Red meat foodservice performance – 22 March 2026

Beef foodservice performance

Over the past 52 weeks, beef volumes in foodservice declined −3.7% year-on-year^[1], with average prices per pack increasing +0.3%.^[2] This decline was primarily due to takeaways, which saw an −8.5% decline in volumes year-on-year.

Growth was seen for Asian (+5.9%) and Indian (+4.0%) offerings.^[1] Asian meals benefited from an increase in volumes purchased per buyer, while Indian benefited from increased frequency of purchase.

In contrast, burgers, which represent 48.6% of total beef foodservice volumes, were seen to decline in volumes by −0.3% year-on-year, driven by the move to lower-priced, smaller-volume burgers such as cheeseburgers.

Volume declines were also seen for Italian (−2.7%), meat-centred meals (−11.3%), sandwiches (−6.4%), savoury pastry (−5.5%) and beef Mexican meals (−20.3%).

See the full data and these insights visualised on our GB beef foodservice purchases dashboard.

Lamb foodservice performance

In the 52 weeks ending 22 March 2026, volumes for total lamb in foodservice declined by 3.4% year-on-year.^[1] This was driven by decreases in both takeaways and dine-in/on-the-go dishes, likely due to average price increases of +10.5%.^[2]

Despite this, volume increases were seen for Asian dishes (+36.1%) and meat-centred meals (1.7%). Asian dishes saw an increase in the number of buyers and volumes purchased per buyer, while meat-centred meals benefited from increased frequency of purchase.

Kebab, which makes up 51.3% of all lamb volumes sold out of home, was seen to decline 3.3% year-on-year due to decreases in volumes purchased per trip and the number of buyers.

Indian meals also saw declines (−8.3%) due to fewer buyers and reduced volumes purchased per buyer.

Burgers (−46.3%), savoury pastries (−27.2%), sandwiches (−12.6%) and salads (−2.2%) also saw volume declines.

See the full data and these insights visualised on our GB lamb foodservice purchases dashboard. 

Pig meat foodservice performance

In the 52 weeks ending 22 March 2026, volumes for pig meat in foodservice declined −3.5% year-on-year, ^[1] driven primarily by a decline in takeaways. During this time, average prices per pack increased +4.8%.^[2]

Growth was seen for burgers (34.3%), sandwiches (2.4%), Asian dishes (15.7%), Mexican dishes (+23.5%) and salads (+21.4%). Mexican and Asian meals benefited from increased buyers and frequency of purchase, while pork salad meals benefited from an increase in buyers.

In contrast, savoury pastries, which make up 30.3% of all pig meat foodservice volumes, saw a −8.4% decline in volumes year-on-year, driven by reductions in volumes purchased per buyer and the number of buyers.

Breakfasts (−6.7%), meat-centred meals (−5.1%) Indian (−23.9%), pizza (−12.2%) and Italian (−0.8%) also saw declines.

See the full data and these insights visualised on our GB pork foodservice purchases dashboard.

^[1] AHDB estimated volumes based on Worldpanel by Numerator UK OOH data, 52 w/e 22 March 2026

^[2] Worldpanel by Numerator UK OOH data

Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB.

While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.

All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk  © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.