EU Pork Prices Plunge as Rising Production Weighs on Market

EU pork prices have fallen to their lowest level since March 2022, as rising production and market disruption combine to place heavy downward pressure on values across the bloc.

According to the latest market update from Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the EU grade S reference price dropped to 132.68p/kg in the week ending 11 January 2026. The decline has been particularly sharp in Spain, where an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak has accelerated market weakness, with prices falling 37.73p/kg in just six weeks.

EU pig meat production continues to expand, totalling 18.2 million tonnes between January and October, up 4% year on year. The increase in supply has outpaced demand growth, intensifying competition within the single market and dragging prices lower.

The downturn has also widened the UK–EU pork price gap to 65.46p/kg, the largest differential in more than a decade, highlighting the contrasting supply dynamics between the UK and continental Europe.

AHDB said the situation underlines the ongoing vulnerability of the EU pork sector to disease events, production cycles and export pressure, with price volatility likely to persist into 2026.

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Source: AHDB | 22 January 2026

AHDB Expands Export Team to Support Red Meat Trade in Asia and Africa

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has strengthened its international capability with the appointment of Henry Glover as Senior Trade Development Manager, boosting support for British red meat exports across Asia and Africa.

AHDB said Glover brings more than six years’ experience in the red meat processing sector, adding practical commercial insight to its export development work. His role will focus on helping exporters identify opportunities, navigate market access challenges and build long-term demand in high-growth regions.

Jonathan Eckley, AHDB’s International Trade Development Director, said the appointment underlines the organisation’s commitment to maximising global opportunities for British red meat, particularly as exporters look beyond traditional European markets.

The move reflects AHDB’s wider strategy to support market diversification, at a time when global demand patterns, trade policy and disease status continue to reshape international protein flows.

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Source: AHDB | 21 January 2026

Supply Constraints Underpin Livestock Prices

UK cattle and sheep markets remained well supported over the past week, with tight livestock availability continuing to underpin prices, according to the latest market wrap from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Prime cattle prices held firm, supported by restricted numbers and steady buyer demand. Deadweight prices remained close to recent highs, with processors continuing to compete for limited supplies. AHDB noted that throughput remains constrained, reinforcing the structural tightness seen across the beef sector.

The lamb trade also stayed strong, with limited lamb availability maintaining pressure on buyers. Deadweight and liveweight prices were broadly stable to firmer, reflecting ongoing supply-side constraints rather than any significant change in demand conditions.

AHDB said current market conditions continue to favour producers, with supply levels expected to remain tight in the near term, particularly for sheep, helping to support values into the early part of 2026.

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Source: AHDB | 16 January 2026

Premium British Food Finds Growing US Demand

Growing demand in North America is creating significant export opportunities for British red meat and dairy, according to new analysis from Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The report points to strong interest in premium British products, particularly high-quality beef, lamb, and artisanal cheeses, as US, Canadian, and Mexican consumers increasingly seek provenance, quality, and differentiated food offerings. AHDB says British producers are well placed to capitalise on this trend, especially in higher-value retail and foodservice channels.

North America already represents an important growth market for UK agri-food exports, and AHDB believes there is further scope to expand volumes and value through targeted promotion, brand positioning, and continued market access development.

The findings underline the importance of export diversification for the UK meat and dairy sectors, as producers look beyond traditional EU markets to drive future growth.

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Source: AHDB | 13 January 2026

Lamb Sales Surge Over Christmas as Turkey Declines, AHDB Reports

UK shoppers shifted their festive meat choices over Christmas 2025. Lamb volumes went up 17.2% while turkey sales fell. This is according to new consumer insight from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The standout performer was lamb leg roasting joints, which saw a 24.7% increase in purchases. This was driven by strong promotional activity and demand for premium yet versatile centre-of-plate options. AHDB said the results underline lamb’s growing appeal as an alternative festive roast.

The report also highlights the rising importance of convenience and value-led ranges. While overall beef volumes declined, beef roasting joints increased by 8.6%. In addition, convenience products performed strongly across all major meat categories.

AHDB concluded that retailers and producers able to balance premium cuts with convenient formats are best positioned to capture consumer demand. This advantage will increase as shopping habits continue to evolve.

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Source: AHDB | 13 January 2026

UK Cattle and Sheep Markets Hold Firm as Supply Tightens

UK cattle and sheep markets remained firm this week, with prices supported by tight availability and steady demand, according to the latest weekly market update from AHDB.

Cattle values continue to reflect limited numbers coming forward, while sheep prices have been underpinned by constrained supply and ongoing processor interest. Market conditions remain finely balanced, with producers retaining leverage amid structurally tighter livestock numbers.

The update reinforces expectations that supply-side pressure will remain a key driver of red meat pricing into early 2026.

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Source: AHDB | Weekly Market Wrap | 8 January 2026

Porkwatch Survey Shows Steady Retailer Support for British Pigmeat

UK retailers continue to show strong backing for British pigmeat, despite ongoing price pressure from EU imports, according to the latest Porkwatch survey reported by Pig World.

The latest AHDB Porkwatch survey shows UK retailers continue to strongly support British pork, with 88% of fresh pork on shelves sourced domestically. British bacon and ham remain lower at 56% and 62%, but overall pigmeat retail volumes have increased.

The figures highlight resilient consumer demand and ongoing retailer commitment amid import pressure.

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Source article: Pig World

29 December 2025 | United Kingdom

GB Pig Prices Stumble into Christmas as UK–EU Gap Widen

GB pig prices have continued to weaken heading into the Christmas period, with the Great Britain Standard Pig Price (SPP) falling to its lowest level since summer 2022, according to the latest update from AHDB.

The SPP has dropped to 198.03p/kg, extending the recent downward trend and deepening pressure on domestic producers at a traditionally sensitive time of year. AHDB notes that the decline has also driven the price gap between UK and EU pork to a record 58p/kg, significantly undermining competitiveness.

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Source article: AHDB 18 December 2025

UK Cattle and Sheep Numbers Continue to Decline, Defra Survey Shows

The UK’s cattle and sheep populations continue to contract, reinforcing concerns over long-term livestock availability, according to the latest analysis from AHDB based on Defra’s June 2025 survey.

The total UK cattle herd fell by 1% year on year to 9.29 million head, with a sharp 4% reduction in the suckler herd only partially offset by a 1% increase in dairy cow numbers. The continued decline in beef breeding animals is adding to pressure on future prime cattle supplies.

The sheep sector shows a similar trend. The UK sheep flock fell by almost 2% to 30.48 million head, while the number of lambs under one year old dropped to its lowest level since 1984. AHDB notes that this decline in younger stock has significant implications for lamb availability and throughput in the years ahead.

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Source article: AHDB | 18 December 2025

New data from AHDB’s red meat retail performance report for the 12 weeks ending 30 November 2025 reveals contrasting trends across beef, lamb and pork categories in UK households. The latest insights show that sustained price inflation is reshaping consumer purchasing behaviour, with implications for suppliers and processors ahead of the festive season.

In the beef category, total retail spend increased by 10.8%, driven by a substantial 19.3% rise in average prices, while volumes purchased fell by 7.1% compared with the same period last year. Primary beef cuts saw notable volume declines, with only stewing cuts showing modest growth, supported by increased promotional activity and shopper frequency.

Total processed beef volumes also declined, particularly in burgers and grills, although ready-to-cook offerings saw a near 16% increase in volumes, reflecting changing consumer preferences in busy seasonal periods.

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Source: AHDB | 16th December 2025