Italian hams still in demand in Europe

In total, Italy imported 722,900 tons of pork in the period from January to September. This is a decrease of 5 percent compared to 2015. The Italian import of live pigs shows a clear growth in the first three quarters of a total of 26 percent to 1,2 million pigs. The Netherlands and Denmark are the two main suppliers, but Spanish exports have doubled compared to 2015.

In terms of exports, the Italian volumes are considerably lower than the import figures. But the export figures do show a clear growth with an increase of 43 percent to 74.600. Japan in particular is on the market in Italy. Nevertheless, the Italians represent little in terms of export in Europe, given the figures that Spain, Germany and the Netherlands, for example, can refute. Within Europe, the Italians mainly find a destination for the hams in Spain, France and Germany. In total, ham exports increased by 18 percent to 21,100 tons. 

Germany
Pork consumption in Germany, one of the most important home markets in Europe, is visibly losing ground. Germany is the largest producer and consumer of pork in Europe as well as Europe's second largest importer and exporter. Shifting such figures has a major impact on the pig market, according to AMI, the German agency for agricultural market information.

Fresh pork in particular, but also processed products are under discussion in Germany. Figures show that demand is shifting towards beef and poultry. On balance, consumption has fallen by 2011 percent since 11 to 35,8 kilos per inhabitant. The increasing growth of the Islamic community has also been pointed out as a reason for the shift in demand. 

Chart: Italian import figures
Source: AHDB Pork