Slaughtering has begun in the fairs that have authorized such points, and the price of lamb meat is 10-15 lei and even 20 lei/kg higher than three weeks ago, when the first lambs were sold.
Manufacturers keep the price, even if they look a lot after customers. In the biggest weekly fair in Olt, the Osica de Sus fair, people go to the slaughter point with high hopes, but they are quickly dashed. People pass by, ask about the price, linger for a while in the hope that the producers will lower the price, and if they don’t have a few hundred lei in their pocket, they see their way.
“Today that’s the price. 40-45 lei (n. ed. – the kilogram). If you sell at a different price, you can still see. Now that it was sold cheaper, that… Stop asking us if we’re selling, can’t you see?!”, says bitterly a farmer sitting with a slaughtered goat in his arms and still can’t believe how few buyers there are.
Manufacturers have not let up on the price, despite weak demand FOTo: AM
“It’s expensive, it’s expensive! Well, does anyone know how it grows, how small it was, and how much I’ve spent so far?! Care, feeding… If we kept the account, we wouldn’t keep them anymore”, continues the producer to pour his oaf.
Manufacturers have not let up on the price, despite weak demand FOTo: AM
Among the buyers there are also people who have done their calculations at home and are not surprised by the price.
“Put this one on me”says the buyer, and after putting it on the scale comes the verdict: “740 lei does”. The lamb is placed in a plastic bag and the buyer leaves satisfied. However, not everyone can afford a whole animal. It also happens that two buyers agree and purchase it together. Others plan to try again on Easter Saturday, when the price may drop. “I say take it, because somehow we still sell them. That from home, that…”, farmers try to convince buyers.
“We’d better buy a turkey”
In the same fair, three weeks ago, when the sale of carcass lambs began, the price for goat meat started at 25 lei/kg, and for lamb at 25-30 lei/kg.
“See? See? Why didn’t I take it then?”discussions also appear.
“We’d better buy a turkey, the meat is also lighter”is heard from elsewhere, although it is clear that the decision is not taken lightly.
“Yes, go and look for turkey, if you change your mind, we’re still here!”, animal breeders do not give up.
Manufacturers have not let up on the price, despite weak demand FOTo: AM
The farmers say that they would leave it at the price, only that it is their only chance to sell the slaughtered lambs, because the Romanians do not really flock to buy during the rest of the year, and they are obliged to sell them for export for not much money.
“If even now, for Easter, the man does not prepare himself with a full meal…”, they seem convinced that they will eventually have customers, because the buyers will make the comparison with what they find in the stores and will realize that it is always cheaper at the manufacturer.
Observing the prices that the big chain stores have already made public on their own websites, you tend to prove the farmers right. Half a bulk lamb is sold for 39.90 lei/kg (with a discount for store customers who have a card), lamb organs for 57.90 lei/kg, bone-in lamb breast for 47.9 lei/kg, leg of bone-in lamb – 65.90 lei/kg, bone-in lamb cutlet – 64.9 lei/kg, neck and back of lamb – 55.9 lei/kg. In the offer of another store we find the front quarter of lamb for 59.90 lei/kg and the same is the price for the rear quarter.
For those who want
“just for taste” and do not consider buying in large quantities, the option of stocking up from the store seems much closer to the needs.
“He will sell it by the casserole, maybe the price will suit you, but you know from me that you won’t find the real taste what do they bring from the import”, throws the producers into play and the strongest argument.
