Peter Duggan, Strategic Information Services, Bord Bia - Irish Food Board 

Similar to the Irish market, fresh beef consumption in Great Britain has benefitted from consumers heightened awareness over the provenance of meat and meat products.   

According to the latest Kantar Worldpanel data, fresh beef retail volume sales in the latest four week period ending the 14th April across Great Britain were almost 11% higher compared with the same period last year. This suggests that more consumers are now more willing to start cooking from scratch. Most of the growth in sales is attributed to firm demand for mince, with some increase in sales also evident for roasting joints, steaks and stewing beef.  

In terms of lamb, volume sales in the latest 4 week period covering Easter performed strongly, following up on previous strong months of trading. In the four weeks up to the 14th April, volume purchases were up 26% on the corresponding period last year. During the 12 week period ending the 14th April, volume sales were actually 34% higher. Trading is being helped by retailers engaging in heavy promotional activity, especially for lamb roasting joints which accounts for approximately 40% of lamb consumption per annum.  

In contrast, burger sales (fresh and frozen) were down by over 40% in the latest 4 week period compared to the corresponding period last year. Both chilled and frozen ready beef meals volumes fell significantly and purchases of other processed products, such as beef pies and pasties, were also below last year’s levels.