As global demand for pork rises, EU hog prices are failing to keep pace with the US, Canada and Brazil. A new Rabobank Industry Note examines two main questions: are EU price declines structural and, if so, how will this impact the EU pork industry in the coming years?

In summary, the report says:

• the expected decline in EU pork production will change the industry landscape.
• for slaughter and processing companies, supply security will become more important than price
• growing export opportunities in China and some other markets will help to offset some of the burdens
• further consolidation in the pork industry is inevitable, and
• five criteria will be key to success as two business models emerge.