Kosher operations ramp up in the region

Rabbinical crews for kosher slaughter are starting to arrive in the region. Some teams begin this and next week, others around 16 May, Paraguayan industry sources said. Forward deals for Paraguayan forequarters were quoted at US$/t 6,800 7,200 FOB. In Brazil some plants are kicking off this week at US$/t 7,000 for regular forequarters.

In Uruguay, one importer said he had yet to close, while another announced a start at one plant at US$/t 8,000 for regular forequarters.

Argentina shows a similar pattern: several crews are working without a settled price owing to wide bid ask spreads. Top brands want above US$/t 9,500 FOB for forequarters, whereas lesser reputations revolve around US$/t 8,800 FOB. An Israeli importer told WBR some crews will start “very short” in Argentina at US$/t 9,600 9,800 before “aligning with the market”. He said industry asks US$/t 9,800 10,000, but Israeli buyers are unwilling to pay more than US$/t 9,700 for premium product.