Consolidation within the Brazilian corned beef industry seems to be paying off for the major frigorificos as a hardening of prices is resulting in profitability, a situation that has eluded packers for some time. As Argentina cannot export forequarters or trimmings to Europe and the Middle East, Brazil has the market to itself, resulting in reduced supplies of raw material to canners. Sources in Sao Paulo say canners are working reduced shifts and will not offer long-term contracts. Dockers have returned to work but it will be some time before things are back to normal as there is a backlog of containers to be cleared. Possible shortages in the UK of corned beef now seem unlikely. {{M/E CANNED GOODS }}

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