Procurement firm Beacon has warned that the price of pork and bacon is set to soar due to the outbreak of African swine fever in China.
Sky News reported that York-based Beacon said its supplier, Bidfood, has found that throughout 2019, German and Dutch bacon suppliers have seen a huge increase in orders from China.
Bacon prices began rising between February and April with an 18% increase and the market price of pork has risen by 38% in the last four weeks.
Brakes, suggested that 30-50% of Chinese pig farms have been affected by the outbreak, triggering an increase in pig prices across the globe.
Ben Charles, food buyer at Beacon Purchasing, said: “Brexit has been a driving force behind the price of pork throughout the first quarter of 2019, but the outbreak of African swine fever has mounted pressure on the market.
“The current increased demand that faces European suppliers makes it increasingly likely that prices will continue to rise throughout the rest of the year.
“Beacon will work closely with its leading suppliers to monitor these increases to ensure that demand does not outstrip supply and to mitigate price increases as much as possible.”
