Red meat retail performance - 10 August 2025

Beef retail performance

Over the past 12 weeks, average prices for total beef products increased +15.0% year-on-year, resulting in a volume decline of -7.5% (-9,460 tonnes) and a spend increase of +6.4% (Worldpanel by Numerator UK, 12 w/e 10 August 2025).

Primary beef volumes saw a -10.2% decrease this period. Mince (-6.5%) and steak (-12.8%) volumes are both in decline, driven by steep increases in average prices (+26.3% and +23.0% respectively). A year-on-year volume decline of -25.7% was also seen for beef roasting joints, driven by a +15.6% increase in average price. Despite these category declines, economy tier roasting joints, and economy and premium tier mince were in growth. Economy tiers for these cuts primarily benefitted from an increase in frequency of purchase, while premium mince primarily benefited from an increase in shopper numbers, frequency of purchase also increased. While in growth, it should be noted that economy and premium are a small proportion of these primary cuts.

Total processed beef saw a -7.3% decline in volume purchased year-on-year. Burgers and grills drove this decline with 1,458 tonnes (-8.0%) fewer being purchased during the period. Whilst overall in decline, sliced cooked meats in the premium tier saw a 19.6% increase in volumes purchased due to an increase in buyers and increased frequency of purchase.

Total added-value products also saw volume decrease -10.7% this period. Marinades (-7.3%), sous vide (-12.7%) and ready-to-cook (-11.1%) beef products all saw declines. However, premium tier sous vide saw volume growth driven by an increase in shopper numbers.

We have explored the impact that continued price increases could have on the beef retail market, with recommendations for industry to minimise the impact of retail price inflation. With continued average price increases evident, we will continue to monitor the impact this is having on beef demand.

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

Lamb retail performance

Lamb retail products saw a -10.9% decrease in spend accompanied by a -13.7% decrease in volumes purchased year-on-year (Worldpanel by Numerator UK, 12 w/e 10 August 2025). Average prices paid increased by 3.3%.

Total primary lamb cuts saw a -19.0% volume decrease in the 12-week period, driven by declines across the majority of cuts. Steaks was an exception to this though, and volumes purchased increased by 12.9% year-on-year. This increase was driven by an increase in shoppers, with some switching evident from beef into the category, as well as an increase in frequency of purchase.

Processed lamb volumes saw a 6.4% decrease this period with burgers and grills (-8.5%) driving this decline. While it saw an increase in shopper numbers, the volumes purchased per shopper decreased year-on-year which negatively impacted overall demand.

Total added value lamb saw an -9.3% decrease in volumes year-on-year. Both marinades (-23.1%) and sous vide (-2.5%) saw volume declines primarily led by a decrease in shopper numbers.

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

Pig meat retail performance

Pig meat products saw a 2.1% increase in spend this period, driven by a 1.0% increase (+2,093 tonnes) in volumes purchased and a 1.1% increase in average prices paid (Worldpanel by Numerator UK, 12 w/e 10 August 2025).

Primary pig meat saw volume increases of +5.3% this period, with increases seen for belly (5.2%), mince (+21.3%), ribs (+47.3%) and steak (+8.3%). These cuts benefitted from switching into them from beef, likely helped by the cheaper average price point for the category. Switching into these cuts was also seen from primary chicken, despite having a lower average price per kilo than most of these cuts.

Processed pig meat saw volumes purchased over the last 12 weeks decrease by 1.1%. However, not all cuts were in decline. Sausages (+0.7%), sliced cooked meats (+0.8%), and burgers and grills (+2.6%) all saw volume increases. Sliced cooked meats benefitted primarily by an increase in frequency of purchase, while sausages and burgers and grills saw increased buyers during the period.

Total added value products saw an 8.2% increase in volumes this period. Marinades saw a 7.3% increase in volumes purchased, due to increases in frequency of purchase and an increase in shopper numbers. Ready to cook saw a 15.4% increase, driven by increases in frequency of purchase and volumes purchased per trip, while sous vide (+7.3%) saw increases in shopper numbers drive volumes. 

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

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