Turkey red meat prices climb amid supply pressures

The National Red Meat Council (UKON) reported that, as of 6 August 2026, the price of lean beef cuts in Turkey’s Central Anatolia region rose to 577 TL per kilogram, up 2 TL (≈0.35%) from the previous week. Lean lamb cuts also increased to 580 TL per kilogram, a similar weekly rise. Over the past year, beef prices have jumped 26.8% and lamb 29.5% compared with the same period in 2025.

Nationwide, red‑meat prices have surged more than 50% since the start of the year, pushing average retail prices to between 700 TL and 1,000 TL per kilogram. The State Milk and Meat Institution (ESK) has raised import duties on meat by 24‑28%, further inflating costs for butchers and supermarkets. Industry analysts note that, despite these price spikes, profit margins remain under pressure across the supply chain—from producers to processors and restaurants. A similar trend is seen in the United States, where beef prices have risen 12% over the past year, contributing to losses for major processors such as Tyson Foods.