18/04/06
IMPORTS of pig meat are being sucked into the country
in increasing quantities putting the British premium under
even more pressure.
The latest imports report produce by the British Pig Executive
(BPEX) shows an increase of 35 per cent since 2001.
More than 70 per cent of the pork and pork products that
came into the country were produced under conditions which
would be illegal in the UK - a rise from 66 per cent in
2004.
Latest figures show despite rising continental prices,
pork and bacon prices in British supermarkets fell in January
and February, as the retailers pressured processors to
supply pig meat more cheaply.
BPEX Chief Executive Mick Sloyan said: "Imported
pork is being sold increasingly through retail outlets
and mostly at discounted prices. 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.
"However, consumer research indicates British consumers
remain very concerned about imports of pork and pork products
that fail to meet UK pig welfare legislation.
"More than 90% of the consumers questioned 'agreed'
or 'agreed strongly' that all pork should be produced to
UK welfare standards and that it should not be imported
if it does not meet UK legislation standards."
Pig
Industry Honour Awaits
BPEX
Advertisement Complaint Upheld
Ace
Service For Pig Farmers
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