British pig sector stays on growth path
British pig meat production will continue to grow, not only this year but also in 2026. Agricultural levy board AHDB has predicted that pork production will be 2.8% higher in the current year at 988,000 tons, while clean pig kill will increase by an estimated 1.2% in 2026.
The UK female breeding herd is forecast to have grown by nearly 3% year-on-year in June 2025, following the trend recorded in December 2024. However, breeding pig numbers are only expected to return to 2022 levels by 2027, as uncertainties around government policy may limit future investment, AHDB added.
Pig meat volumes have risen
As for consumption, in the first half of 2025, pig meat volumes within retail have risen by 1.3% while out-of-home volumes have declined by 1.5%. Based on those figures, the organisation forecast total pig meat volumes for 2025 to increase by 1.1%.
Overall, supply and demand appear to have been relatively well balanced through 2025 so far, AHDB concluded. “Balance, however, is not a word that can be used to describe the global market; perhaps ‘turbulent’, ‘unpredictable’, ‘ever changing’ are more suitable. The UK pig industry is demonstrating its resilience once again, making the most of every opportunity presented, such as additional shipments to China.”
Pork exports to China as driving force
Those exports to China have been the main driving force behind the UK’s export growth by 5% to 129,500 tons in the first 5 months of 2025. On the other hand, UK pig meat (including offal) imports were down by 3% year-over-year for the period January to May. The outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Europe during the first quarter of 2025 significantly impacted import volumes.
The British pork sector recently got a boost by the UK’s successful bid to secure long-term access to the Mexican market. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said, “From chile verde to tacos de buche, British pork is set to be served up on Mexican tables.”
In total, 12 businesses have secured approval to export quality British products, including favourites such pork chops, to Mexico’s rapidly expanding market. Defra added that they will also now be able to export offal and edible by-products, bringing British pig farmers a return on parts that are less popular in the UK but which Mexican consumers relish.
