Abattoirs and processors are struggling to shift high value cuts of UK beef this month, with the cost of living and cheaper imports getting the blame.

Wholesalers are claiming they can get striploins of Brazilian beef for £10/kg, which is less than half the retail value of the equivalent Scotch product.

Furthermore some slaughterhouses are offering farmers the opportunity to buy back strip loins from cattle supplied at £10/kg. All of this is putting pressure on farm gate prices, which are already struggling to keep up with the rising cost of production.

Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers chief executive Martin Morgan said: “There are a number of levels at play here. We have indications that the consumer buying power has been dropping with shoppers trading down.

"Equally it is the same time of year when it gets difficult to sell high value cuts like steaks. During the barbecue season, consumers are preferring sausages and burgers.

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“There is also the UK government’s desire, shall we say, to have free trade deal with all and sundry," said Mr Morgan. "The UK Ministers seem hell bent on giving access to other countries for agricultural products. We are paying a heavy price for this global Britain initiative.

"I wouldn’t be surprised if there were secondary processors and suppliers into food service who are thinking 'I can get Brazilian cuts for £5 cheaper' and be sorely tempted to go for imported product.

"As long as the consumer doesn’t ask where the steak comes from, they are all quite happy. The food service sector at the moment is very price sensitive – people are not going out as much due to having less money in their pocket, pushing prices down.”