Nationalistic tactics worry executives Renationalisation of European meat markets has become a disruptive feature of the post-BSE era, conflicting with the objective of EU commercial and economic integration. Now come signs of concern within the UK processing industry, some executives sharing the worries of Brussels officials as they watch suppliers emphasise the national identity of their produce as a competitive marketing tool. “Farmer against farmer is not the answer,” said Raymond O’Malley at the Shrewsbury meeting. ABP chief Richard Cracknell voiced cautious support. “I have to agree we should not go too far in that direction,” said Cracknell ­ although ABP is in a sensitive position, as despite its Irish ownership the company presents itself as a British livestock processor and is a major supplier to Asda and Sainsbury, both of which trade on their support for home producers. ABP’s ambiguous role was further demonstrated on Monday when it launched its Scotch Prime Beef top quality brand for the catering and retailer markets sourced from its Perth plant.

The low fat message is key Low fat content is a message meat processors and retailers should be shouting in the consumer marketplace, the MLC reckons. The very sharp reductions in the fat content of average meat cuts and joints over the past couple of decades are probably of more interest to shoppers than many traders realise. MLC marketing staff have been surprised by consumer survey results repeatedly showing dietary fat worries food purchasers much more than the perceived risks of BSE or other diseases in meat.