GB pig prices: minor movement in April despite weaker demand

For the week ending 04 May the EU spec SPP stood at 210.77p/kg, slipping 0.20p on the previous week. The SPP has eased 0.62p from the end of March with weekly movements varied in size. Larger declines were reported at the beginning of the month followed by an uplift in the week ending 20 April, however this was not enough to change the overall trend for April.

Although the SPP now sits just below the 211p mark, prices have been relatively steady for the last 3 months, a trend we have not seen since late 2022 when the SPP sat at the 200p mark for 11 weeks.

The EU spec APP stood at 211.29p/kg in the week ending 27 April, gaining a marginal 0.14p since the end of March. Although the APP sees more volatile weekly movements, overall, the price series has seen little change since the start of the year, easing by 1.30p.

Both price series sit behind figures quoted a year ago by 8.76p for the SPP and 8.15p for the APP.

Market commentary suggests that although pig supplies are running tight, with reduced throughputs, the market is balanced due to lower demand. This dynamic will likely maintain prices in the short term.

The latest retail data from Kantar shows total purchased pig meat volumes fell 2.1% year on year in the 12 weeks ending 14 April. The primary pork category recorded a minor change, down 0.2% year on year with promotions and easter driving up consumer purchases of roasting joints and ribs, however these gains were outweighed by losses in other products within the category. Processed pork saw a larger decline, with volumes down 2.5% year on year, however like primary, some individual products did perform well such as burgers and grills.

With the potential of some better weather ahead and May delivering a double bank holiday there remains some hope that seasonal demand for BBQ products may pick up in the coming weeks.

Subscribe to receive pork market news straight to your inbox. Simply complete our online form.

While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.

All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk  © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.