Polish Beef to the Maldives, UK Avian Flu Accelerates, and German Pork Prices Hold.

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Polish Beef to the Maldives, UK Avian Flu Accelerates, and German Pork Prices Hold.

Poland secures a new beef export market, new Avian Flu cases hit major UK poultry regions, and German pork prices find a floor while Ukraine's market faces a sharp drop.

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Bo Pedersen
Chief Revenue Officer

Eastern EU Market: Poland Secures Beef Market Access to the Maldives

What happened: Polish and Maldivian veterinary authorities have finalized arrangements to open the Maldivian market to Polish beef and beef products. As reported on October 21, 2025, Poland's Chief Veterinary Inspectorate has published the official health certificate required for exporters, effective immediately.

Why it matters: This is another strategic win for Poland's export diversification. As the EU's second-largest beef exporter, with 80-90% of its production sold abroad, gaining access to new non-EU markets is critical. The Maldives, a high-value, tourism-driven economy, represents a premium market for foodservice cuts, further strengthening Poland's footprint outside of Europe, which already includes Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Implications & suggested actions:

  • Polish Exporters: This is a new, high value, albeit niche, market. Producers with Halal certification and experience in hotel/restaurant supply chains should secure the new health certificate and immediately engage with Maldivian importers.

  • EU Competitors (e.g., Ireland, France): Poland continues to aggressively open new third-country markets. This reduces its reliance on the intra-EU market and strengthens its price floor, making it a more resilient competitor.

  • Buyers (Maldives): Hotel and foodservice procurement teams now have a new, high-quality, EU-approved beef supplier. This provides an opportunity to diversify supply chains and source competitively priced beef.

UK Market: Avian Flu Accelerates with Multiple New Outbreaks

What happened: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has escalated in England with multiple new cases confirmed over the weekend. On November 1st and 2nd, the H5N1 strain was confirmed in large commercial poultry units near Honington in Suffolk, Donington in Lincolnshire, and Easingwold in North Yorkshire. All poultry on the premises are being culled, and 3km Protection Zones and 10km Surveillance Zones have been established.

Why it matters: This is a rapid and worrying expansion of the virus into a new month, hitting three of the UK's most critical poultry-producing counties. The introduction of new 10km surveillance zones will immediately halt or severely restrict the movement of poultry and related products in these high-density areas, threatening Christmas production schedules and tightening supply.

Implications & suggested actions:

  • Poultry Producers (UK): Immediately enforce a zero-tolerance biosecurity lockdown. Review all visitor logs and vehicle movements. The risk of infection is now extremely high.

  • Retailers (UK): Activate contingency sourcing plans. These outbreaks will take significant capacity offline. Contact suppliers both inside and outside the new zones to get a clear picture of your Christmas poultry volumes.

  • Traders (EU): Expect a short-term increase in inquiries for poultry meat from UK buyers looking to fill supply gaps caused by these movement restrictions.

EU Pork Market: German Prices Hold Firm While Ukraine Braces for Drop

What happened: Germany's key VEZG pig price has held steady for the third consecutive week, set at €1.70/kg for the week of November 3-9, 2025. As reported on November 3rd, this stability in the EU's benchmark market contrasts sharply with new forecasts from Ukraine, where analysts predict a significant drop in live pig prices to 71-72 UAH/kg.

Why it matters: The stability in Germany suggests EU pork prices have found a floor, balancing steady supply with lackluster domestic demand. However, the impending price drop in Ukraine, a major neighboring market, signals growing volatility. This divergence could create new trade arbitrages and increase downward price pressure on Eastern EU markets, particularly Poland.

Implications & suggested actions:

  • EU Pork Producers: The stable German price provides a level of security but be aware of downward pressure from cheaper pork in neighboring non-EU markets.

  • Traders (EU): This is a key signal. Source product from Ukraine if possible, for processing but be prepared for Polish and other Eastern EU suppliers to become more competitive to avoid losing sales.

  • Processors (Eastern EU): This volatility presents an opportunity to source cheaper raw material from Ukraine. Monitor the price differential closely, as it will impact your competitiveness against Polish suppliers.

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