News Pigs & Pork
Tönnies no longer demands heavier pigs
The German meat giant Tönnies has decided to reverse some changes in the payment system for pigs. In addition, some changes are taking place regarding animal welfare bonuses. The company is introducing a bonus for pigs that are not docked.
Tönnies has decided to reverse part of the new guideline for the optimal amount of muscle meat. The company had intended to introduce 60% muscle meat as a guideline. Previously, it was 59%. The slaughterhouse chose to align the meat more with the Northern European market. Now that exports to China have significantly decreased, Northern European slaughterhouses are focusing on leaner meat. This aligns better with local consumer preferences.
However, the decision drew criticism from pig farmers and market analysts. The costs were said to be disproportionate to the additional sales. Therefore, the company has decided to reverse the decision. In practice, the measure would result in a 2-cent per kilo drop in slaughter prices. In addition to this measure, the ideal slaughter weight is being adjusted from 86 to 107 kilos to 88 to 107 kilos. Furthermore, the company is abandoning the new maximum weight of 19 kilos for hams.
German piglet bonus disappears
In addition, Tönnies is saying goodbye to a planned bonus for piglets of German origin. The company offered a bonus of €1.50 for German piglets within the Tierwohl program. This bonus is being discontinued because from 2025, a bonus will be included in the standard program. The surcharge within the Tierwohl program is increasing from €6.50 to €7.50 if a piglet is of German origin.
Tail bonus
Finally, Tönnies is introducing a new bonus for pigs that are not docked. The slaughterhouse will pay an extra €10 for pigs that still have their tails. The bonus is available for pigs that meet the third level of the Tierwohl system. To qualify for the bonus, a pig farmer must register one week before slaughter. At least 90% of the tail must be intact to be eligible for the bonus.
