FAO: meat price index up 3 % in April

The global food price index rose 1 % in April compared with March, driven by higher cereal, meat and dairy prices, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Friday. The FAO meat price index averaged 121.6 points in April, 3.7 points (3.2 %) more than in March and 5.0 points (4.3 %) higher year on year.

International meat quotations rose across all categories, with pork prices recording the sharpest increase. The rise was due to higher prices in the European Union, where global demand for imports picked up after Germany’s foot and mouth disease free status was reinstated and importing countries lifted related restrictions, a trend reinforced by seasonal Easter demand.

Beef prices also climbed, especially in Australia and Brazil, amid steady import demand and limited global availability. Sheep meat prices rose sharply owing to strong buying interest in key markets. Poultry meat prices posted a moderate increase, particularly in Brazil, where firm external demand and slower processing during the holidays tightened exportable supplies and added upward pressure on prices.