Hogget trade stuck at 750c/kg despite Ramadan demand
Ramadan commenced this week, with expectations that demand would lift prices to supply the market. However, there was little cheer for factory suppliers, with prices in stalemate. File picture
Factory prices continued to disappoint suppliers this week, with quotes remaining ‘stuck’ at recent levels, dulling hopes of an early lift to supply Ramadan demand.
There was some encouragement from a livelier trade at mart sales on Monday, where stronger demand delivered improved prices.
Most factories are offering a base of 750c/kg for hoggets, plus 10–20c/kg for quality assurance — unchanged from recent weeks.
There is some 760c/kg available, with suppliers doing deals around 780–785c/kg.
The Muslim festival commenced this week, with expectations that demand would lift prices to supply the market. However, there was little cheer for factory suppliers, with prices in stalemate.
The festival runs until after mid-March and has traditionally been relied upon to give the trade a boost.
There was a livelier trade at mart sales on Monday, with supplies slightly up on last week and good clearances achieved.
There were 420 head on offer at Kilkenny, where prices improved by a few euro/hd. A top price of €200 was paid for a pen of 24 butcher hoggets weighing 59kg. A lot of 22 weighing 61kg made €196, while 11 at 56kg sold for €190. A pen of 5 weighing 57kg also made €190, and factory-type hoggets sold for up to €128 over.
Entries at Corrin on Monday were also slightly higher than last week and trade was firmer. Butcher hoggets sold for up to €190 for a lot weighing 52kg, while a pen weighing 56kg also made €190 and a lot weighing 53kg made €183.
