The unprecedented and unpredictable nature of COVID-19 makes it very difficult to report on the complete range of impacts to Australian red meat and livestock industry in an accurate and timely manner. It is clear that even though China appears to be emerging from COVID-19 shutdown, the crisis is continuing across the rest of the world and will continue to disrupt consumption of Australian red meat domestically and internationally.
Here’s a summary of some consistent impacts seen in global markets:
Red meat supply and logistics (processing, sea freight and air freight)
There have been a range of major disruptions, including flight cancellations restricting air-freight capacity, refrigerated containers being held at ports and not returned to global circulation, labour shortages and slow customs clearance. More recently, with a reduced labour force and social distancing restrictions impacting processing and resulting in plant closures.
The Australian Government has launched the to re-establish air freight to high-end protein markets.
Consumer demand
Concerns about financial security, the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and increasing pressure on household budgets have been and changes in purchasing behaviour for Australians.
MLA recently commissioned which confirms that consumers in a crisis gravitate to brands they trust. Australian beef and lamb have gained that trust over decades of combined industry efforts.
Foodservice sales
There has been a significant drop in sales at foodservice in most global markets, creating carcase imbalances. Typically, higher value loin cuts make their way into foodservice, balancing out the overall value of the carcase for Australian processors. With loin sales down, it will remain a constant challenge for the industry to move the entire carcase while .
Retail sales
As foodservice channels slow, demand for meat through retail, particularly online, has lifted, as more consumers are forced to eat more meals at home. Demand has been strongest for staple items such as mince and sausages, which were key contributors to
A shift to ‘localism’ has also occurred as more Australians are buying food and drinks from local businesses out of convenience and to ‘support local’. This has contributed to domestic butcher sales surging in recent weeks.
There are some early signs that consumer behaviour may change across areas such as:
- Increased channel share for online grocery, as changed channel behaviour potentially sticks
- Increased focus on quality & safety, as consumers seek out trusted products
- Price sensitivity, as consumers have potentially restricted household and disposable income
- Preference for cooking at home, as social distancing measures continue
Adaption will be key to overcome implications created by these shifts.
Competitors
, as outbreaks and distancing restrictions lead to a drop in processing speeds and, in some cases, temporary plant closures.
Inconsistent supply and shifting demand from international markets is likely to see the global competitive landscape remain unpredictable for months to come.
Supply issues have escalated rapidly within the US as the number of COVID-19 cases increases and consequently there is a growing number of processing plants are being forced to take greater safety precautions, slowing processing chains, or temporarily closing.
Australian red meat exports
have been shaped by COVID-19 as global markets continue to be impacted. Australian beef exports in April totalled 92,476 tonnes swt, 6% lower than a year earlier. Lamb exports also fell by 18% in April year-on-year, reaching 22,643 swt.
Some have improved, as offshore demand for lower value red meat products remains strong, however more premium offal products such as tongue and thickskirt have failed to find support. Hide prices remain flat as suppliers wait on end markets and tanneries to reopen.
Australian’s largest cattle export market, Indonesia, has been hit by significant social as demand is impacted.
Easing social restrictions in China coupled with strong consumer preference for Australian red meat has seen a sharp increase in exports to the country in April. Beef shipments lifted 30% from March to 24,788 tonnes swt, while lamb exports also increased by 2% to 7,086 tonnes swt.
Eleven of Australia’s top fifteen most valuable red meat export markets are expected to enter recession in 2020, creating a range of .
Australian livestock markets
Online livestock sales have risen, saleyards have adjusted to video streaming sales and implemented strict entry protocols to conform with social distancing requirements.
As Australian exporters compete with global suppliers, this has created pressure on domestic prices, with in recent weeks as the foodservice sector continues to suffer.
MLA has recently released revised which are forecasting a further tightening of supply as improved conditions help initiate a national herd rebuild.
Australian lamb prices, are expected to remain supported due to limited domestic supply and restocking after rainfall. However, there has been a growing spread to lamb prices in New Zealand, our main global competitor.
The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Livestock Reporting Service also adjusted market reporting services to support COVID-19 containment efforts. A series of have been devised to keep stakeholders best informed in the current environment. .
Impacts on MLA’s marketing activities
MLA staff remain in constant contact with trade partners to gauge market impacts and are looking to implement a number of surveys to gauge potential impacts of COVID-19 on consumer behaviours and attitudes, feeding adjustments to marketing activities.
MLA’s marketing programs are being adapted to a ‘lockdown and adaption’ phase that has seen a shift to meals consumed at home. MLA’s consumer marketing objectives in this phase aim to mitigate food safety risks through correct storage of beef and lamb products, ensure the availability of practical cooking information with a focus on high value cuts and emphasise the nutritional value of red meat as part of healthy meals.
Despite the global disruptions caused by COVID-19, MLA is via digital platforms – see how MLA’s Simply Spring campaign in the US has been . MLA is also exploring ways to deliver business development activities using digital formats such as webinars.
MLA is regarding the Australian Beef partnerships to align them with the new Games period. MLA intends to retain its Olympian and Paralympian Australian Beef Ambassadors and will continue to use these Ambassadors across 2020 and 2021 activities.
Impacts on MLA’s research, development and adoption activities
MLA has been able to as intended. However, in some instances MLA has been required to make some adjustments to project milestones and timelines. Travel restrictions have caused the most disruption where MLA and researchers have been prevented access to certain locations where projects are – and projects with international partners have been especially impacted.
