Household purchases of both beef and lamb declined in the UK during 2011, the combined result of higher retail prices, tighter supplies and trend towards consumers’ favouring cheaper protein products.
For 2011, UK lamb purchases and expenditure decreased year-on-year, back 20% and 7% respectively (EBLEX UK Market Survey), with increased exports and lower imports reducing the availability of lamb on the domestic market. Contributed to by the tighter availability and subsequent high retail prices, in particular in comparison to pork and chicken, consumers also moved towards cheaper protein alternatives.
However, while household purchases of beef declined in 2011, total expenditure increased 1% - the result of a 4% average increase in price. Roasting cuts and steaks registered the largest reduction in purchases, as consumers switched to cheaper proteins. In the first half of 2011 stewing beef and mince performed strongly, with both products cheaper and key ingredients for component cooking. However in the last quarter of 2011, purchases reduced year-on-year. Additionally, increased UK beef exports in the last three months of the year reduced available supplies for the domestic market, pushing up the price of fresh beef.
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Source: newsroom - meattradenewsdaily.co.uk
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