The UK produced 91,900 tonnes of pig meat in November, according to the latest Defra release. Supported by Christmas demand this is the highest monthly volume since March, according to AHDB analyst Freya Shuttleworth.

Production has grown 6% from October, despite average carcase weights easing in the month to 89.4 kg (-1%). Year-on-year production is down 2%, predominantly due to the heavier carcase weights brought on by the backlog late last year.

Increased production on the month was driven by increased slaughter, with November clean pig kill recording the highest monthly numbers since March, at 995,400 head. Clean pig slaughter is up 8% month on month, although numbers are inline with those seen in November last year.

For the year to date (Jan-Nov), pig meat production stands at 966,200 tonnes, up 2% on this time last year. This growth continues to be driven by the heavier carcase weights seen at the beginning of the year, as the year to date clean pig slaughter remains in line with 2021 numbers.