Denmark exports more piglets

Danish piglets are popular in Europe, according to the export figures. In the period from 2011 to 2016, sales increased by no less than 5 million piglets. This growth will probably continue in 2017, to approximately 13,8 million piglets.

At first glance, it is striking that the export of Danish piglets continues to increase. The sow herd in Denmark is shrinking, from 1,226 million in 2014 to 1,210 million this year. Nevertheless, the increasing export can be explained logically. The export of Danish piglets comes at the expense of pig slaughter, which simply means that Danish piglets are fattened less often domestically.

Last year, about 20 million pigs were slaughtered in Denmark. The number will probably fall to approximately 17,8 million pigs this year. Every week, the slaughter figure is a few percent behind last year. As is well known, this development is a cause for concern for the slaughterhouses in Denmark. Like this introduced Danish Crown measures this spring to reverse this trend. 

The number of pig slaughters this year in Denmark, compared to last year.  

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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