The market remains static price-wise, but plant reliability has been shocking over the past week or so, according to Thames Valley Cambac.
“Numerous breakdowns and staffing issues caused downtime at many plants, trying the patience of producers and hauliers alike,” TVC said in its latest market update.
“Demand remained flat with no signs of any improvement from promotional activity nor any pull forward for Christmas. The worry is that, with only six full weeks left until the Festive break, there is little opportunity to get on top of numbers.”
The fresh meat market remained quiet with little spark, and anecdotal evidence suggesting strong competition from cheap imports. Cull sows bucked the trend, up 1p due to favourable currency.
In Europe, the French and Spanish markets continued to fall, but were tempered overall in sterling terms by a stronger Euro that ended the week up 1.36p at 87.48p.
The weaner market was very quiet, with only contracted supplies being moved. The parlous state of the finished market gives fatteners little reason to participate, TVC added. There was insufficient data for AHDB to formulate any quotes.
UK and European Prices (p/kg) w/c 06/11/22 Movement on last week
GB SPP 200.22 – 0.21
Tribune Spot Bacon 204.28 – 0.20
European Av. 168.75 + 1.50
Belgium 148.80 + 2.31
Denmark 143.48 + 2.26
France 195.16 – 2.66
Germany 166.21 + 2.58
Ireland 183.70 + 2.85
Holland 152.62 + 2.37
Spain 188.60 + 0.69
(Ref Weekly Tribune)