SPP drops below 150p/kg mark

By Felicity Rusk

The EU-spec SPP has fallen below the 150p/kg mark in the most recent week’s data. In the week ending 12 December, the EU-spec SPP averaged 149.26p/kg, 1.79p less than the previous week. This puts the measure 12.56p below the same week in the previous year, although prices do remain above the five-year average (+2.89p).

Estimated slaughter was slightly lower than in the previous week (-2,500 head), at 185,300 head. Slaughter levels remain low for the time of year, about 5% below the 5-year average, and are well below the equivalent week in 2019 (-14,600 head). Concerns over the backlog of pigs persist, particularly as we move into two short kill weeks over the festive period.

Carcase weights dropped back on the week, averaging at 87.88kg, 380g less than the previous week. Nevertheless, carcase weights are still almost 4kg heavier than in the same week last year.

The EU-spec APP recorded a very marginal decline in the week ending 5 December. The price averaged 156.48p/kg, 0.08p less than in the previous week. While the SPP also recorded a decline in the same week, the size of the movement was significantly larger. As such, the gap between the two measures increased to 5.43p, which is the widest gap since February 2019.

In the week ending 12 December, 30kg weaner prices averaged £53.65/head, 77p more than when prices were last published in the week ending 21 November. Unfortunately, the sample data for the 7kg weaner prices was not robust, and so there is no price this week.

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.