Tuesday, 13 January 2026
Beef retail performance
Over the past 12 weeks, spend increased 9.8%, driven by average price rises of 17.5%, resulting in volume declines of 6.6% (Worldpanel by Numerator UK, 12 w/e 28 December 2025).
Primary beef volumes saw an 8.5% decrease, with all cuts in decline. Roasting joints, which have been in strong decline in previous periods, performed well across Christmas, resulting in an overall decline in volumes of -2%. Mince saw the greatest actual decline (-3,567 tonnes), a volume reduction of 10.7% year-on-year. This was driven by a reduction in shopper numbers, due to the 35.9% average price increase.
Total processed beef saw a 5.6% decline in volume purchased year-on-year. Sliced cooked meats drove this decline with -465 tonnes (-7.9%) driven by a decrease in buyers.
Total added-value products also saw volume decrease of 1.5% this period. However, ready-to-cook saw a 12.1% increase in volumes purchased, driven by an increase in the number of shoppers. Although there was an increase in volumes sold on promotion during this period, volumes off promotion also increased. Sous vide saw a 0.5% increase due to an increase in volumes per shopper, coupled with a 3.3% increase in volumes sold on promotion.
We have explored Christmas performance with a breakdown of how each protein has performed.
See the full data and these insights visualised on our GB household beef purchases retail dashboard.
Lamb retail performance
Lamb retail products saw a 3.8% increase in volumes purchased, accompanied by a 5.4% increase in spend year-on-year (Worldpanel by Numerator UK, 12 w/e 28 December 2025). Average prices paid increased by 1.6%.
Total primary lamb cuts saw an 8.3% volume increase during the 12-week period. Lamb roasting saw the largest increase of 12.2% (+1,250 tonnes). Leg roasting increased 15.3% driven by an increase in volumes purchased per shopping trip and an increase in shopper numbers. There was an increase in volumes sold on promotion during the Christmas period.
Processed lamb saw a 5.6% decrease in volumes year-on-year, this decline was driven by burgers and grills which had a decrease in buyers.
Total added value lamb saw a -1.0% decrease in volumes year-on-year. Despite this, sous vide (+3.8%) saw volume growth due to increased frequency of purchase and increase 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 0.5% increase in volumes purchased, a 2.4% increase in spend and a 1.9% increase in average prices paid (Worldpanel by Numerator UK, 12 w/e 28 December 2025).
Primary pig meat saw volume increases of 2.5% this period. Roasting saw increases of 5.5% driven by increased buyers and an increase in volumes purchased per shopping trip. Mince saw the largest volume increase of 42.3% (1,446 tonnes) driven by increased buyers and volumes purchased per buyer.
Processed pig meat saw no change (+0.0%) over the 12-week period. Total gammon saw a 5.3% increase in volumes purchased, this was driven by an increase in frequency of purchase and an increase in shoppers, and offset declines seen by other processed pig meat products.
Both gammon and roasting performed well at Christmas, please see our Christmas article for more insights on Christmas.
Total added value products saw a 4.9% increase in volumes this period. This was driven by sous vide which saw a 20.5% increase in volumes purchased, driven by an increased number of buyers and an increase in volumes purchased per shopper. Sous vide performance offset declines seen by marinades and ready-to-cook.
See the full data and these insights visualised on our GB household pork purchases retail dashboard.
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.