AHDB Pork’s weekly pig prices

GB finished pig prices slipped again in the week ending August 21, with the EU-spec SPP down 0.97p to stand at 159.25p/kg. This puts the measure 3.47p below the same week last year.

Weaker EU prices, combined with reports of staffing difficulties at processors, are likely to be adding some downward pressure to domestic prices.

Estimated throughput declined 2.1% (3,400 head) on the previous week, standing at 160,000 head. Slaughter levels remain far below those seen last year, 16% (30,000 head) lower than the same week in 2020.

The average carcase weight remained virtually unchanged on the week at 87.21kg, and 1.45kg heavier than the same point last year. Lower throughput and heavier carcase weights lend support to reports of pigs backing up on some farms, with staffing complications at some processing plants reducing throughput.