There was more optimism in the market last week, as breakdowns and staffing issues were minimal and processors showed a ‘refreshing renewed desire to complete a planned week’s kill’, according to Thames Valley Cambac.
“There appears to be a renewed undercurrent of demand spurred on by easing in lockdown restrictions and excellent export opportunities,” TVC said in its latest market update.
Recent contract improvements translated into another increase in the SPP, which is up a penny in a fortnight, while supplies have tightened and average weights are starting to fall.
Another positive was the fresh meat market where demand picked up and prices improved in some cases.
Cull sows continued to outperform the market, adding another 10p on the back of big increases on the continent, while European prices continued their meteoric rise, with Germany and Holland both adding double digit euro increases.
Price quotes in sterling were compromised by a weaker Euro that ended the week down 0.47p at 85.63p – a level not seen for over a year.
Weaner demand picked up a touch with 30kg stores of particular interest, although supplies were minimal and caused prices to ease up a touch. There were no weaner or store pig prices announced by the AHDB.
European Prices (p/kg.dwt) w/c 14/03/21 Movement on last week
European Av. 129.30 + 5.18
Belgium 115.96 + 7.25
Denmark 115.45 – 0.63
France 137.08 + 4.44
Germany 128.75 + 7.93
Ireland 135.45 + 2.72
Holland 121.37 + 8.66
Spain 151.04 + 5.90
(Ref Weekly Tribune)