September 10, 2013

Malta's meat production and producer value in the second quarter of 2013 have increased by 7.4% and 22.4% respectively when compared to the corresponding quarter of 2012.

During the quarter under the review, meat production rose by 7.4% to 2,836 tonnes which was brought about by an increase in the production of beef, pork and broiler meat by 11.6%, 9.0% and 4.3%, respectively.

The rise in beef and pork production resulted from a 7.4% and 4.9% increase in the number of heads slaughtered. Broiler meat production soared by 4.3% as a result of a 13.3% rise in the average carcass weight, although the number of slaughtered broilers declined by 7.9%.

The producer value of animals slaughtered at licensed slaughterhouses in the period under review amounted to US$8.6 million, or 22.4% more when compared to the second quarter of 2012. This was mainly brought about by an increase in average prices obtained for slaughtered pigs and broilers in the market.