Pig prices in the UK continue to decline

Pork

In the last week of September, the EU-spec Standard Pig Prices (SPP) reported another fall, by 0.6% week on week. Still, the price reported was 160.44 pence per kilogram, which is 18.21 pence higher than the levels reported earlier this year, according to UK's Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Posted on Oct 06 ,13:00

Slaughterings increased in the last week of September by 12%, reaching 184,300 head, after three weeks of consecutive declines.

"Although this is a rise of over 4% on the equivalent week last year, it follows a 9% fall on the year last week. Declines in previous weeks have been largely attributed to continued plant breakdowns, hence the increase this week is likely a result of previously held back pigs being brought into the production cycle. Demand reportedly remains subdued, adding to the pressure on prices," AHDB trainee analyst, Annie Linekar, explained.

The average weights for carcases reached 84.65 kilograms with an increase of 390 grams in the week ended September 30 and compared to year-earlier weights the rise was 2.25 kilograms. According to the AHDB analyst, this is the highest weight recorded since the series began, the scale of this increase being influenced by the disruption reported in the production.

Another decline was reported by the EU-spec average pig price (APP) in the week ended 23 September, of 0.73 pence week on week to 165.00p/kg. "This returns the APP to levels last seen at the start of June. Meanwhile, the gap between the APP and SPP widened to 3.96p."

Weaner prices moved in opposing directions in the week ended 30 September. 30kg weaner prices declined £1.91 on the week to £58.31/head, overriding the previous week’s increase but remaining £8.95 above year-earlier levels. 7kg weaner prices increased by £1.26 to £44.03/head and were £7.60 higher year on year.