Inside Pigs
German slaughterhouses continue to struggle with corona
Also this week the German pig price is not moving. The meat trade seems to have stabilized somewhat, although this is partly due to the limited slaughter and meat processing capacity. Traders speak about recent corona outbreaks in Germany at Tönnies and Vion locations.
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This currently keeps the meat supply within limits. However, there are more than enough fattening pigs available to fill the available capacity for slaughter and processing. Slaughterhouses are therefore never forced to purchase additional pigs.
Corona infections Germany
Corona outbreaks at Tönnies in Sögel and Vion Emstek have also ensured that there is currently extra 'live' supply hanging over the market, parties have reported. Both slaughterhouses have a capacity of around 15.000 animals, which is currently approximately half used. A significant volume of pigs has been transferred. Dutch traders say they cannot sell additional pigs in Germany.
Numbers down, weights up
The above problems with available capacity also translate into slaughter figures and slaughter weights. The number of pigs slaughtered in Germany took a significant step back last week and amounted to more than 804.000 pigs. That is almost 30.000 fewer than the week before. The slaughtered weights increased considerably: from 97,3 kilos to almost 97,6 kilos. It appears that some animals ready for slaughter have been left behind. The supply of fattening pigs is therefore experienced as oppressive and ample.
Despite the fact that extra slaughter capacity will be lost in parts of Germany next Monday (November 1) due to All Saints' Day, the VEZG quotation remains unchanged at €1,20 per kilo of slaughtered weight.