Following a few unsettled weeks, EU mature pig markets have tended to move sideways this week. Price rises across the board earlier in the month were followed by sharp cuts I central states last week, but this week has seen a return to relative stability.

German pig keepers' group ISN said the German quotation sent "a disappointing signal" this week, as "the meat-processing business was able to enforce their prices and the quotations remained unchanged despite the friendly atmosphere that prevails on the markets." As a result of the influential German quotation's stagnation, Austrian and Belgian prices also remained level.

Denmark, too, was unable to continue the past week's price increase, so sideways movement was reported there, too. Bucking the trend, UK prices continued to rise, recording a converted 3 cent increase to sit at €1.95/kg (£1.61)

In Spain and France, the quotations went up by 3 and 4 cents respectively, building on last week’s rises. Ireland too saw an increase, following weeks of sideways movement.

ISN said that, given the arrival of spring weather and apparent lively demand on the European market, prices are set to rise.