Pig meat sales hold up amid red meat decline

Sales of pigmeat held steady during the 12 weeks ending September 9, as overall red meat sales fell. 

Pigmeat was responsible for the only increase in retail volume sales, albeit a modest 0.4% rise. The bad news is that fresh and frozen pork sales were down 4% year-on-year, as volume sales of loin roasting joints were down a huge 44% as the average price per kg increased by 27%. But overall fresh and frozen pork prices were down slightly. 

However, other pork products enjoyed better fortunes, particularly those popular in barbeques and picnics, as the warm weather continued in September. The volume of pork ribs sold was up 8%, and marinades up 19%. Pork sausage sales volumes also increased; up 4% on the year. 

Unsurprisingly, burger sales also remained high with volume sales up 14% on the year and the value of the market increasing by 19%.

But primary meat across the board is feeling the strain. Total volume sales of all primary meats (including poultry) were down by 1.9%, and average prices decreasing slightly resulted in 3% contraction year-on-year in total market worth.

The decline in fresh and frozen pork sales was dwarfed by the 6.5% drop in beef sales, driven by a sharp 28% decline in roasting joints, and a 13% year-on-year decline in fresh and frozen lamb volume sales. The total value of this part of the lamb market, however, decreased by only 7%, as the average retail price rose by 6%.