The hogget trade continues to defy all expectations with prices rising by another 20c/kg to 30c/kg in the last week. Many producers had anticipated prices might rise to €7/kg and steady there for a period but prices at the top of the market have surpassed this level.
Some specialist producers and agents handling very large numbers are reported as securing prices of €7.10/kg to €7.20/kg while others are moving hoggets in the region of €7/kg but receiving the equivalent of €7.10/kg to €7.15/kg when allowances on transport costs are factored into the equation.
At the opposite end of the market, sellers handling smaller numbers and possessing lower negotiating power are being offered prices of €6.80/kg to €6.90/kg with producers having more success in securing a price of €6.90/kg as the week progresses.