The latest farm-to-retail pigmeat price spread for August showed producers receiving just 40% of the overall retail price, the lowest point since the start of the year, according to BPEX.
The producers’ share was almost 2% down from July 2014 as a result of lower farm gate pig prices. In comparison to August 2013, the decline in share was almost 6%.
For bacon, while prices are not yet available for August, the July figures showed the producers’ share at 37% of the total retail price. This is marginally lower than in the previous month but 2% down on the same month in 2013.
“Retail pork prices generally declined in August compared with the previous month,” said BPEX, “with the exception of boneless legs, minced pork and traditional pork sausages. Fillet end leg and loin steaks recorded the largest month-on-month decline, being back 4%.”
Annual comparisons showed similar trends with retail pork prices across most categories declining. The only exception was loin chops which recorded a 13% rise.
Decline in retail prices ranged from 7% for traditional pork sausages to 1% for minced pork, boneless shoulder and loin steaks. Fillet of pork and boneless leg retail prices decreased by 6% on one year ago.