Latest figures show that 116 slaughterhouses killed pigs in 2015, one more than in 2014 and less than ten fewer than in 2010. However, the number was around 70 fewer than in 2000.

The increasing consolidation of the industry continues, with the 13 largest plants, each of which slaughtered over 100,000 head, accounted for over 90 per cent of total slaughterings for the first time.

Indeed, the top eight abattoirs made up over three-quarters of the English kill.

There were only 14 specialist pig abattoirs in England last year but they accounted for over 70 per cent of slaughterings during the year. Six of the eight largest plants, in terms of the number of pigs killed, were specialist ones.