Shortage of European cattle and regulations cause bottlenecks in food retail and gastronomy

Hamburg, March 31, 2025 - The European beef market is facing one of the biggest challenges in recent years. An increasing shortage of European cattle is coming up against stricter legal requirements and presenting the entire meat industry with new hurdles. However, while many market participants are struggling with supply bottlenecks and price surges, E.Jacobsen GmbH continues to ensure a stable supply through targeted imports of high-quality South American beef products - both for wholesalers and for food retailers and processing companies.

Causes of the tense situation on the European beef market

The European cattle population has been declining for years. Economic factors in particular, such as rising production costs, increased pressure on agricultural land and stricter environmental and animal welfare requirements, are making it increasingly difficult for many farms to operate profitably. The new EU Animal Welfare Regulation and stricter regulations on feeding, traceability and carbon footprinting pose additional challenges.

Added to this are climatic influences, which have led to feed shortages and stock reductions, particularly in southern Europe. "As a result, we are seeing a significant decline in supply coupled with stable to growing demand - particularly from the food service industry and high-end food retailers," explains Thomas Bär, Managing Director of E.Jacobsen GmbH.

For wholesalers and food retailers, this development means noticeable uncertainties in terms of purchase prices, planning and product availability.

With South America, E.Jacobsen GmbH offers a stable and high-quality alternative

E.Jacobsen GmbH is responding to this situation with a clear strategy: its long-standing partnership with selected producers in South America ensures consistently high quality and stable delivery quantities even in this market situation. Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay are among the most renowned beef producers in the world and offer ideal conditions to cushion the European shortage thanks to their large grazing areas, sustainable breeding methods and many years of export experience.

"Thanks to our international procurement network and close relationships with trustworthy partner companies, we can continue to supply according to demand - in the usual premium quality," emphasizes Jan Tilsner, authorized signatory of E.Jacobsen GmbH. "For our customers in the food service, cash & carry and food retail sectors in particular, reliability remains crucial in order to run their own business profitably. We see ourselves as an equal partner here."

High-quality premium beef for discerning target groups

The E.Jacobsen GmbH range includes a large selection of premium beef, tailored to the needs of different target groups: From classic food wholesalers to food service and the meat processing industry. Whether Argentinian sirloin steak, Brazilian fillet or grain fed cuts for the highest demands - E.Jacobsen GmbH offers meat specialties that are in demand both in top gastronomy and in the quality segment of the retail trade.

Due to the high demand for reliable product quality and delivery capability, E.Jacobsen GmbH is an important partner for chefs, buyers and meat processors. "Our South American steaks impress with their tenderness, marbling and taste. These characteristics are just as important for professionals in the catering industry as a reliable supply chain and calculable prices," continues Thomas Bär.

E.Jacobsen GmbH - Best in meat, even in difficult times

For over 70 years, E.Jacobsen GmbH has stood for quality, responsibility and sustainability. Under the slogan "Best in meat", the Hamburg-based company focuses on uncompromising meat expertise - always in the interests of its customers. In addition to transparent supply chains and consistent quality control, this also includes a clear commitment to sustainability and animal welfare.

In times of supply shortages and market uncertainties, the company proves its strength: flexibility, long-standing international partnerships and a focus on premium quality make E.Jacobsen GmbH one of the leading suppliers in the German meat wholesale trade - and a reliable partner for retail, food service and industry.

About E.Jacobsen GmbH

E.Jacobsen GmbH is one of the leading meat importers and meat wholesalers for premium meat quality in Europe. With over 70 years of tradition and experience, the company stands for quality, sustainability and trust. Under the slogan "Best in meat", the dedicated meat experts at E.Jacobsen GmbH do everything in their power to always supply their customers with the best possible meat quality.

The beef comes from species-appropriate and responsible breeding from carefully selected partner farms worldwide. The Hamburg-based company attaches great importance to a transparent supply chain and sustainable production methods in order to actively promote a more resource-efficient meat industry.

As a reliable and high-performance partner for the food retail trade, food service, cash & carry markets and the meat processing industry, E.Jacobsen GmbH offers a wide range of premium meat specialties and tailor-made private labels. With its latest successes - a gold and silver medal at the World Steak Challenge 2024 - the company is setting new standards and underlining its leading position in the international meat industry.

Konzeptschmied GmbH
Rudolf-Diesel-Str. 22
23617 Stockelsdorf
Germany

https://www.jacobsen-fleisch.de/de/

Herr Mario Stonies
+49 451 693 462 62
+49 451 693 462 63
info@konzeptschmied.de

E. Jacobsen meat import and wholesale

Quality leadership and excellent industry expertise - that makes Jacobsen the leading meat importer in Europe! For more than 70 years, E. Jacobsen GmbH has been trading in meat from almost all regions of the world directly at the port of Hamburg.

It is the excellent industry expertise of our multilingual, dedicated team and the worldwide expansion of our business relationships with suppliers and customers that have enabled our company to develop steadily over the years. For good reason, we are now one of the leading international meat importers and meat wholesalers in Europe and import our range from almost all regions of the world - from Germany to New Zealand and Argentina. Our slogan "Best in meat" defines the self-image of our experienced meat experts, because for us it is a matter of course to always supply our customers with the best possible meat quality in uncompromising freshness - and at a fair price!

In the spirit of sustainability - helping to shape change

Thinking about tomorrow today - not just an advertising slogan at Jacobsen, but daily practice. Together with our partners and customers, we are constantly working to successfully shape change in the meat industry. For a more sustainable and responsible meat trade at the highest level - today and tomorrow.

This release was published on openPR.