THE PRESERVED MEAT TRADE

Globe, Volume II, Issue 151, 27 November 1874, Page 3

THE PRESERVED MEAT TRADE

The arrivals during August presented a still greater decrease than in the preceding month, being only 14.850 against 42,360 cases in 1873, and 23,460 cases in 1872 ; which fact would seem to imply that this branch of industry is not in so flourishing a condition as could be desired. Either the prime cost of cattle is too high or the net profit when the finished goods are sold here is too small for the successful carrying on of the enterprise, or we should no doubt be receiving larger consignments than in previous years instead of less ; and it becomes a question of great importance to consider what is the precise limit at which operations can be produced conducted with benefit to the consumer and due advantage to the producer. If we fix the import price of preserved meat at about 6d all round, we think that it will be admitted that at that figure there is a fair margin for manufacturers, and also a reasonable cheapness for those who consume the article ; and so clearly does this appear to be the case that directly the value arises above this point consumption begins to flag, while it has been plainly demonstrated that a concession of £d to Id below that rate per pound has been attended by actual loss to importers and others. Thiswas both felt and acknowledged in 1872, when the prices for 6-lb tins of beef and mutton at the lowest period were respectively 5d to and 4Jd to 4£d ! The difference in the value now in favour of sellers is Id per lb on beef, and £d on mutton, which though sufficient to secure a moderate profit to the preserving companies, is not enough to stimulate the preparation of more ample supplies, and untU these are regularly forwarded no expanding demand can be looked for on home account. There has, however, been more inquiry for export to the Continent, and a greater amount of business has resulted therefrom.