As meat prices rise rapidly, it is predicted that the price of ground meat will exceed 700 lira by the end of the year.

There is currently an unusual increase in red meat prices following the egg prices across Turkey. In the last month, both in butcher shops and supermarkets, the prices of minced meat and cubed meat have increased by 10 to 15 percent. Industry representatives say that by the end of the year, the price of minced meat will exceed 700 lira per kilogram.

After a stagnant period of six months, red meat prices began to rise as of November. Especially in butcher shops, the price of minced meat per kilogram has increased from 600 lira to 650-680 lira, while local cubed beef has risen from 600 lira to 700 lira. In supermarkets, minced meat has increased from 350 lira to a range of 420-450 lira, and imported cubed beef has risen from 490 lira to 550 lira in the last month.

THE LOW PRICE OF MILK HAS PUSHED MEAT PRICES UP

According to the National Meat Council, there are several important reasons for these price increases. First, due to insufficient milk prices, dairy cows are being sent for early slaughter, leading to a decrease in the number of animals and consequently a drop in meat supply.

SEASONAL CHANGES ARE ANOTHER FACTOR

The 70% increase in feed prices is raising livestock costs. With the arrival of winter, the withdrawal of animals into barns increases feed consumption and costs, while rising energy and labor costs are also negatively affecting the sector.

INCREASES IN MEAT PRICES ARE NOT A TEMPORARY SITUATION.

According to a report in Türkiye Gazetesi, Fazlı Yalçındağ, the President of the Ankara Butchers' Chamber, stated that the increase in meat prices is not a temporary situation and that the production and consumption balances have been disrupted due to incorrect agricultural policies.

Yalçındağ said, "While our country is self-sufficient in meat production, relying on imports leads to problems. Price fluctuations negatively affect the ability of butchers to conduct business," he said.

Yalçındağ noted that the quality of imported meats sold in supermarkets is not as good as local meats, which is why there is a price difference, and emphasized the importance of butchers selling 'local products' while supermarkets sell 'imported meat'.