Market ‘very cautious’ amid coronavirus concerns

The market has been ‘very cautious’ as the supply chain reacts to the fast-changing picture regarding Coronavirus, according to Thames Valley Cambac.

In its latest market report, TVC notes that the main concern being voiced by the majors was whether they would have enough staff available to process and butcher meat.

“Supply increased slightly with some producers pulling forward to alleviate possible future disruption. Processor contract contributions stood on, but any contracts with a proportion of SPP appreciated due to welcome rise in the SPP of 0.38p,” TVC says.

“This was despite the SPP average weight increasing to 85.94kgs. Demand from the fresh meat market was a touch better, helped by the lack of import pressure.”

The cull sow market was quiet but stood on price wise. In Europe, pricing was volatile with large falls seen in Belgium (-10 eurocents) and Germany (- 6 eurocents), while France added 2.2 eurocents. Quotes in sterling were further enhanced by a stronger Euro that ended the week up 1.91p at 89.07p.

Demand remained poor for both 7kg weaners and 30kg stores, with some fatteners withdrawing from the market due to lack of any spare accommodation.

AHDB prices saw the weighted average of a 30kg store pig rise by £3.96 to £61.95, and the weighted average for a 7kg weaner rise by 65p to £42.85.

European Prices (p/kg.dwt) w/c 15/03/20           Movement on last week
European Av.                           168.47                         + 1.22
Belgium                                  153.82                         – 5.78
Denmark                                 166.86                         + 0.05
France                                     167.70                         + 5.57
Germany                                 174.58                         – 1.50
Ireland                                     169.23                         + 2.75
Holland                                    168.97                         + 3.61
Spain                                       178.14                         + 3.81
(Ref Weekly Tribune)