December 29, 2022

UK pork output strong in November, supported by Christmas demand

Data from the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs showed that the country produced 91,900 tonnes of pork in November 2022, the highest monthly volume since March thanks to Christmas demand, UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board reported.

Despite average carcase weights declining in the month to 89.4 kg (-1%), production increased by 6% from October. Production is down 2% year-on-year, primarily as a result of the heavier carcase weights brought on by the backlog in the latter part of 2021.

Increased slaughter, with November's clean swine slaughter recording the highest monthly numbers since March at 995,400 head, was the primary factor in the month's increased production. Although numbers are consistent with November of last year, clean swine slaughter is up 8% month over month.

UK pork production for the year as of now (January to November) is 966,200 tonnes, up 2% from the same period last year. As the year-to-date clean swine slaughter continues to be in line with 2021 numbers, this growth is still being driven by the heavier carcase weights observed at the beginning of the year.

-      UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board