Trading 'relatively quiet' heading into Easter break - TVC
6th Apr 2020 / By Alistair Driver
The trading cycle is relatively quiet affair running the Easter break, according to Thames Valley Cambac.
However, some processing plants have been affected more than others by staff absences due to coronavirus, TVC said in its weekly market summary.
Some processors were planning a full week this week, with others planning to take Good Friday off. “Plans were further compounded by staff availability, with some outlets more affected by illness/self isolating than others. However, supplies remained tight and all pigs were placed,” TVC said.
Contract price contributions stood on and there was a welcome lift in the SPP, up 0.24p to 163.39p last week.
“The fresh meat market was patchy at best with some outlets, which were heavily reliant on the foodservice sector, cancelling orders altogether. It is hoped that they manage to tap into different routes to market soon,” it added.
Cull sow prices eased 3p due to adverse currency movement. In Europe, Germany and Ireland stood on, but the French and Dutch markets fell sharply, down 5 and 4 eurocents respectively. Price quotes in sterling were eroded further by a weaker Euro that ended the week down 1.89p at 87.85p.
There were very few 7kgs weaners or 30kgs stores surplus to regular contract movements, but demand was pretty steady. The AHDB weighted average for a 7kg weaner rose by 11p to £42.68, but no quote was given for a 30kg store pig.
European Prices (p/kg.dwt) w/c 05/04/20 Movement on last week
European Av. 159.75 – 4.70
Belgium 146.03 – 5.45
Denmark 161.13 – 3.65
France 159.50 – 7.64
Germany 166.04 – 3.58
Ireland 163.14 – 3.52
Holland 154.11 – 3.72
Spain 168.28 – 5.38
(Ref Weekly Tribune)