Sales of beef and lamb fall in both volume and value

By Bethan Wilkins

In the 12 weeks to 26 January, the latest Kantar data shows retail sales of beef and lamb fell in both volume and value terms, compared to a year earlier.

Beef

Total spending on beef* fell by 3% during the period. This was primarily driven by declines in the amount purchased (-2%), though average prices were also down by 1%. Both the volume purchased per buyer and market penetration, fell. This rather suggests that consumer demand for beef is struggling at present.

Lamb

Overall spending on lamb* also fell by 3% year-on-year, during the period. A 6% fall in the amount purchased drove this, as average prices increased by 3%. People that did buy lamb purchased similar amounts to last year, so a drop in buyers drove the decline in sales. It may be that the rise in retail prices is discouraging some consumers.

*total beef and lamb figures include primary, chilled main meal accompaniments, ready meals, ready to cook, sausages, bacon, burgers and grills, sliced cooked meats

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