German pig producers have expressed serious concern over the recent drop in slaughter pig prices, which industry groups describe as “unacceptable” and “unjust.”
Under pressure from meat processors, including Tönnies and Westfleisch, the benchmark pig price (Vereinigungspreis) was reduced by €0.10 to €1.60/kg. The Westfälisch-Lippischer Landwirtschaftsverband (WLV) described this as a “dramatic collapse” in prices.
The timing of the decision has sparked particular criticism. At the beginning of the summer and barbecue season, when demand typically increases, the market would normally be expected to see rising prices. Instead, producers received the opposite signal.
According to WLV representative Hubertus Beringmeier, this marks “an extremely bitter start to the summer season for the pig sector.” He also criticized slaughterhouses for sending a negative signal to the market.
Experts from the pig farmers’ association ISN are also surprised by the sharp price correction at this time. According to their assessment, pig supply is not higher than last year, meaning there is no structural oversupply.
Processors, however, cite reduced slaughter days due to holiday periods as a factor behind the price pressure. ISN emphasizes that producers cannot be expected to absorb margin pressures across the entire value chain.
WLV warns that continued price pressure from processors could have serious negative consequences for the sector and calls for an immediate revision of pricing policies to avoid jeopardizing the future of pig farming in Germany.
Overall, the situation on the German pork market is becoming increasingly tense, and the conflict between producers and processors may affect the stability of the entire supply chain.
PigUA.info, based on materials from pigprogress.net