Thames Valley Cambac’s Slaughter Pug Marketing Summary reported that the late summer Bank Holiday caused minimal disruption, with all the majors processing a full week.
It probably belies the fact that there is a good undercurrent of demand, with export potential rather than retail the driving force. Supplies improved again pointing to better recent production, and average weights trended a touch higher. All prices were similar, and contract price contributions were unchanged.
The fresh meat market was pleasantly buoyant for end on August trade, possibly helped by sharp price increases in imported supplies. The cull sow market weakened slightly on the back of unfavourable currency.
European markets were varied with the influential German market losing the three euro cents it gained a week before, but both France and Denmark adding a further four euro cents. Quotes in sterling were tempered, however, by a weaker euro that ended the week down 0.58p at 90.45p.
The Weaner Marketing Summary, for August 18, reported that supplies continued to outweigh demand, with 7kgs weaners especially plentiful. Prices struggled, with fatteners lacking confidence.
The prices announced by the AHDB saw no quote for a 30kg store pig, and the weighted average for a 7kg weaner fall by 77p to £38.90p.