Sluggish pork trade as poor demand and plant maintenance takes its toll

Trade continued to drag its feet last week, with little impetus from any of the majors, according to Thames Valley Cambac.

“The majority of the major processors are on reduced kills due to a combination of poor demand, staff holidays, and major maintenance/infrastructure projects, so they have little inclination to catch up when factories break down,” TVC said in its latest market update.

“Only severe unreliabity forced some into Saturday killing – otherwise the roll into this trading week would have been even greater.”

“Supply continued to improve, as did average weights – anecdotally, pigs seem to be growing exceptionally well at the moment.”

All contract contribution stood on, but the SPP fell back 0.84p to 163.84p, affecting many price calculations.

The fresh meat market was affected as demand fell off with some butchers blaming the ‘Eat out to Help out’ scheme for lower footfall, with prices falling in some cases.

The cull sow market was a stand on with little spark from the exporters. European markets remained static, but quotes in sterling were compromised slightly by a weaker Euro that ended the week down 0.20p at 90.17p.

Weaner demand remained sluggish with some fatteners more focussed on harvest and straw leading than making yards available. Supply moderated slightly, but there was little interest outside regular movements.

AHDB prices  saw the weighted average for a 30kg store pig fall by £2.87 to £56.56 and the weighted average for a 7kg weaner quoted at £42.40.

European Prices (p/kg.dwt) w/c 16/08/20    Movement on last week European

Av.                                           133.19             – 0.30

Belgium                                  112.42             – 0.25

Denmark                                 127.14             – 0.33

France                                     140.13             – 0.09

Germany                                 132.55             – 0.29

Ireland                                     149.24             – 0.51

Holland                                    118.67             – 0.26

Spain                                       152.21             – 0.34

(Ref Weekly Tribune)