Irish Pig Prices Under Pressure as Slaughter Volumes Rise
Pig Prices Fall 15% Year on Year Despite Strong Supply
Irish pig prices continued to ease in late January as strong slaughter throughput coincided with growing downward pressure across European markets.
For the week ending 24 January, the average reported deadweight price for Grade E pigs in Ireland fell to €1.69/kg (excluding VAT). Producer prices across processors generally ranged between €1.74/kg and €1.76/kg, reflecting a softer market tone.
Current prices are running 15% below the same week last year, when Grade E pigs averaged €1.99/kg. Across Europe, pig prices remain under strain. The EU average Grade E price held at €1.48/kg, but this remains €0.31/kg lower than the corresponding week in 2025. Denmark and Spain both reported further price declines of €0.04/kg and €0.02/kg respectively.
Despite weaker pricing, slaughter activity remains strong. Combined pig throughput for the first four weeks of 2026 reached just under 266,000 head, more than 18,000 head higher than the same period last year. In the week ending 24 January alone, total slaughterings amounted to 69,674 head, including 1,691 sows and 7 boars.
Overall, fattener pig throughput is up 7.7% year on year, signalling continued supply strength at a time when market prices are trending lower. Industry observers note that sustained throughput levels may continue to weigh on prices unless demand improves or European production eases.
Source: Bord Bia | Pig Trade & Prices | 6 February 2026
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