November 5, 2007

Pig prices soar in Spain, thanks to hot summer

Higher summer temperatures have caused weight losses in pigs, which have pushed prices up 15 percent since August, according to ZMP, the German market and price analysis centre.

Pigs in Spain usually slump to a low of below 80kg in August.

Spain is now the second largest pork producer in Europe, behind Germany. The country accounts for 16 percent of EU's total pork production.

There are few independent farmers, with most contracted to large-scale integrators.

At a per capita consumption of 60 kg per head, Spaniards are also the biggest pork eaters in Europe.

Pig slaughter has risen 6.8 percent this year.

However, higher feed prices may slow down growth, especially since more than half of the country's grain is imported.