Tönnies does not want heavier pigs after all

Tönnies has decided to part of the new directive to reverse the optimal amount of muscle meat. The company had decided to introduce 60% muscle meat as a guideline. Previously, this was 59%. The slaughterhouse chose this to better align the meat with the Northern European market. Now that exports to China are considerably lower, Northern European slaughterhouses are focusing on leaner meat. This is more in line with local consumer preferences.

However, the decision was criticized by pig farmers and market analysts. The costs were said to be disproportionate to the additional sales. That is why the company decided to reverse the decision. In practice, the measure would ensure that slaughter prices would fall by 2 cents per kilo. In addition to this measure, the ideal slaughter weight is also being adjusted from 86 to 107 kilos to 88 to 107 kilos. In addition, the company is abandoning the new maximum weight of 19 kilos for hams.

German piglet bonus disappears
In addition, Tönnies is saying goodbye to a proposed bonus for piglets of German origin. The company gave a bonus of €1,50 for German piglets within the Tierwohl program. This bonus will expire because a bonus has been included in the standard program from 2025. The allowance within the Tierwohl program will increase from €6,50 to €7,50 if a piglet has German origins.

Tail Bonus
Finally, Tönnies is introducing a new bonus for pigs that have not been docked. For pigs that still have their tails, the slaughterhouse will pay an additional €10. The bonus is available for pigs that meet the third level of the Tierwohl system. To receive the bonus, a pig farmer must register one week before slaughter. At least 90% of the tail must be intact to qualify for the bonus.