UK pig slaughterings recovered relatively in October however stay smartly down on 2022 ranges.
The most recent Defra slaughter statistics display UK blank pig slaugherings at 882,000 in October, when compared with 813,000 in September, however nonetheless just about 8% down at the October 2022 determine of 958,000.
On a weekly foundation, blank pig slaugherings averaged 199,000 in October, up from 190,000 in September, however smartly down at the 216,000 pigs a week in October 2022.
Pigmeat manufacturing in October used to be 82,000 tonnes, down via a identical percentage, 7.8%, on October 2022.
Whilst throughputs stay smartly down, carcase weights are emerging, topping 91kg for the primary time in 18 months ultimate week, and lately status 1.6kg forward of a 12 months in the past.
AHDB analyst Soumya Behera stated emerging carcase weights are contributing to the present drive on UK pig costs.
The EU spec SPP, lately simply over 217p/kg has declined via 8.5 since mid-August, pushed partially via falling EU pig costs, that have fallen via greater than 30p since past due July. “The volatility within the EU marketplace has been extra pronounced than the cost declines we’ve noticed in the United Kingdom,” Ms Behera stated.
Falling call for
Vulnerable home and world call for may be using costs decrease. “Inside of GB, emerging geopolitical uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and the cost-of-living disaster has intended intake of maximum proteins is underneath drive,” she added.
Consistent with Kantar Worldpanel knowledge most effective poultry meat is in expansion in comparison to the former 52 weeks, with its low worth level in step with kg attracting consumers to change from different proteins.
Consequently, the quantity of pig meat bought via retail has fallen via 2.6% for the 52 weeks finishing October 1. Dearer merchandise comparable to roasting joints and chops and steaks have skilled the largest falls, which has no longer been offset via expansion in bacon, sausages and mince.
Beef intake is in expansion within the foodservice marketplace, on the other hand, and proceeding to get better from Covid. On the other hand, total intake is in decline when each retail and foodservice is blended, via 1.3% year-on-year for the 52 weeks finishing September 3 2023, in accordance AHDB estimates in keeping with Kantar knowledge.
Provide problems
Regardless of pig manufacturing ultimate smartly again in comparison to 2022, the placement of provides may be offering some worth drive, Ms Behera added, highlighting larger pig slaughterings in October when compared with September.
“That is blended with some average will increase to carcase weights. The rise in carcase weights is perhaps following seasonal traits with cooler climate supporting expansion,” she stated.
“Those elements might upload to the to be had provides. Underneath the present marketplace state of affairs, specifically the drive from the EU market and decrease call for, it should proceed to indicate some easing available on the market.”