Peter Duggan, Strategic Information Services, Bord Bia

The latest research conducted by TNS showed that British consumers have increased their intake of pork significantly in the month ending the 1st of November. Beef consumption increased slightly in the same period while lamb consumption continues to decline.

Pork sales have been buoyant, with sales some 7% higher in the latest 4 week period ending the 1st of November, with the average price per kilogram falling by up to 3%. The growth in pork sales has been dominated by shoulder roasting joints.

Beef consumption in the month ending the 1st of November increased by just over 2% to 25,400 tonnes, with expenditure increasing by a similar percentage. The growth in sales revolved around an 18% increase in steak sales and a 12% increase in stewing sales, which was largely offset by a 10% decline in roasting sales. UK consumer prices for beef have slowed over recent months relative to the picture over the last year when the average price increased by 9% to the situation over the last month when it was similar to the same month last year. 

Lamb consumption has started to level off, although retail sales were still almost 2% lower over the last month. However, this is a smaller decline than the 12 and 52 week periods when sales were back by 8% and 9% respectively. Expenditure on lamb increased marginally in the latest 4 week period.