The European mature pigs market is still supporting producers, with prices increasing in a number of EU countries this week.

The leading German quotation, which showed a positive trend last week, went up by 6 cents, rising further than many market participants had anticipated after a long unsettled period.

The development has also affected prices in the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria, where quotations rose. The Danish quotation rose only modestly, but the boost means Danish producers are now closing on prices received by their Spanish counterparts. Spain is current leader in the price ranking of five the major pig-keeping EU member countries.

Southern European producers had less to celebrate. While in Span the quotation moved sideways, in France, prices fell a little. France is now last in the league table of major pig producers, having slipped behind the Netherlands this week.

UK producers also enjoyed another moderate rise, edging towards €2.10/ kg.

German industry group ISN said prices in the country could be expected to stabilise on the current level as Christmas approaches.