The continuing dry, sunny lockdown weather has boosted barbecue demand, but tight supplies have prevented the pig sector from taking full advantage, according to Thames Valley Cambac.
The barbecue weather has helped underpin demand, as pork is a ‘natural go to in al fresco dining’, TVC said in its latest market update.
“Despite continuing staffing issues in some plants, all the major processors planned for full numbers.Supply however, thwarted this, with numbers proving extremely tight,” it said.
All contract contributions, including newly agreed monthlies, stood on, and the SPP continued its slow improvement adding another 0.17p to 164.51p.
“The fresh meat trade was a touch more buoyant, despite continuing reports of keenly priced imports, and prices were a strong stand on. The cull sow market saw tighter volumes overall, but prices were generally similar,” it said.
There were mixed fortunes in Europe, as Germany set the middle ground by standing on, while Belgium added 10 eurocents to close the gap pricewise on its near neighbours, and Ireland fell 14 eurocents as COVID-19 factory issues backed up the market.
Price quotes in sterling were enhanced slightly by a stronger Euro that ended the week up 0.15p at 90.09p.
Supplies of 30kg stores were particularly short this week, and the 7kg weaner supply was not much better.
Demand remained decent, despite worries that the continuing drought may make straw and corn more expensive in the Autumn. AHDB prices saw the weighted average for a 30kg store pig rise by £2.09 to £59.50, and the weighted average for a 7kg weaner rise by £1.05 to £42.86.
European Prices (p/kg.dwt) w/c 31/05/20 Â Movement on last week
European Av. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 141.97 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â + 0.12
Belgium                                  129.86            + 9.55
Denmark                                137.78            – 3.31
France                                    145.51            + 0.23
Germany                                149.55            + 0.24
Ireland                                    147.74            – 12.35
Holland                                  134.10            + 4.85
Spain                                      149.28            + 1.63
(Ref Weekly Tribune)