Market report: Weaner prices stage a comeback

Weaner prices have increased steadily since the start of the year, to more than £52/a head in the week ending 20 February – some 10% higher than the same time last year.

Although GB prices dropped from record highs during the second half of 2009, they have now started to recover and are likely to remain firm, says the AHDB’s UK Market Survey. This is due to tight supplies, following poor weather conditions in January, coupled with improving EU markets.

“Average weaner prices in the EU have risen by 6% since mid January, to €43 a head, although they remain 4% lower than the same time last year,” it says. “Prices in Germany have increased by 8% over the last month, to €51 a head; and Dutch prices have increased by 15% to €35 a head.” Weaner prices in Spain and France have also increased considerably, up by 11% and 7% respectively, in the month to 7 February.

Meanwhile, sow export prices have risen slightly, but are still 19% lower than the same time last year. “Higher European sow prices will encourage better returns for GB sows, since the majority of British sow meat is destined for export,” says the report.