Why beef from Austria in the supermarket has become so expensive

The price for a kilo has been since 2020 conventional beef and veal rose by more than 2 euros in the supermarket and now costs 13.88 euros, according to the numbers of the Agrarmarkt Austria (AMA).

It is to blame for the inflation declining productionbecause the cattle stock has continuously decreased in this country in recent years. Also the Number of slaughterings has declined and has been a minus of 25 percent since 2015.

Only that Organic meat became cheaper in 2024 in the previous year comparison and cost 25.75 euros. The price was previously within two years for more than five euros increased.

30 percent more expensive than in the previous year

As in neighboring Germany, the price increase has been particularly large in the past few months. So cost a young animal Currently 20 percent morea battle cow even 30 percent more than in the previous year, according to the numbers of the ARGE Rind.

“This price increase is mainly based on price development in Europe,” says Werner HabermannManaging Director of the Arge Rind, the Kurier. For example, beef production has been declining across Europe for several years.

At the same time the export market drives the price, and especially from countries such as Poland and Spain, which Turkish or North African region supply. According to Habermann, the fact that the processing camps in Europe are relatively empty in Europe in the freezer area also lead to an increase in prices.

Austria is in the upper third across Europe

Particularly expensive Be the beef in Germany, Spain and Italy. Austria is with the current prices in the upper third the European states.

The domestic food retail trade has only limited influence on the meat price. “The price of beef is made on the beef exchange. We have no influence on that in stores,” says Spar-spokeswoman Nicole Berkmann the courier.

Also with Rewe (Billa/Billa plus) Last one with increased procurement costs was confronted. The last price on the supermarket shelf depends on many factors, such as raw material, energy, personnel and logistics costs, the company announced when asked about the courier. In addition, the meat of the Action share traditionally very high be.

Consumers rise to pork

At Hofer Due to the increased prices, you calculate with a falling demand for beef. Already now it can be observed that customers cheaper protein sourcesmostly pork. “This should Historical record price rally in beef Find an end and commute the price, probably compared to previous years at a higher level, “, Hofer told the courier.

Habermann also assumes that the Achieving Plafond reached be. However, consumers would have to prepare for the higher price level in the coming years.

Cheap meat from Latin America

Especially the upcoming Mercosur agreement Can have negative effects because it makes it easier to import cheaper beef from Latin America. Habermann fears one in a row poorer competitiveness domestic businesses.

In addition, the production is due to the dwindling economy go back. After all, the domestic beef industry is with an average of 27 animals per operation Very small structured – especially in a global comparison.