-8.2%

Butchery

Butchery Report for Autumn

Turkey:



Red Tractor turkey remains in very short supply due to the supermarkets having boxed

off what little is available, and this is likely to be the case for the rest of 2023, our

advice is to plan early for the Christmas period and agree volumes and pricing just as

soon as possible for UK and EU birds for your menus

Beef:

Cattle prices remain high and above the 5-year average, remaining elevated incomparison to the same period last year. Restaurant and hospitality demand also remains high for steak meat and roasting joints along with added value cuts as the sector seek to find alternatives with cuts such as feather blade, flat irons and beef daube now featuring on many menus. Retail demonstrates the opposite with steak

cuts slowing but demand for mince and stewing cuts increasing, which in turn keeps

the carcase cuts at an all-time high price.

Poultry:

Poultry continues to be a challenge with UK and EU suppliers struggling to meet demand, and prices moving almost weekly.

• Operational costs continue to drive prices with higher distribution and feed costs along with labour and energy the key factors.

• Avian Bird flu continues to wreak havoc in the marketplace, with further cases now being identified throughout Poland, Germany and Holland reducing the number of food production kills significantly.

• The heat on the continent has killed many chicks which has impacted volume available from the EU.

• Duck remains very limited currently with few options available and has been decimated with the Avian Bird flu however we are seeing some limited availability now coming from France.



• Producers are desperately trying to replenish stock birds for killing in the coming months however returning to normal numbers may take months and prices are expected to continue to remain strong in turn.

Single-Use Plastic Ban

In effect from 1st October 2023

Following on from the ban on plastic straws, cotton buds and drink stirrers in 2020, the ban means businesses can no longer supply, sell or

offer single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks and certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers in England. This also includes EPS (expanded polystyrene) products. Businesses will instead need to use alternative options. The ban on these items includes online and over-the-counter sales and supply, from new and

existing stock.

Fish & Seafood Autumn Report

Salmon

Prices in Norway are currently falling, and trade is down. There have been some soft fish appearing recently which means suppliers are having to be selective about the farms we use. The expectation is that salmon prices will fall during October, and should be stable until we hit the end of November when demand from the festive period kicks in. Certainly, by reviewing historical trends, this “should” be the case. It may be one of those rare seasons where you can put salmon on your menu with a little

more confidence. Beware, however, of prices going up from December into next year. The last two years tells us that the salmon farmers will be keen to replicate the record prices reached in the first six months of 2023 and 2022. Do not be surprised if this happens again. For now, however, salmon should be a stable choice

White Fish

The new Icelandic quota period began on the 1st September for cod, haddock and coley. Quota indications are cod +1%, haddock +23%, and

coley -7%. So, not too gloomy a picture for our favourite white fish. The quality should be excellent from now until the end of the year as the cooler

waters favour these species. If you are looking for fish in prime condition, cod or haddock are both a good option. We are anticipating some easing of

price once fishing for new quota has commenced. However, large cod is expected to remain quite firm in price, such has been the case for many

months now. The expected 20% cut in Barents Sea cod quota next year is likely to keep prices buoyant. Smaller cod and haddock will be a good menu

choice until the end of November. Coley, will maintain its position as a quality low-cost white fish that offers a much better value alternative than

cod or haddock. If you are looking to use Hake over the festive period, seek to freeze some down during October when the price will be lower.

Fruit & Vegetables

This month is all about going big on the roots, squashes and orchard fruit arriving from our local growers and across the UK. With deep flavours and vibrant colours, it’s an ideal period to take advantage of the glorious autumnal produce starting to arrive.

What’s in season for October?



• Apples – Braeburn & Cox Pippins

• Pears

• Plums – Victoria & Damsons

• Squashes & Pumpkins

• Carrots

• Parsnips

• Quince

We expect the cost of lemons to rise as we move from Southern to Northern hemisphere.

The reports we are receiving from our suppliers around orange supply are bleak with small to medium products in extremely short supply. One of the main factors for the shortage is the situation in North and South America, where they had large crop damage last year in Brazil and Florida, from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole along with freezing weather conditions during the winter. Towards the end of the month, there will be pockets of Italian blood oranges beginning to appear although it will be November before we see a better volume.