Exploring Tunisia's Rising Red Meat Prices and Market Challenges

In a recent report by Tawfik Jelassi, President of the Tunisian Federation for the Development of Livestock, significant developments in Tunisia's red meat market were discussed. Over the past three years, red meat prices have soared by 60%, with current averages at approximately 28 dinars per kilogram. This surge has brought attention to several key issues facing the industry.

Firstly, there are notable challenges in packing and processing that affect both quality and efficiency. The need for modernization is evident as these processes remain a bottleneck in meeting demand. Additionally, the supply chain suffers from constraints due to limited local feed resources, with imported cereals making up nearly 60% of consumption. This dependency underscores the vulnerability of the market to external fluctuations.

The cattle herd itself presents another challenge; only about 10% are breeding stock, further limiting beef availability and contributing to price increases. Despite these hurdles, Tunisia's red meat market remains largely self-contained, with all locally produced meat consumed within national borders. The annual production is around 126,000 tons, highlighting the scale of operations despite existing limitations.