Lower demand for pork in France
Pork consumption in France has declined last year, with retail sales going down by 6%, according to the latest report from Kantar. At the same time, the charcuterie sector has seen sales lowering by 2%, a fact that can also be motivated by increased prices for pig meat.
However, pig meat production was up 1%, adding 19,000 tonnes to the output recorded in the previous year. Low consumption figures were offset by exports, as China's demand for pork grew fast due to the ASF crisis. The increase of 10% in exports was mainly supported by China, although France has sent shipments to other EU countries as well. "The strong export market led to a tight supply situation in France, but this did not drive higher pig meat imports, which were down by 6% (-30,000 tonnes cwe). Over half was sourced from Spain, which shipped 7% less on the back of better opportunities on the Chinese market. Lower imports of fresh/frozen pork drove the overall decline (-8%). Meanwhile, sausage imports were actually up by 4%, with Spanish sausages growing 12%", observed Bethany Wilkins, senior analyst AHDB.
Stong production figures are expected in 2020, at least as long as China's demand for pork will remain. Also, recent Trade deals signed by the EU with Japan and Vietnam may drove the production figures in pig meat.
As a result, the Restocker Lamb Indicator price has risen to 735¢/kg carcase weight (cwt) wh...
This moving production highlights the essential role of generational change in the Spanish countr...
During the meeting, the sector expressed its concern about the serious consequences that the...
