Soaring meat prices: vegetarians find cause for celebration
In recent months, consumers across Europe have been facing increased meat prices, with the cost of various types of meat, including chicken skewers, sausages, and steaks, rising significantly. This price hike is not limited to the butcher's shop but extends to food markets as well.
Experts attribute this trend to a combination of factors. Higher costs of feed, poor harvests worldwide due to climate change, high energy expenses, transportation costs, and personnel expenses are all contributing to the overall increase in meat prices.
The beef production sector is facing increasing challenges, leading to fewer farmers keeping cattle due to stricter animal husbandry regulations. Similarly, the pig farming sector is also experiencing problems, with many operations no longer being profitable.
These issues have affected large-scale meat producers like Tönnies, which recently acquired The Family Butchers, making it a dominant player in the market. While no specific farmer names are mentioned, Tönnies is a key large-scale meat producer in Germany. Other large food producers relevant to animal products include Deutsches Milchkontor GmbH (DMK) with its cooperative of around 7,000 milk producers, but the focus for meat specifically is on major companies like Tönnies.
The decreasing supply in both beef and pig farming could lead to further price increases. Retailers are charging more for fresh meat and packaged products, with customers paying 30 cents more for 400 grams of coarse pork sausage at a discount store in July.
For many meat lovers, grilling more vegetables is not an option. However, consumer experts advise looking for special discounts, such as app coupons, and comparing offers from different supermarkets before shopping. Grilling more vegetables can help save the budget, which may be appreciated by vegetarians.
The high costs of meat are a consequence of various factors, including climate change, energy costs, transportation, and personnel expenses. As the summer season progresses, consumers may be disappointed with the increased prices at the checkout when grilling. They can only hope for more consumer-friendly prices in the coming season.
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