ts increased by 6% in April to 29,200t, led by sharp rises in shipments from Germany, Netherlands and Belgium.Imports of bacon and ham also rose by 6% year on year to 19,900t, according to latest HMRC data. Sausage imports increased by 12%, with other processed products up 11%.
Exports remained virtually flat in April year on year at 15,100t, with offal exports down by 35% and all non-EU exports falling by 23%.
Domestic expenditure on pork also fell between March and May by 4% on the year, according to analyst Kantar WorldPanel. This was driven by reduced expenditure on chops, steaks and leg roasting joints, despite lower retail prices. “The one sector that continues to perform well is mince, which enjoyed volume growth of one-fifth against a year ago,” said a report by Bpex. Spending on sausages was up 2%, with bacon unchanged and ham up 6%.
Subdued consumer demand and relatively low EU prices – which had been exacerbated by the strength of the pound – were putting pressure on domestic values, it added. In the week to 21 June the EU-spec DAPP fell for the second week, losing 0.44p/kg to stand at 163.71p/kg.
