Brent Crude isnt the only commodity thats falling in price; pork has dropped 20p since the summer, and its still falling.

"You wouldnt expect us to welcome the steady decline in pig producer prices over the past few months — but we do applaud the fact that these price drops are helping retailers and foodservice to delight customers with lower prices for British pork and pork products," says National Pig Association chairman, Richard Longthorp.

The Association is taking the opportunity, on the second anniversary of horsegate, to commend retailers for remaining committed to British pork, particularly in the face of intense provocation from mainland Europe wher Russias meat embargo is causing serious market difficulties.

"Retailers are sticking to the promises they made after horsegate to source more British pork because it is a quality, farm-assured product with a short, transparent supply chain," says Longthorp.

In particular, NPA praises the British pork hundred-percenters as identified by the industrys Porkwatch survey, namely Waitrose, M&S, Budgens, the Co-op, Sainsburys, Morrisons, and hard discounters Aldi and Lidl.

"Pork is not only the most versatile of meats, it remains outstanding value — which is particularly important whilst consumers remain price conscious in what, for many, are still challenging times," continues Longthorp. "With a 20p a kilo dro in pig prices since June,  the value of British pork is now even greater, especially as customers are getting a locally-produced high quality product."

To return to the pre-horsegate days of sourcing meat solely on price, and regardless of origin, would be the worst kind of short-termism, he adds. "The huge surge in the popularity of British pork we have seen since horsegate has led to a period of recovery in the British pig industry, with investment in staff training and apprenticeships, new facilities, new technology and new accommodation — and everybody has benefited."