Demand stayed firm last week, despite one major processor reducing capacity to three days at one of it’s plants for the foreseeable future due to the loss of China export status after a COVID outbreak, according to Thames Valley Cambac.
“Supply was extremely tight and average weights continued to tumble,” TVC said in its latest weekly market update. “The focus was firmly on contract price contributions, with increases of 4p and 3p achieved in a couple of influential outlets.
“The fresh meat market motored on with good demand seen from both high-street and food service – prices generally improved 1p to 2p. The black spot of the day was reserved for the cull sow export trade. German cutting plants reported a resurgence of Covid which badly affected staffing levels.
“The upshot was the limited numbers of staff concentrating on cutting fresh pork at the expense of sow meat. Price quotes were back 6p, and the feeling is that this situation will not improve for a few weeks to come.”
European pork markets were mixed with Denmark. Ireland and France all adding 4 eurocents, while Belgium lost 2 eurocents. Price quotes in sterling were enhanced by a stronger Euro that ended the week up 0.13p at 86.79p.
Weaner demand and supply continued to be out of balance in the 30kg store market with some orders going unfulfilled.
It was a different story in the 7kg weaner market where more specialist accommodation is still at a premium. There were no weaner or store pig prices announced by the AHDB.
European Prices (p/kg.dwt) w/c 18/04/21 Movement on last week
Tribune Spot Bacon 144.41 + 1.81
European Av. 137.14 + 1.31
Belgium 113.87 – 2.08
Denmark 126.02 + 3.66
France 148.83 + 3.56
Germany 130.19 + 0.20
Ireland 144.08 + 3.34
Holland 132.45 + 0.21
Spain 164.56 + 0.26
(Ref Weekly Tribune)