Meat packaging sector wary over spread of foot and mouth

The outbreak of foot and mouth disease is unlikely to hit meat packagers as hard as the 2001 crisis, but there are concerns about the how the situation will look in a few weeks' time if the disease spreads.

Bob Hayes, Sharp Interpack's European business manager for protein and ready meals, said: "Red and white meat packers will be affected by the restriction placed on the movement of stock. Our customers have advised us that the amount of meat in the process larders is adequate for a number of days."

A spokeswoman for the Food and Drink Federation said: "Our members believe there is currently enough meat in the supply chain and they have prepared products in stock. However, if the situation lasts for a long time, it would cause problems."

Hayes said Sharp Interpack's customers had put contingency plans in place, such as importing frozen meat, as an interim measure to maintain and supply customer demand.

But he said he was concerned about what would happen in two to three weeks, when supplies may dwindle to the extent that meat promotions are stopped, which would have a knock-on effect on the rigid plastic packaging firm's supply of meat trays.

Sharp Interpack's ability to supply other markets, such as poultry, fish and game, could offset any decline in sales of red and white meats, Hayes said.

"The 2001 epidemic did seriously affect our sales, although we are not anticipating a decline on such a scale," he added.
Source: packagingnews