EU pork production on the rise – AHDB

EU pork production in the first two months of 2024 has totalled just over 3.7m tonnes, according to a recent market report from AHDB. This is overall growth of 5% compared to the same period in 2023.

Growth was driven primarily by Spain, Germany and Poland.

Production gains have reflected increased slaughter numbers. Spain grew by 3% from 2023, to 9.7m head in 2024. Germany and Poland recorded year on year growth of 5% and 11% respectively to reach 7.5m head and 3.3m head.

Of the top six producers in the EU, Denmark was the only country to report a decline in production during this time, a fall of 2,610 tonnes from 2023.

Similarly, slaughter in Denmark has fallen by 190,000 head (-7%) from the year to 2.6m head.

Danish statistics for populations on 1 April 2024 show a near 7% increase in the total pig population from last year. However, this growth in population should be seen against a low base in 2023.

Comparing the data to the 1 January, there has been a more modest 0.7% increase in the population, indicating relative stability.

Tags: pork, EU, Poland, Spain, Production, Germany, Market, Denmark, pig population