German and South African pork markets hit by oversupply and falling prices

In Germany, pork producers are under mounting financial strain as an excess of pork drives market prices down and major retailers retreat from voluntary animal‑welfare commitments. Retail chains are re‑introducing meat from housing form one (HF1) into promotions and are seeking to dissolve the piglet fund that supports the Initiative Tierwohl (ITW). The Federal Cartel Office has clarified it never demanded the fund’s termination, but industry observers warn that the shift toward pure price competition could force many multigenerational farms out of business.

In South Africa, wholesale pork prices have dropped from roughly R40 per kg to about R30 per kg after a surge in supply coincided with the arrival of imported pork that was ordered during earlier African swine fever and foot‑and‑mouth disease outbreaks. The oversupply has reduced retail prices for cuts such as pork chops, boerewors and bacon, providing a price relief for consumers while the market stabilises near its historical average of around R32 per kg.