SCOTLAND – Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has published a new report that shows the resilience and economic significance of the red meat industry in rural Scotland. 

The report, titled Red Meat Industry Profile, was unveiled at the Turriff Show on August 5th, where it was shared with stakeholders throughout the supply chain.

According to the report, the Scottish red meat sector, valued at £2.8 billion (US$3.58B), holds substantial potential to further bolster Scotland’s economy and enhance food security across the UK. 

The sector’s growth trajectory is highlighted by the continued rise in turnover from red meat processing, which QMS estimates increased by 1% in 2023, reaching £975 million (US$1.24B) —marking the fourth consecutive year of growth.

Despite ongoing cost-of-living challenges, consumer spending on red meat in Scotland rose by approximately 8% in 2023, with a notable increase in purchases of more affordable cuts. 

The sheep sector also saw promising developments, with average market prices nearing the record highs experienced in 2021. 

During the spring of 2023, hogg prices remained at unprecedented levels for several weeks.

The report pointed out that the surge in lamb prices around Easter and Ramadan, despite a strong supply of hoggs resulting from the delayed sale of the 2022 lamb crop, underscored a robust demand. 

Once the 2023 lamb crop entered the market, prices were further supported by reduced supply—a consequence of lower lambing rates tied to the dry autumn of 2022, which affected ewe conditions during mating.

Scotland’s pig sector, which has been gradually recovering from the financial crisis of 2021/22, also showed signs of stabilization.

Farmgate pig prices remained high following a rebalancing in 2022, with production running at lower levels and input costs decreasing from their peak, thereby improving margins.

The red meat industry remains a cornerstone of Scotland’s agricultural sector, contributing an estimated £2.8 billion (US$3.58B) to the economy in 2023—an increase of over 16% since 2016. 

Red meat output now accounts for 36% of Scotland’s total farming output.

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