The stores show fairly regular restocking needs, with the restart of canteens and school catering. Manufacturers have built up stocks in recent weeks, particularly in frozen or vacuum-packed categories. There is a demand for fresh meat for minced steak.
The level of supply is not very busy for the start of 2025, with the gradual restart of trading companies or cooperatives which have taken a clear break between the holidays. After the increase in volumes towards the end of the year, availability is less sustained. Commercial activity at the start of the year is resuming on the same basis as at the end of the year.
The modest supply of culled dairy cows ensures a fairly smooth flow with slaughterhouses granting some price increases to traders and breeders who had kept animals for this rather tense period for manufacturers.
Mid-range prim'holstein cows (P =) sell in a range from €4.00 to €4.15 depending on weight and finish. Prices can rise between €4.20 and €4.30 in heavy P+/O-. Bad cows (P-1 or 2) remain poorly valued between €2.70 and €3.30.
Prices for Charolais R cows remain within a range of €5.30 to €5.45. Young U meat cows are sold between €5.45 and €5.60. In high-end meat (Parthenaise, Blondes d'Aquitaine, Limousines or Charolaises), butchers restock after the holidays. Very well-formed and heavy heifers and cows (+500 kg) are valued at €6.20 to €6.50.
