The COVID-19 outbreak is putting more pressure on the pork supply chain, but the market has been robust enough to deal with it so far, according to Thames Valley Cambac.
In its latest market update, TVC says one major processing plant was forced to close due to a COVID-19 outbreak last week, after a few relatively untroubled weeks.
But it added: “The market was robust enough, however, to deal with this issue and while a substantial number were rolled into this trading week, all pigs were placed.
“Demand remained fair to good, but there was anecdotal evidence to suggest that cold storage availability was becoming a premium. Carcase balance is an issue for some as well, with disrupted markets in both domestic and export trade not helping.
“Supplies remained seasonally tight, and average weights continued to trend lower.”
Pricing stood on across the board and the SPP edged a little higher at 164.05p. The fresh meat trade was ‘a touch more reserved’, troubled by reports of increasingly large offers of cheap imported pork from our European neighbours, TVC added.
The ‘low spot’ concerns cull sows, with prices down another 13p, as the demise of continental foodservice caused a ‘massive oversupply of processing meat’.
European markets continued to languish with further large falls reported across the board. Belgium, Holland and Germany all saw double digit losses in eurocent terms. The Euro was a touch stronger and ended the week up 0.63p at 87.53p
Weaner supplies continued to improve reflecting the slow improvement in production, while demand remained steady with spare accommodation still at a premium. The AHDB weighted average for a 7kg weaner fall by 8p to £42.50.
European Prices (p/kg.dwt) w/c 10/05/20 Â Â Movement on last week
European Av.             138.12                        – 7.11
Belgium                                 110.27                        – 15.01
Denmark                                140.94                        – 5.94
France                  146.01                        – 3.33
Germany                                140.06                        – 7.68
Ireland                                    155.81                        – 1.05
Holland                                   127.19                        – 11.86
Spain                                      146.65                        – 4.91
(Ref Weekly Tribune)