overtake Brazil as world's top chicken meat producer

China set to overtake Brazil as world's top chicken meat producer in 2026 The global poultry trade is approaching a structural shift. USDA forecast data...

US egg prices fall below production cost while Europe stays tight

The post-Easter global egg market is moving in two opposite directions. US market in oversupply In the United States, supply has rebuilt strongly after last ...

US broiler production on track for strongest growth in two decades

US broiler production is heading for one of its most significant growth years in recent memory, with ready-to-cook output expected to increase around 3.0%...

Australian beef exports hit near-record volumes in March 2026

Australia's beef export program delivered its second-highest monthly total on record in March 2026, with broad-based demand across key markets driving...

Australian sheep meat exports decline sharply in March as MENA shipments contract

Australian sheep meat exports pulled back materially in March 2026, with total combined lamb and mutton shipments reaching 42,656 tonnes, down 24% year on...

US broiler exports slip in early 2026 with domestic dark meat demand providing support

US broiler exports started 2026 on a muted note, with total shipments in February coming in just below 524 million pounds, falling short of forecasts and...

European egg market enters Easter under supply pressure

Europe's egg market is heading into Easter with demand firm, supply limited, and retail prices holding at elevated levels. A combination of disease...

Middle East conflict drives Brazilian chicken prices higher

Brazilian chicken meat prices have reversed sharply in week 14, ending a bearish trend that had held for several months. Whole bird and cut prices rose...

European egg shortage deepens ahead of Easter as disease outbreaks hit supply

Europe's egg market is under severe pressure with Easter just 15 days away. A combination of HPAI and Newcastle Disease outbreaks across key producing...

Record Brazilian exports push global poultry prices lower

Global poultry markets are heading into the final week of March under a broadly bearish price signal, with both Brazilian and Thai origins posting...

Wholesale beef prices rally sharply, but correction seen ahead

Wholesale beef prices have been climbing at a rapid pace, with the choice cutout value up nearly $30 over the past three weeks. Every part of the carcass is ...

US broiler market: weak export start, steady domestic demand

US broiler exports got off to a slow start in 2026, while domestic dark meat markets have continued to show relative stability. Here is what is shaping the...

European beef market forecast 2026: structural herd contraction keeps upward price pressure in place

The upward trend in cattle and beef prices is expected to continue into 2026, driven by a combination of continuous regulatory pressure on producers and a...

European chicken market forecast 2026: prices fall on Brazilian import increase, avian flu risk persists

After the lifting of the ban on Brazilian poultry, chicken meat prices in Europe have decreased significantly. The price decrease started around November...

European egg market forecast 2026: avian flu outbreaks keep supply tight and prices elevated through Q1

Mass avian flu outbreaks have persisted throughout Q1 2026, with scarcity continuing to affect the market. Extensive flock cullings following widespread...

European pork market forecast 2026: African Swine Fever in Spain redirects volumes to EU markets, pressuring prices

The EU sow herd is forecast to shrink further in 2026 due to ongoing environmental restructuring in North-Western Europe. Favourable feed prices are...

Olive oil market forecast 2026: production normalises after two volatile seasons, prices expected to hold broadly stable

Extra virgin olive oil prices (EXW Spain) peaked at around EUR 5,000/mt in November 2025, declined to EUR 4,300/mt in January, and have since risen back to...

Sugar market forecast: raw, white, sweeteners

The sugar market in 2026 is operating in a surplus environment, but the story is more nuanced than that headline suggests. Energy market dynamics, Brazilian ...

Sunflower oil market forecast 2026: prices firm on tight supply as Argentine shipments to Europe surge

FOB 6-port crude sunflower oil prices have increased to USD 1,485/mt from around USD 1,400/mt at the beginning of the year, supported by tight supply...

US Dairy forecast: milk, butter, smp, cheeses, WPC80

The US dairy market entered 2026 expected to be well-supplied across most categories. That picture has changed materially. Butter is tight, powder is tight, ...

Walnut market forecast 2026: abundant California supply offers buyers a favourable window

California walnuts are entering Q2 in an unusual position: abundant supply, improving shipment momentum, and prices trading below production costs for many...

Australian beef exports rise as tight US supply boosts demand

Australian beef exports rose 11% year-on-year in February as tight US cattle supply and a 42% price discount for Australian cattle...

US wholesale beef prices rise as slaughter slows and supplies tighten

US wholesale beef prices rose to the highest level since September as packers cut slaughter amid heavy losses and tighter cattle supply.

European poultry market remains under pressure after brief February recovery

A brief price recovery in February driven by the return of school meals and salary arrivals has not reversed the broader downward trend in...

US broiler slaughter rebounds sharply after winter disruption, but growth expected to slow

US broiler slaughter rebounded 5.6% in early February after winter disruption, but underlying indicators point to growth slowing toward 2%...

Europe faces Easter egg shortage as Poland loses 5 million laying hens

Poland has lost 5 million laying hens in six weeks, creating severe Easter egg shortages across Europe. Germany faces daily shortages of...

Polish chicken prices fall as Avian Influenza outbreak triggers 2.79 million bird cull

Poland reports 22 Avian Influenza outbreaks with 2.79 million birds culled, driving Polish chicken prices down 3.7% while French prices...

U.S. broiler production forecast at 1.5% growth for 2026

U.S. broiler production projected to reach 48.7 billion pounds in 2026 with 1.5% growth. Analysis of export trends, placement data, and...

US calf crop falls 1.6% as beef supply tightens through 2026

USDA cattle report shows 2025 US calf crop fell 1.6% to 32.9 million head, with beef cow inventories down 1.0%, signaling continued tight...

US beef cattle on feed placements decline 5.4% in December as margin pressure weighs

US December cattle on feed placements declined 5.4% to 1.55M head as margin pressure and limited feeder cattle access weighed on...

European poultry fillet prices face continued pressure after holiday demand fades

Chicken breast prices fell across Thailand and Brazil in January after European holiday demand faded. Wings remained stable with...

US broiler production projected at 49 billion pounds in 2026 despite inventory headwinds

US broiler production is projected to rise 2.1% to 49 billion pounds in 2026, supported by record productivity despite a 1.9% decline...

EU egg market faces structural supply pressure as avian influenza culls and trade restrictions tighten availability

Empty shelves across Austria, Germany and France signal structural supply tightness in EU egg markets. HPAI culls, slow restocking

US cattle placements projected to decline 4.9% in December amid border restrictions

December cattle placements projected at 1.56 million head, down 4.9% year-over-year, as Mexico border restrictions and weak feedyard...

US broiler availability hits record high as wholesale prices weaken in Q4

US broiler meat availability reached 18.9 pounds per capita in Q3 2025, a new quarterly record. Wholesale prices languished in Q4 but...

Broiler cutout value forecast missed actual 2025 average by less than two cents

2025 broiler forecast was nearly $1.00/lb vs actual, with leg quarters showing 1% error and premium cuts exceeding 10% deviation.

Cattle feeder margins deteriorate despite strong beef demand outlook

U.S. cattle feeders face losses exceeding $500/head by early 2026 after Tyson's Nebraska plant closure alters margin dynamics.

Egg markets face dual pressure from avian flu outbreaks and rising energy costs

Germany reports 25 farm cases, France 33 infections, Netherlands culls 62,000 hens as Arctic weather increases heating demand with sharp...

Tyson Foods closure of Nebraska plant reshapes beef packing capacity amid DOJ scrutiny

Tyson shuts Lexington facility with 5,000-head daily capacity and streamlines Amarillo plant as Trump Administration investigates Big Four...

US broiler production growth accelerates to largest quarterly increase since early 2023

Ready-to-cook broiler production up 2.8% in Q4 2025 as industry pursues growth push, though leading indicators signal gradual slowdown...

Broiler market under pressure as thigh meat demand weakens

Thigh meat demand falls below baseline average for first time in two years. Prices projected to decline 15-20% in 2026 as market corrects...

Beef grading reaches record highs as choice-select spread narrows

Cattle grading performance reaches all-time highs for fall with prime near 12.8% and choice at 73.2%, while the choice-select spread...

Ground beef prices spike to $300 per cwt as grinds complex rallies

73% lean ground beef prices jumped from $270 to $300 per cwt this week, but analysts expect the grinds complex rally to be fleeting with...

Black Sea sunflower crop concerns drive prices higher as supply outlook tightens

Sunflower oil prices increased $20/mt as Ukrainian crop estimates fell to 10.5-11.2 mmt from 12.7 mmt last year. Poor yields and excessive...

EU considers 300% expansion of Ukrainian egg import quotas amid food safety concerns

EU weighs 300% expansion of Ukrainian egg import quotas as antibiotic residue detections raise food safety concerns.

HPAI returns to Northern Europe after months of calm

Avian influenza outbreaks return to Netherlands and Denmark, signaling start of winter risk period. What egg buyers need to know about...

Sunflower oil prices climb as crop forecasts deteriorate across key producing regions

Sunflower oil prices increased by $10/mt to $1360/mt as crop forecasts in Ukraine and Russia continue to deteriorate. APK-Inform reduced...

Broiler market shows stark divide as breast prices plunge while thigh meat holds ground

US broiler market shows unusual split with breast meat down $0.30+ from averages while thigh prices hold near 5-year norms.

Beef prices face pressure as wholesale demand shows signs of cooling

Wholesale beef prices have declined sharply since Labor Day, with chuck cuts leading the market lower. Learn what this demand shift means...

US wholesale beef prices drop nearly $9 as demand weakens beyond seasonal norms

US wholesale beef markets face significant pressure with choice cutout prices falling nearly $9 last week and further declines expected as...

Rapeseed supply expands while sunflower markets tighten amid harvest delays

Ukrainian sunflower crop drops to 13.56 mmt while rapeseed forecasts rise 700k mt in Australia. Palm oil gains $20/mt on Malaysian supply concerns. Analysis.

Trump tariffs begin in India, with rice, dairy, and tea amongst products impacted

US tariffs of 50% on most imports from India kick in today, affecting key commodities like basmati rice, spices, pulses, tea and dairy.

US broiler production growth capped at 1.5% as breeder inventories decline

US broiler production faces constraints as breeder inventories drop 2.3% year-over-year. Despite productivity gains, output growth remains...

US milk production reaches highest growth since 2021 as southern states lead expansion

US milk production reaches strongest growth since 2021 with western states up 3.59% year-over-year. Southern regions maintain 7.5%+ growth...

Starch procurement faces uncertainty as Trump tariffs reshape supply chains

Trump's 10% tariffs on major starch exporters create procurement challenges as food demand stays strong but industrial applications weaken.

Cattle feeding margins hit potential cycle peak amid record corn yields and increased replacement costs

Cattle feeders hit $600+ per head returns from record corn yields and strong fed cattle prices, but surging feeder cattle costs to $344/cwt.

Core reason U.S. beef production won’t rebound until 2027

Learn why U.S. beef production won't rebound until 2027, what's driving the delay, and how procurement teams should strategically prepare.

US dairy markets stabilize as tariff extension removes immediate trade pressure

US dairy markets stabilize after tariff extension as heat wave impacts supply. Weekly analysis of CME trading, butter prices, and divergent export trends.

Summer calm masks powder procurement urgency as egg markets stabilize

European egg prices resist summer drops while US processing hits 2025 highs. Powder buyers face mounting urgency as forward contracts resume at higher prices.

Egg powder producers face mounting pressure as shell prices remain firm

European egg markets resist summer price drops while US processing hits 2025 highs. Powder producers face mounting pressure as shell egg prices remain stable.

Global Egg markets show signs of stability as Avian Flu pressures begin to ease

European egg prices defy seasonal expectations while US markets correct following Memorial Day. Avian flu impacts ease as markets show cautious optimism.

US dairy market update: FMD concerns, cheese prices fall amid production shifts

Latest US dairy market analysis shows declining cheese prices despite regional production growth, while FMD crosses borders in Europe.

The Global Impact of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on the Dairy Market

Explore the impact of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on the global dairy market, from price shifts and buyer preferences to trade bans.

Palm Oil and Soybean Oil Prices: Latest Updates and Future Projections

Stay updated on palm oil and soybean oil prices, with insights from the latest MPOB report and impact of mineral oil price.

Biodiesel market update: Growing interest to buy, yet making consensus on pricing remains a challenge

Biodiesel market update: Explore the impact of higher LSGO prices and buying demand on the biodiesel complex

European sunflower oil Market Update

Explore the latest developments in the European sunflower oil market, including price trends and producer responses in Ukraine.

Indian milk production two years behind schedule, although growth is expected to return

Explore India's milk production trends, import shifts, and growth forecasts on Vesper. Get updated stats and global market insights.

Highlights on the Oils & Fats market: Stability for now, bears on the horizon

A week after the devastating earthquakes that primarily hit Turkey and Syria, the enormous impact of it becomes clear. Already 36.000 people have died...

Report shows renewable diesel demand could impact US soybean exports

Increased demand for renewable diesel in the USA could bring the country’s soybean exports to a halt by 2030, according to CoBank research reported by The...

Turkey Bans Butter Export

To ensure the security of the country’s butter supply Turkey has stopped their butter exports. The ban applies to the butter product under the HS code:...