UK meat prices dip as beef and lamb inflation eases, pork gains share

Data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) shows that over a 12‑week period beef retail spend rose 6.3% as average prices increased 7.4%, while overall beef volume fell 0.9%. Beef steaks (+9.1%) and diced beef (+10.5%) were the only cuts with volume growth, driven by more buyers and higher purchase frequency. Processed beef volumes rose 3.1% year‑on‑year, led by burgers and grills.

Lamb retail volumes slipped 1.4% with a 5.9% rise in spend and a 7.4% price increase. Primary lamb cuts fell 6.9% in volume, notably lamb leg roasting down 31.8%.

Pig meat showed a mixed picture: total volumes fell 2.4% and spend dropped 1.3%, but average prices rose 1.2%. Primary pig meat volumes increased 1.5%, with roasting up 3.9% and mince up 25.9%.

The Grocery Gazette reports that meat inflation continued to decline in July. Beef prices fell marginally by 0.15% month‑on‑month after a 2.26% drop in June, while lamb prices remain 5.53% higher year‑on‑year. Pork prices fell sharply, with pork loin steaks down 3.21% month‑on‑month and 17.84% year‑on‑year. Chicken prices rose 0.64% amid World Cup excitement and hot‑weather BBQ demand. Tony Goodger, head of communications at the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), noted the shift of shoppers from higher‑priced beef and lamb to cheaper pork cuts.