Osman Yardımcı, President of the Turkish Butchers Federation, criticized the price hikes and opportunism in red meat ahead of Ramadan, stating that this situation also disturbs local butchers. He noted that while price increases occur every year before Ramadan, this year speculators, intermediaries, and some large meat suppliers have caused price hikes higher than normal. Yardımcı expressed that these price increases have negatively affected butchers and that meat sales have dropped by nearly half. He also emphasized the importance of the investigations being conducted by the Competition Authority in the red meat sector.
Emphasizing that opportunism must be prevented, Yardımcı stated the following:
"Large companies and meat suppliers are raising meat prices. These companies had previously been fined. If our Ministry provides meat support to local butchers in provinces where the Meat and Milk Board (ESK) is present, as it has done before, it would greatly ease the market. We did not raise red meat prices in previous Ramadans, but due to price hikes by those wanting to engage in opportunism, there has been an abnormal increase this year. As a Federation, we have met with our Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and the President of the Competition Authority. As a Federation, we stand with both our Ministry and the Meat and Milk Board."
Federation President Yardımcı stated that there is sufficient livestock and red meat in Turkey.
Furthermore, stating that intervention against those who raise prices by engaging in opportunism due to Ramadan is important, Yardımcı said, "If there is no intervention, large companies constantly turn this into an opportunity. The nutritional value of red meat is very high; it is the only source of calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A, B, and D, and minerals that regenerate blood cells. As a Federation, we will not give an opportunity to the speculators who raise prices. Our concern is for our citizens to be able to access red meat easily during Ramadan. Therefore, we are forwarding all complaints we receive to the relevant units."
News Source: 12punto
