Erratic shipments from Brazil caused by port strikes and shipping diversions have resulted in serious out of stock positions of both hot packs and canned Beef. Hardest hit is stewed steak which was scheduled to arrive in time for post Christmas promotions. At least three supermarkets are known to have been forced to find alternative products when it became known that the South American steak would not arrive in time. Sources in Sao Paulo said the disruption was likely to continue for some weeks as port authorities take a tough line with the strikers. Shipping lines have been avoiding the southern ports in fear of having their vessels blockaded. {{MARKETEDGE }}

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