Right ‘royal’ occasion for red meat and dairy sectors

Burgers and grills look set to steal the party ‘crown’ next week for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee if the Diamond Jubilee is anything to go by. Sales soared by more than 13 per cent in the run up to the celebrations in 2012.

Party people across the UK are also expected to buy more pork pies – which for the Diamond Jubilee were up almost eight per cent year-on-year – with sausage roll sales up six per cent.

During the Diamond Jubilee shoppers spend an additional £202 million on food and drink in the week leading up to the celebrations, with the country seeing more BBQs, picnics and afternoon tea occasions.

However, AHDB experts warn that the current economic crisis could impact the size and spend of celebrations next week during the Platinum Jubilee.

AHDB Senior Retail Insight Manager Kim Heath said: “With the UK preparing for street parties and family celebrations, we expect to see a rise in sales of party foods with burgers, pork pies and sausage rolls among the favourites.

“When we look at the spend ten years ago for the Diamond Jubilee, we see that meat products did exceptionally well – so we can expect to see an uplift next week. But while the Platinum Jubilee is a bigger celebration, it is important to keep in mind that the current cost of living crisis, and of course the weather, could impact how much families are able to spend.”

Dairy sectors could also enjoy an uplift next week, with cheese sales – particularly cheddar and soft white for sandwiches – rising 9.1 per cent for the 2012 celebrations compared to the previous year. Cream also saw value growth of 5.4 per cent.

Kim added: “We know that seasonal celebrations and events represent important and lucrative times of the year for the retail and foodservice sectors, therefore it is important that they capitalise on the Platinum Jubilee to make the most of this historic celebration.

“With many people struggling financially, retailers would benefit from ensuring they provide simple solutions and value for money, so that more people across the UK can afford to host their own celebrations.”

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