Hogget prices jump 20c/kg as Ramadan demand kicks in
The Ramadan festival, currently being celebrated, has often delivered a boost to the trade in the past. However, the lift was slow to materialise this year and many had begun to lose hope in recent weeks.
Those who held back on selling hoggets in recent weeks are being rewarded with an uplift in factory returns this week on the back of strong demand.
The Ramadan festival, currently being celebrated, has often delivered a boost to the trade in the past. However, the lift was slow to materialise this year and many had begun to lose hope in recent weeks.
Factory hogget prices have increased by up to 20c/kg this week. Suppliers describe “more of a bite” in factory demand — a welcome change.
Factories are generally quoting a base of 760c/kg, plus the usual quality assurance bonus worth 10–20c/kg.
Supplies remain scarce and processors are keen for numbers. Deals of up to 800c/kg appear common, with some producers reporting a few extra c/kg available for well-fleshed, but not overweight, hoggets.
Entries at Monday’s live sales were small and prices held firm.
There were 300 head on offer at Kilkenny, where prices peaked at €199 for a pen of 10 butcher hoggets weighing 56kg.
A lot of 18 weighing 59kg also sold at €199, while 19 weighing 61kg made €195 and 11 weighing 57kg made €187. Factory-type hoggets sold for up to €128 over.
The entry at Corrin Mart on Monday was also small and prices remained firm. The top price for butcher hoggets was €192 for a lot of 12 weighing 61kg. A lot of two weighing 59kg made €187, while three weighing 61kg sold for €180.
