In the 12 weeks to 13 June 2026, red meat retail volumes declined overall (-3.2% year-on-year), driven by lower demand for beef and processed pig meat, partly offset by growth in primary pigmeat.
Beef retail performance
Over the past 12 weeks, total beef retail spend increased by 6.1% year-on-year, driven by higher prices (+9.7%), while volumes declined by 3.2% (51,156 tonnes). This indicates continued pressure on shoppers, although the rate of decline has softened compared to previous periods.
Primary beef volumes fell by 3.5%, reflecting the ongoing impact of inflation. However, mince volumes declined at a slower rate (-3.2% vs -3.5% for total primary), with shoppers buying it more frequently, reinforcing its role as a versatile and lower-cost option.
Processed beef volumes declined by 3.0% year-on-year, reflecting weaker underlying demand across the category. This was driven by declines in key everyday lines, including burgers and grills (-2.0%) and sliced cooked meats (-4.4%), driven by fewer shoppers and lower purchase frequency overall.
In contrast, added-value beef saw a 1.2% growth in volumes, despite a 4.0% change in prices, with sous vide growing strongly (+10.1%), offsetting declines in marinades (-5.6%) and ready to cook (-28.9%).
See the full data and these insights visualised on our GB household beef purchases retail dashboard.
Lamb retail performance
Over the past 12 weeks, total lamb retail spend increased by 5.1% year-on-year, despite volumes declining slightly (-1.1%, 13,601 tonnes). This was driven by a 6.2% increase in prices, with shoppers also spending more per trip.
Primary lamb volumes fell by 3.2% year-on-year, reflecting the continued impact of higher prices. Lamb steaks performed strongly, with volumes up 9.2% driven by higher frequency of purchase.
In contrast, roasting joint volumes declined year-on-year (-7.3%) despite a strong Easter performance previously, suggesting that while lamb remains a key seasonal choice, price pressures are limiting purchases of higher-cost cuts outside key occasions.
Processed lamb volumes declined by 4.7% year-on-year, continuing a weaker trend. This was driven by fewer shoppers and lower purchase frequency, although volumes per trip increased, indicating that when shoppers do purchase processed lamb, they are buying slightly more per occasion.
Added-value lamb products performed strongly, with volumes up 7.4% and spend rising by 16.3% year-on-year.
Growth was driven by sous vide (+6.2%) and marinades (+12.7%) where both saw an increase in shopper numbers and higher volumes per trip, highlighting continued demand for convenient lamb options.
Pig meat retail performance
Over the past 12 weeks, despite a lower inflation, we still see total pig meat purchase volumes declined by 3.4% (32,619 tonnes) year-on-year, while spend fell by 2.7%.
This reflects relatively stable pricing, with average prices increasing only modestly (+0.7%).
Primary pig meat performed well, with purchase volumes increasing by 5.1% and spend up 4.8% year-on-year. Growth was driven by key cuts such as mince (+25.6%) and roasting joints (+12.6%), supported by increases in both shopper numbers and volumes per trip.
This suggests pig meat continues to benefit as a more affordable protein, with shoppers likely to be turning to into pork options, particularly mince, as a lower-cost alternative.
In contrast, processed pig meat volumes declined by 5.8%, driving the overall category decline. Losses were seen across core lines including bacon rashers, sausages and sliced cooked meats, largely due to fewer shoppers and lower purchase frequency.
This may reflect changing shopper habits and a shift away from more heavily processed formats.
Added-value pig meat continued to grow, with volumes increasing by 5.8% year-on-year. Spend also rose, supported by shoppers purchasing larger volumes per trip.
Sous vide and marinade products were key areas of growth, highlighting continued demand for convenient meals, even as shoppers remain price conscious.
