Consumer spend on pig meat increased by 13.8% in the 12 weeks to February 21, according to AHDB. Volumes grew by 13.1% with growth across all major categories except for ready to cook.
Processed pork volumes grew by 13.7, with bacon contributing the most to growth, closely followed by sausages. Primary pork volumes rose by 24.4%, where roasting joints had the biggest volume uplift in primary and were the fastest growing cut. Growth was seen across all roasting areas including loin, leg and shoulder.
Retail volumes for pig meat were up 11% per cent in the four weeks ending 24 January 2021 compared to January 2020, according to Kantar. Red meat across the board has seen an increase as shoppers increase their volume per trip.
Primary red meat saw volume growth in January of 18.1%, with much of the growth driven by shoppers buying red meat more frequently as closure of foodservice has led to more in-home cooking.
AHDB retail insight analyst Grace Randall commented: “Opportunities remain for the retail sector as consumers look for ingredients to make economical and tasty meals at home. Recipe inspiration throughout the shopper journey can help consumers to feel confident to try a wider variety of meals and encourage new ways of using products to help maintain interest.”