Pork is one of the most popular types of meat, bridging cultural differences and playing a central role in the dietary habits of many nations. Therefore, pork production is a significant sector and plays an important role in global food supply.
In the Far East, pork is unequivocally the most important meat. China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of pork, producing more than 50 million tons of pork annually. Similarly, Japan and South Korea are also major producers, although these countries rely heavily on imports. In Asia, regulations are less strict than in the United States, which, after China, is the world’s second-largest pork producer, producing more than 12 million tons of pork annually.
Brazil and Canada are also notable as producer and exporter countries, unlike Africa, where pig farming is less widespread. However, in some countries on the continent, such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, it is a growing sector. Although infrastructure and technological development are limited, and the lack of regulations poses significant challenges, local market growth, with international assistance, holds great potential for development and the introduction of sustainable production practices.
In the EU, Germany, Spain, and Denmark are the largest pork producers in terms of volume. Germany produces around 5 million tons of pork annually, while Spain and Denmark together produce more than 3 million tons. The European Union applies strict animal welfare and food safety regulations. Internationally, hybrids with high production and reproduction characteristics are the most widespread. These breeds grow quickly and adapt well to large-scale production.
Hungary has a long historical tradition in pig farming, and although it currently lags far behind the outstanding breeding and slaughter animal exports of the ’70s and ’80s, it still holds an important place in international premium markets, thanks to products made from the particularly valuable, high-quality Mangalica breed. Although labor-intensive to keep, Mangalica pork is exceptionally tasty, easily digestible, and has high-quality fat content, making it sought after by gourmet buyers.
The future of the sector points towards sustainability and innovation, ensuring that Hungary remains a significant player in the international market. Experience shows that market players who are particularly successful in the long term are those who produce feed for their pigs on their own land and independently produce their products at their slaughterhouses and processing facilities, thus covering the entire production spectrum with their activities. Using up-to-date, innovative, yet critically cost-effective solutions combined with sustainable thinking results in exceptional competitiveness.
An interesting and important aspect of the development of the Mangalica sector within pig farming is the FattyPig conference, which brings together breeders and experts dealing with premium breeds every two years. This event was initiated in Hungary by Dr. József Rátky, a university professor and head of the Department of Obstetrics and Farm Animal Medicine at the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, and Dr. Péter Tóth, president of the National Association of Mangalica Breeders, and it immediately attracted great international interest. The first three conferences were held in Hungary, followed by events in Spain, Japan, and Taiwan, and on September 12-14, 2024, it will return to the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest. This year’s conference, even in its early planning stages, attracts participants from 16 countries. Although the number of attendees is expected to be only around 80-90, it still ensures significant international cooperation and exchange of experiences in the field. Additionally, thanks to friendly/professional connections, this event will be a joint event with the Mediterranean Pig Breeders Conference, which focuses on indigenous pig breeds of the Mediterranean region.
We warmly welcome all colleagues!
Details: https://www.altagra.hu/en/fatmedpig/