Kantar data revealed that overall GB pig meat sales volumes fell almost 5% year-on-year in the 12 weeks ending July 14, according to its latest data. The drop in value was slightly larger, due to a small decline in average retail prices.
Processed pig meat products, such as pork pies, sausage rolls and sliced cooked meats (including ham), recorded a decline in sales. This, Kantar said, may be related to poorer summer weather this year reducing picnic and outdoor dining occasions.
Fresh and frozen primary pork sales recorded a 3% year-on-year decline in volume, with the average price also slipping. Roasting joints and mince recorded increases, though this was not enough to counter decreases in more popular pork categories.
The situation was more positive for the other primary meat categories. Fresh and frozen primary beef sales increased 3% in volume on the year. In the beef category, mince was a standout performer with an increase in the number of shoppers helping to drive an 8% volume increase.
Unsurprisingly after last summer, beef burger sales declined 17%, with both fewer shoppers and fewer trips.
Fresh and frozen primary lamb sales increased 13% in volume, largely supported by an increase in roasting joint sales. However, bucking the trend of other lamb products, sales of chops and steaks did decline 4% year-on-year.
