First on-line meat trading service
First on-line meat trading service
MEAT producers could benefit from improved prices and marketing opportunities after the launch of the first on-line meat trading service, claim the schemes backers.
Meatingpoint, successfully launched in Sweden this autumn, enables users, including producers, processors and abattoirs, to buy and sell meat over the internet. It aims to simplify trading, reducing administration and transaction costs, and broaden markets for clients.
"Supply chains have always had costs and inefficiencies which ultimately find their way back to the primary producer," says Malcolm Morrison, UK area manager.
"Many producers feel they lose value and dont get the price they deserve. Now farmer co-ops and other groups can trade without capital investment and have access to a wider range of customers."
Users, who can find the service at www.meatingpoint.com, can also draw from a comprehensive view of prices, news and products.
Meatingpoint estimates that 3% of all meat trading in Europe will be transacted on-line by 2003, an annual turnover of k1.5bn. *