MLC confident of strong demand for British pork on the continent Prices may ease despite resumption of exports Buyers of pork in the UK will almost certainly have to pay higher prices as a consequence of exports resuming next week. However any increases will probably not fully restore the differentials between the UK and Continental markets familiar before the foot and mouth crisis disrupted trade. Furthermore purchasers can perhaps look forward to an easier market next year as prices soften across Europe. This cautious interpretation of conflicting price signals seemed the typical response of traders at the Anuga food show in Cologne as they heard MLC chairman Peter Barr and his senior staff promise a quick rebuilding of export business. Executives from Scottish pigmeat processor Grampain Country Food Group were on MLC's stand at the show with Continental customers already committed. Shipments will be possible from Monday following the European Commission's approval of exports from counties that have been FMD free throughout the crisis. "We estimate that this covers 55% of pigs in Great Britain," Barr disclosed during a speech at MLC's British Meat Dinner in Cologne. Plenty of potential buyers who spoke to The Grocer at the show and dinner confirmed the MLC's confidence in strong demand for British pork on the continent, saying its absence since February had caused stress in the marketplace. British exports have traditionally been of forequarter pork and sow carcases for processing, especially sausage making in Germany. Yet breeding herd expansion on the Continent implies lower prices for nearly all suppliers for at least the next year. {{MEAT }}

Topics