Imports Dominate Estonia's Meat Market, Says Industry Chief
The head of meat product company Atria Eesti, owners of brands like Maks & Moorits and Wõro, has said that more than half of the meat consumed in the country is imported.
“Many Estonian brand products are really made from imported meat - Estonian production is struggling due to low prices,” Olle Horm told uudised.err.ee today.
He said that a large percentage of live pigs are exported from Estonia, adding that pig farmers have reason to be cheerful, as wheat prices are decreasing while meat prices in Europe are on the rise.
The differences in subsidy levels handed to livestock growers in Europe is the main problem.
According to figures published by the Ministry of Agriculture, the nation consumed a total of 90,000 tons of pork, beef, poultry and mutton last year. Exports were just below the 40,000 ton mark, while 55,000 tons were imported in 2012.