With the arrival of spring this week, prices have been supported throughout much of Europe. The best performers on the EU mature pigs market were France and Spain. Producers in these two countries benefitted from a 6 cent (5p) price rise this week.  

Demand has picked up considerably in both countries, though there have been price rises elsewhere these have been more moderate. Domestic demand within the EU has increased due to the holiday season, but exports to Asia are also supporting prices.  

German producers' groups have complained about the widening gap between price movements in the country compared to other major pig producing states. German industry group ISN said on Tuesday that producers are worried about a "widening gap between the German quotation [which is] decreasing competitiveness of their products." ISN accused the companies of creating a "degree of uncertainty" amongst producers, but said that prices are expected to remain stable at least given the promising atmosphere.

The German quotation increased last week – up by 2 cents per kilo - though this price increase has not been accepted by all slaughter companies. As a result, Germany's neighbours did not record the price rises they had hoped for. Prices were unchanged in Austria and the Netherlands, and Belgian producers received only a 1 cent price increase. Danish Crown’s quotation in Denmark is hard on the German quotation’s heels - payment prices were raised by almost 3 cents.  

UK producers enjoyed a 2 cent price rise, bringing quotations up to €1.95/kg (£1.60) and building on almost two months' worth of modest increases.