Red meat retail performance – 17 May 2026

Beef retail performance

Over the past 12 weeks, total beef retail spend increased by 7.5%. This was mainly driven by higher prices (+12.0% year-on-year), while overall volumes fell by 4.0% (-5,150 tonnes).¹ Although volumes are still declining, the rate of decline has slowed compared to previous periods, which may suggest some slight easing in pressure on shoppers.

Primary beef purchase volumes declined by 5.6% as shoppers continued to feel the impact of inflation, with average prices rising by 14.7% year-on-year. Mince, the largest primary beef category, saw volumes fall by 3.5%. However, shoppers bought mince slightly more often, showing it remains an important and versatile option for many households.

Processed beef purchase volumes fell by 8.1%, continuing the decline across the category. This may reflect both ongoing price increases and concerns around ultra-processed foods. Burger volumes declined by 8.5% as there were fewer shoppers buying processed beef.

In contrast, added-value beef products continued to outperform the wider category. Purchase volumes increased by 6.5%, while spend rose by 17.7% year-on-year. Growth was driven by more shoppers buying these products and purchasing larger volumes per trip, reflecting continued demand for convenience. Sous vide performed particularly well, with volumes up 20.1% year-on-year.

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

Lamb retail performance

Total lamb retail spend increased by 7.8% year-on-year over the past 12 weeks. This return to growth appears driven by higher prices and a small increase in volumes (+0.9%, +194 tonnes). The return to volume growth was driven by an increase in shoppers combined with a higher volume per shopping trip.¹

Recent performance may also reflect seasonal demand. Easter, Ramadan and Eid-al-Fitr fell during this period, which typically supports lamb sales and can contribute to higher prices.

Primary lamb purchase volumes increased by 0.8%, continuing the return to growth seen in previous periods. This was primarily led by lamb steaks, that saw a significant increase in volume (+14.1%) from last year, driven by highest level of volume sold on promotion in 2026. However, lamb roasting saw a slight decrease in volume (-0.5%) over the 12 weeks despite strong roasting joint growth over the 2 weeks before Easter celebrations.

Processed lamb purchase volumes fell by 6.7%, continuing a weaker trend. This was mainly driven by declines in both shopper numbers and how often shoppers are buying.

Added-value lamb products continued to perform well, with purchase volumes up 5.7% and spend rising by 15.8%. Growth was driven by more shoppers buying these products and purchasing larger volumes per trip, highlighting ongoing demand for convenient lamb meal options.

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

Pig meat retail performance

Over the past 12 weeks, total pig meat purchase volumes declined by 3.4% (-7,339 tonnes) year-on-year, spend decreased 3.1%, with average prices per volume increasing by 0.3%.¹

Primary pig meat performed well, with purchase volumes increasing by 6.8% and spend up 5.5% year-on-year. Growth was driven by mince and roasting joints. Mince grew volumes +30.1%, with consumers switching from beef mince to the cheaper pork option. Roasting joints grew volumes +16.5% driven by higher numbers of shoppers and volumes per shopping trip.

Processed pig meat purchase volumes fell by 5.9%, driving the overall category decline. Volume losses were seen for bacon rashers (-1,715 tonnes), sausages (-2,478 tonnes), and sliced cooked meats (-3,251 tonnes), potentially driven by concerns around ultra processed foods driving lower purchase frequency.

Added-value pig meat products also continued to grow, with purchase volumes increasing by 4.7% year-on-year. Spend rose alongside this, with shoppers buying larger volumes per trip. Sous vide products were a key area of growth, highlighting continued demand for convenient and easy-to-prepare meals.

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

¹ Worldpanel by Numerator UK, 12 w/e 17 May 2026

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