An announcement last week that two of Brazil’s largest corned beef frigorificos were merging sent ripples through the trade. It’s another example of consolidation in an industry with a long history of losses.

“These moves are inevitable, if only to avoid overproduction and financial ruin,” commented a UK importer.

For too long the Brazilians fought among themselves for orders, enabling buyers to force prices lower and lower. But E grade corned beef has risen 60% since the beginning of 2003 thanks to reduced production. Importers will now find it increasingly difficult to influence selling prices.


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