Technological yield is one of the most important indicators of industrial performance. According to FAO analyses and data collected by DG AGRI, the average yield for pork in the European Union ranges between 74–78% depending on the weight category, while for beef the average is 58–62%. Romania aligns with these levels, but the National Institute of Statistics (INS) reports larger variations in small and medium-sized units, where differences in technology, training, and logistical flow directly influence losses.

In 2024, Eurostat reported an increase in the cost of animal raw materials, which pushed processors to optimize deboning and portioning workflows. Units that implemented automated cutting systems reduced losses by 3–6%, according to the European Commission’s technical assessments on digitalization in the food industry.

At the European level, the standardization of cuts and blade calibration have become mandatory parameters for export, especially for trade with Central European markets. These standards allow the reduction of batch variability to below 1.5%, a threshold difficult to achieve in traditional facilities.

For 2025, the main trend remains the integration of digital real-time measurement systems, which allow continuous loss control and the adjustment of operating parameters. Units with full traceability and predictive management will have more stable margins and lower costs per kilogram of finished product.

(Photo: Freepik)