Market report: Beef sales rise as lamb struggles

Consumer spending on beef increased in the 12-week period ended 3 October, but lamb sales fell noticeably, according to figures published by EBLEX.

The Kantar Worldpanel data shows annual spending on fresh and frozen beef was up 4% on last year to £393m, largely due to a 2% increase in the average retail price and a similar sized increase in household purchases. Most beef cuts recorded an increase in volume purchases, except roasting joints.

The largest percentage year-on-year increase was recorded in purchases of first and second quality stewing cuts, up five and seven per cent, respectively.

But the volume of fresh and frozen lamb was 11% lower than last year at 17,000t, largely due to an 8% increase in the average retail price and shortage of domestic and imported product. Expenditure on lamb was down by 4% to £128m.

The largest percentage declines in volume purchases were for shoulder roasting joints and stewing lamb which fell by 27% and 21%, respectively. The only cut to record an increase was frying and grilling steaks, which were up 24% year-on-year.