The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is currently engaged in discussions with the pig industry regarding a review of the All Pig Price (APP) data series and potential alternative data sources. This review has been prompted by AHDB’s inability to report an APP since mid-January due to upcoming changes in the market structure that have impacted the validity and publication thresholds of the data provided.

The APP serves as a valuable indicator of the average price paid to producers in Great Britain for clean pigs, covering transactions from Monday to Sunday with a time lag of more than a week. The data included in the APP encompasses both standard and non-standard pigs, incorporating RSPCA Assured outdoor-bred and -reared pigs. Six marketing groups have historically supplied data for the APP, with recent developments including a merger between two of these groups, TVC and Scotlean, along with Scottish Pig Producers, forming the United Pig Cooperative. The remaining data providers for the APP are Anglia Quality Meats, Ian Mosey (Livestock), Meadow Quality, and Yorkshire Farmers.

AHDB is committed to continuing the collection of data from these pig marketing groups and will assess the feasibility of reporting a price on a weekly basis. In conjunction with this process, AHDB is consulting with industry stakeholders to review the current APP data series and explore potential alternative data sources. It is important to note that the APP is distinct from the Standard Pig Price (SPP), which is calculated using weekly data provided by abattoirs and remains unaffected by the recent changes in the market structure.

For further information on the various UK price measures, including a comparison between the APP and the SPP, interested parties are encouraged to refer to the following resource: “How is the UK pig price measured?” available on the Pig World website. This resource provides valuable insights into the methodology behind these price measures and offers a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing pricing in the UK pig industry.

In summary, AHDB’s consultation with the pig industry regarding the review of the APP data series and potential alternative data sources underscores the organization’s commitment to providing accurate and reliable market information to support industry stakeholders. By engaging in this collaborative process, AHDB aims to ensure that the data reported aligns with industry standards and meets the evolving needs of producers and other key players in the pig sector. As developments continue to unfold in the market, AHDB remains dedicated to facilitating a transparent and informed marketplace for all participants.