The not-so-summery July weather across northern Europe led to fewer barbecues and a decrease in fresh meat sales, according to Danish Crown.

The meat producer reports that its sales have been unusually quiet during what is normally a busy time of year.

“The meat processing industry is quiet right now,” Søren Tinggaard, the vice president of Danish Crown’s exports division, confirmed to globalmeatnews.com.

Buoyant elsewhere
However, there has been better news beyond the EU’s borders where Danish Crown has struck some good trade deals – specifically with China where the consumption of pork is particularly popular.

European pork exports have almost doubled as China struggles with its domestic production.

There has also been a higher demand for pork in Japan, which further boosted the company’s sales.