Excellent pigmeat export opportunity

The gap between Irish and EU pig prices widened last week — creating an excellent opportunity for Irish exporters of pigmeat products, aided by the weak euro, according to IFA.

This week, IFA reports export plant prices on a flat rate basis mostly at 158 to 163 cent/kg, plus welfare bonus at 2 to 6cent/kg. Pork slaughter prices are 162 to 168 cent/kg; sow prices are 105 to 115c/kg deadweight — which compares to about Stg£1.20 or €1.50 in the UK. Markets across the EU are benefiting from the European Football Championship, especially in Germany, for export to soccer hosts Poland and Ukraine.