Red meat sales show strong growth

RETAIL SALES of fresh red meat now total £2.8 billion a year and they are showing continuing strong growth despite reports of a slow-down in consumer spending.

Latest figures from the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX) and the British Pig Executive (BPEX), compiled by TNS, show a year-on-year rise in sales of four per cent.

Lamb showed the strongest growth with a six per cent rise and beef and pork both gained three per cent in the value of their sales.

In the year up to May 2005 sales of beef stood at £1,483 million, pork at £683 million and lamb at £555 million.

On top of that bacon sales rose by two per cent to reach £1,053 million, sausage sales grew by one per cent to £502 million and sliced cooked meats also showed a two per cent rise to £1,600 million.

Consumer affairs director Richard Lowe said: “These figures show how remarkably robust red meat sales are in this country.

“It is seen as an essential – and tasty – part of a healthy, balanced British diet.”