German pig industry organisation ISN claims producers in Europe could be on the cusp of receiving increased returns. ISN said "Very cautious first signals" could herald price rises.

The organisation said on Tuesday that "No clear price increase has been observed so far, but in some countries the corrected quotations went up slightly." Belgian and Dutch producers enjoyed rises this week, with prices up by 1.2 and 0.9 cents respectively. Britain too reversed last week's trend; prices rose by 4.8 cents (£4.09).

Prices remained level in Germany, Denmark, Austria, Spain and Ireland. ISN added, "The German quotation acts as an indicator again, although it has been treading water for weeks as a result of missing stimulus. For weather reasons, scarce meat sales and calm export activities obviating prices to increase."

The organisation suggested that, as spring finally comes to Europe, conditions are ripe for a price rise.