Market report: Pig prices continue slow decline

Deadweight pig prices have fallen for the tenth consecutive week, dropping by 0.3p/kg in the week to 4 September, to average 142.58p/kg.

That is a decline of more than 3% since the peak in values at the end of June, when the seasonal fall in demand and increased availability of finished pigs began to take effect. Prices are now 8p/kg – or 5% – below the same time last year.

The average weight of pigs in the DAPP sample increased again on the week, to 79.5kg, while the probe measurement dropped marginally to 11.2mm, said AHDB Meat Services’ latest survey. Average weaner prices also eased, dropping from £47.39 a head last week, to £46.42 – about 11% below the same time last year.

Estimated clean pig slaughterings in Great Britain totalled 155,000 head in the week to 28 August – 3% higher than the corresponding period a year ago. Slaughterings in August were 2% up on the year, at 600,000 head.

Volume sales of pork increased by 7%, year-on-year, in the month to 8 August, according to analyst Kantar Worldpanel. However, a 5% fall in retail prices offset this, putting total expenditure up 2%, to £61m.