Brazilian Poultry, Polish Bacon and more: EU/UK Meat Market Update (30 July 2025)
Inflation squeezes margins while investments and tighter supply reshape the EU/UK meat landscape.
Poland – EU funds to offset avian‑flu losses
The European Commission has earmarked €14 million from the agricultural reserve to compensate Polish poultry farmers for costs linked to 193 avian‑flu outbreaks between August 2021 and August 2023. Payments must reach farmers by 28 February 2026.
What this means: compensation will ease cash‑flow pressure on affected farms and should stabilise chick supplies but continued vigilance and biosecurity investment are vital. Processors and wholesalers should prepare for gradual recovery of Polish poultry output.
Poland – Bacon plant stays in Swinoujście
Finnish meat processor HKFoods has decided to retain its bacon plant in Swinoujście, Poland, after considering a sale. The site employs around 300 workers and is projected to deliver €70 million in net sales in 2025. Recent investments include a new slicing and packaging line.
What this means: the decision secures local jobs and supplies for bacon and processed pork products. Pig farmers should benefit from stable demand, while processors and wholesalers can expect improved supply consistency from an upgraded facility.
Romania – Brazil overtakes Ukraine in chicken imports
From 1 January to 27 July 2025, Romania imported 1,912 tonnes of chicken meat from Brazil worth €4.445 million, at an average price of €2.33/kg, while imports from Ukraine were 429.6 tonnes worth €1.49 million at €3.47/kg. Brazil’s price was €1.14/kg cheaper and volumes were 4.45 times larger.
What this means: competitive Brazilian pricing highlights global supply dynamics and could pressure Romanian and regional producers. Wholesalers may find imported poultry cost‑competitive, while local processors and farmers need to differentiate through quality or niche products.
EU – Meat price index hits new high
The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Meat Price Index climbed to 126.0 points in June 2025, 2.1% higher than May and 6.7% above June 2024. Prices for bovine meat increased due to tight supplies from Brazil and strong US demand; pig meat prices rose amid firm import demand; ovine meat prices climbed as exports from Oceania declined. Poultry prices, however, fell because Brazilian supplies were abundant after avian‑flu restrictions were lifted.
What this means: global meat markets remain tight, supporting high prices for beef, pork and lamb, while poultry is more affordable. EU and UK processors may need to manage cost volatility and adjust product mixes.
Sources
European Commission news on avian‑flu compensation for Poland (agriculture.ec.europa.eu).
Just Food / WATT Poultry reports on HKFoods’ decision to retain its Swinoujście bacon plant (just-food.com).
EADaily report on Romanian chicken imports from Brazil and Ukraine (eadaily.com).
FAO Meat Price Index data via Pig333 (pig333.com).