Pig meat imports surge as supermarkets drive down prices

Cheap pig meat is being sucked into the UK in increasing quantities as competition between supermarkets drives down prices, according to new research.

A new report from the British Pig Executive (BPEX), which represents domestic producers, shows a 35% increase in imports at the expense of home produce since 2001.

One of BPEX’s main complaints is that more than 70% of the pork and pork products that came into the country in 2005 were produced under conditions that would be illegal in the UK - a rise from 66% in 2004.

Despite rising continental prices, pork and bacon prices in British supermarkets fell in January and February, said BPEX, as the retailers put pressure on processors to cut their prices.

"Imported pork is being sold increasingly through retail outlets and mostly at discounted prices,” said BPEX chief executive Mick Sloyan. “For example, late last year and early this year imported pork chops and leg roasting joints averaged 20-23% less than the equivalent home produced product.

"Imported bacon is also being used for deep cut price promotions selling, on average, at 6% to 30% below the equivalent UK product.”

Download a copy of the full report at http://www.bpex.org/members/files/13042006160592NRKXH20E.pdf​