According to Defra, the UK produced 79.7 thousand tonnes of pork in July, 1 thousand tonnes more than in June. The increase was driven by higher pig slaughterings, but on an annual basis, the figure fell by 3% for the first time since the beginning of 2025. Although the average carcass weight in 2025 was generally higher than in 2024, it remained stable in July at 89.6 kg and has been gradually declining since May. Analysts attribute this to prolonged hot periods, which reduce growth, impair reproduction and even affect the number of piglets in litters.
Despite this, the hot and sunny summer was favourable for demand. Over the past 12 weeks, sales of key barbecue items — sausages, marinades, steaks, ribs and tenderloin — have increased. This was facilitated by several factors: more sunny days (30% more hours of sunshine than in 2024), active promotions by retailers and the relatively affordable price of pork compared to other types of red meat.
At the same time, demand has grown not only for meat for grilling, but also for ready-made products — sliced cooked meat, minced meat, sous-vide and ready-to-cook kits. The continuing rise in beef prices has been an additional incentive for consumers to switch to pork as a more affordable alternative.
The impact of the heat on pig farm productivity is expected to continue in August if weather conditions remain similar. However, the pork market is generally stable, combining steady consumer demand and producer flexibility in response to weather challenges.
PigUA.info based on materials from ahdb.org.uk