Pork and pork products have also benefited from the recession as they are also seen as good value for money.

These important trends are all analysed in a new, revamped and more focused edition of the Pig Yearbook published by BPEX.

As well as the demand side of the market the Pig Yearbook also looks in detail at the performance of the pig production industry in this country and particularly in comparison with our major competitors in Europe.

While the analysis clearly shows that we have become more competitive in cost terms it also shows that we remain behind many of our competitors for many physical Key Performance Indicators at farm level.

BPEX Director Mick Sloyan said: "There are indications that at least some of the profit currently being made by producers is being reinvested in addressing these challenges.

"If we are to achieve a more sustainable competitive position in Europe we must understand the scale of the challenges and then use the best knowledge to address them.

"This will cover many aspects of production such as breeding performance, growth rates, feed efficiency and so on. We have brought these all together under a single focus called "the Two Tonne Sow"

"Some of our competitors already work at this level while others are moving towards this target.

"Through investment by producers and expert support from the BPEX Knowledge Transfer team and a flow of practical ideas from commissioned research and development, both here and in other countries, we can hit this target."

Copies of the Yearbook are available from Dorian Harris on 0247 6647 8850 and cost £18 for BPEX levy payers. The cost for non-levy payers is £22 and for non-UK residents £28.