UK pig producers see little benefit from retail price hikes
Farmers Guardian--DESPITE steady retail price increases, pig producers are continuing to struggle, and are leaving the industry in droves, says BPEX chief executive Mick Sloyan.
His message came at the British Pig and Poultry Fair this morning (Tuesday, May 13), as he called on retailers to pass on the price increases to the consumer.
He said that whilst retail prices of pork and pork products was up £1 a kilo, producers have seen only a 10p rise in the price they receive.
“The basket price for pork, bacon and ham from the big four retailers which we monitor each week shows an increase of nearly £1 a kilo at a time when the price paid to producers has risen by just 10p. It makes you wonder where has the money gone?
“I believe that if retailers take a strategic view of their business and ensure sufficient money gets down the chain to pig producers to cover their costs, then everyone will benefit.
“Consumers will not need to pay much more, retailers will continue to make a profit and most important of all, we will be able to meet continuing demand of British consumers for top quality, high welfare pork, bacon, ham sausages and pies.”
The industry is continuing to struggle as feed costs soar, and many producers have scaled down or quit the industry altogether – as shown by cull sow figures running at 40 per cent above levels a year ago.
His message came at the British Pig and Poultry Fair this morning (Tuesday, May 13), as he called on retailers to pass on the price increases to the consumer.
He said that whilst retail prices of pork and pork products was up £1 a kilo, producers have seen only a 10p rise in the price they receive.
“The basket price for pork, bacon and ham from the big four retailers which we monitor each week shows an increase of nearly £1 a kilo at a time when the price paid to producers has risen by just 10p. It makes you wonder where has the money gone?
“I believe that if retailers take a strategic view of their business and ensure sufficient money gets down the chain to pig producers to cover their costs, then everyone will benefit.
“Consumers will not need to pay much more, retailers will continue to make a profit and most important of all, we will be able to meet continuing demand of British consumers for top quality, high welfare pork, bacon, ham sausages and pies.”
The industry is continuing to struggle as feed costs soar, and many producers have scaled down or quit the industry altogether – as shown by cull sow figures running at 40 per cent above levels a year ago.
