Demand continues to stay firmly ahead of available pig supply as Q1 ends and we run into the two short Easter weeks, according to Thames Valley Cambac.
“This busy spell has encouraged a number of plants to keep their factories open for business as usual over Good Friday and Easter Monday,” TVC said in its latest market update.
It suggested that the upcoming holidays are likely to be the main factor in why the German pig price stood on for this week, with the knock-on effect of stalling UK sow market rises. It noted, however, as sow numbers have tightened, the value of cull sows has doubled over the year.
Bacon pigs have seen price rises continue for this week across buyers’ contributions, lifting between 1-5p for the week, ‘some at the higher end on catch up’. Continued rises from SPP and Tribune price have also contributed to positive pricing, TVC added.
“Food security rose on the agenda this week, making headline news surrounding the investigation of fraudulent behaviour, elevating one clear message that shoppers have a right to know that what they buy is what it says on the tin,” TVC added.
“Given the hoops the majority of the industry goes through producing high standards, its imperative this type of behaviour continues having the resource and focus to be uncovered.”