Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development (MED) has announced the initial distribution of 2011 tariff-rate quotas (TRQ) quantities to importers, which includes an increase in U.S. frozen beef quota allocation from 21,700 to 41,700 metric tons while making the equivalent reduction to “other countries.”

The poultry TRQ has been reduced to 350,000 MT and narrowed in product scope, and will not have country-specific allocations in 2011. Fresh beef, pork, and pork trimming TRQ remain unchanged from 2010. MED will distribute the remaining TRQ quantities to importers by April 15, 2010.

“AMI would like to thank Ambassador Siddiqui and the staff at the Office of the United States Representative (USTR) for their efforts in negotiating this increased allocation, which represents more than an estimated $75 million in additional 2011 frozen beef exports,” said AMI President and CEO J. Patrick Boyle.

Source: AMI

Australian floods slow beef processing

The Australian unit of JBS SA said that flooding in Queensland has slowed the restart of meat processing after the holidays, as railways and roads are flooded. Swift Australia was able to resume operations in its Dinmore plant in Ipswitch with one shift instead of the planned two, Bloomberg News reports. Processing at its Rockhampton plant is scheduled to resume on Jan. 18, provided the plant can access cattle from the flooded areas.

The Queensland government estimates floods are affecting about one million square kilometers of the state, Australia’s largest beef producer.

“It is going to have an impact in terms of slowing the start of our business across Queensland,” said Swift Australia Director John Berry. “Infrastructure is the major challenge, whether it be road or rail.”

Flooded roads were also making it difficult for feedlots to access grain while the continuing heavy rainfall and humidity made some supplies unusable, Dougal Gordon, executive director of the Australian Lot Feeders Association said by phone.

Source: Bloomberg

Hebrew National helps deli celebrate 50th anniversary

Loeser’s Kosher Deli, considered the oldest remaining kosher deli in the borough and one of the top rated kosher delis in all of New York City, is celebrating its 50th anniversary by turning back the clock on its hot dog prices.

Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Loeser’s family is hosting a community celebration to thank their past and present customers by serving 100 percent kosher beef Hebrew National hot dogs for 50 cents. There will also be pastrami and corned beef sandwich specials, as well as free soft pretzels. Politicians and dignitaries will honor the deli with a ceremony marking the half-century anniversary at 12:30 p.m.

In 1961 17-year-old Fredy Loeser opened his deli with help from his immigrant father, at a time when Jewish delis could be found in nearly every corner of the Bronx.

“I’ve truly lived the American dream and am incredibly grateful to all of my long-time customers,” said Loeser. “I couldn’t be prouder that I’ve been able to put my four children through school by selling kosher deli to the community I love.”

Source: Loeser’s Deli