October 7, 2010

UK pig prices drop further

UK's deadweight pig prices have continued their seasonal downward trend, dropping by 1.4p/kg over the past fortnight, to a DAPP of 139.9p/kg deadweight in the week ended October 2, almost 6% below prices at the same time last year.

The number of pigs in the sample increased by 5.5% on the week, but the average weight remained unchanged at 80.1kg. Weaner prices also continued to ease, with the 30kg average pegged at GBP44.76 a head in the week to October 9 - about GBP7 cheaper than a year ago.

Slaughterings reached 150,000 in the week ended September 25 - 4% up on the previous week and the corresponding week last year, according to AHDB Meat Services' latest report.

Household pork purchases increased 11% in the month to September 5, as compared to the same period last year.

Pork consumption levels continue to fare better than beef and lamb as pork is seen as good value for money, according to AHDB. However, retail prices fell by 4%, offsetting some of this increase, resulting in a 6% rise in expenditure, to GBP63 million.