European beef market remains under pressure: record prices, supply bottlenecks and declining stocks

In the midst of this tense market situation, the long-established Hamburg-based company E.Jacobsen GmbH is asserting itself as a stable and reliable meat importer and wholesaler, securing supplies with high-quality beef imports from Argentina.

Market situation: shortage meets high demand

The European beef industry will continue to face an extremely complex situation in 2025. Beef prices have reached an all-time high. According to the latest figures from the Federal Statistical Office, producer prices in March 2025 were 26.4% higher than in the same month last year - an increase of 4.3% compared to the previous month of February 2025. At the peak, price increases of up to 33.4% were recorded for cattle.

The main cause of the price increase is the drastic decline in cattle numbers in many EU countries. As a result of structural changes in agriculture, economic uncertainties and stricter environmental regulations, many cattle farmers have reduced or completely ceased production. At the same time, production costs for feed, energy and operating resources are rising continuously. An increasing shortage of calves for fattening is also making the situation even more difficult.

Supply bottlenecks for cattle for slaughter are causing further distortions in the supply chain, which is putting increasing pressure on the supply situation in the retail trade, among processors and in the food service industry. Despite the high prices, demand for beef remains at a high level, further exacerbating the tense market situation.

Effects on food retailers and the food service industry

The persistently high beef prices pose considerable challenges for food retailers (FRT) and the food service industry. For food retailers, this not only means higher purchase prices, but also difficult price management for price-sensitive end customers. Standardized products such as minced meat, goulash or burger patties, which were previously considered fixed sizes in the range, are particularly affected.

In the food service industry, businesses with a focus on beef are coming under particular pressure: premium cuts such as fillet or entrecôte are increasingly becoming a luxury product and have to be offered at a higher price - which can lead to a drop in demand from guests. Even cheaper beef products are no longer available in the usual quality and quantity, making it necessary to adapt menus and change recipes.

Both sectors are struggling with planning uncertainty, increased price pressure and the need for reliable sources of supply. A stable, predictable supply of high-quality beef is therefore increasingly becoming a success factor - especially for restaurants with quality standards and for retailers who want to stand out from the competition with premium products.

Jacobsen secures supply of Argentinian quality beef

Against the backdrop of this development, it is all the more important that companies along the value chain act flexibly and reliably. For decades, E.Jacobsen GmbH has relied on strong partnerships with producers worldwide - especially in South America.

"Thanks to our long-standing cooperation with selected cattle breeding and cutting plants in Argentina, we can guarantee consistently high quality and security of supply even in difficult times," explains Managing Director Thomas Bär. The focus is particularly on grain-fed beef and sought-after cuts such as balls, top and bottom cuts. These are suitable for the food retail trade as well as for bulk consumers and the food service industry as a high-quality alternative to scarce European products.

Anuga 2025: Experience Jacobsen live

Interested trade visitors will have the opportunity to find out more about the company and its product range at Anuga 2025 in Cologne. From October 4 to 8, 2025, Jacobsen will be exhibiting at the leading international trade fair for the food industry in Hall 6, Stand B-029.

"Anuga is an ideal platform for us to make new contacts, strengthen partnerships and present our solutions for current market problems," says Jan Tilsner, authorized signatory of E.Jacobsen GmbH. In addition to information on the current market situation, visitors can also expect an exclusive insight into the company's international product range.

World Steak Challenge 2025: Jacobsen at the start again

Another highlight in the calendar is the company's renewed participation in the World Steak Challenge. After its impressive debut in 2024, in which Jacobsen was awarded gold and silver medals, the company will be competing again in 2025 in front of the renowned jury.

"We are proud to be able to present top quality again with our partners from Argentina," explains Christian Barkmann, authorized signatory and contact person for Purchasing South America. Participation is a strong signal to the market: even in times of uncertainty and scarcity, quality is not a product of chance, but the result of many years of expertise in breeding, intensive selection and individual cuts.

Conclusion: A strong partner in turbulent times

The situation on the European beef market remains tense - but Jacobsen shows that reliable supply is possible even in difficult times. With international networks, excellent products and entrepreneurial foresight, the company is asserting itself as a reliable meat importer and strong partner for the retail, food service and meat processing industries.

To find out more, visit Jacobsen at Anuga 2025 in Cologne, Hall 6, Stand B-029 - or contact the team directly.