Barbecue summer boosts pig meat sales

Retail sales of pig meat recorded a 1.4% rise year-on-year during the 12 weeks to July 15, although fresh pork sales fell, according to the latest data from Kantar Worldpanel.

With retail prices also increasing, the total value of the category increased by just over 2%.

This increase in volume was largely due to growth on the year in retail sales of bacon and sausages, up 1% and 4% respectively. Sales of sausages were likely to have been supported by the 'barbecue weather' experienced across the country. Unlike bacon, sausage prices were also higher than 2017 levels, so, sausage value at retail level increased by just over 5% year-on-year to an estimated £160 million during the 12-week period.

Fresh pork pies recorded a 5% increase in sales volumes compared to the same period last year, and higher prices meant value climbed 9%. Sliced cooked meats also recorded increases in volume and average price, which combined to be worth almost 4% more than year earlier levels.

In contrast, primary pork suffered under the heat, with volumes declining 1% year-on-year during the period, although, due to a rise in average price, the value of the category remained steady. Unsurprisingly, leg and loin roasting joint volumes suffered, although shoulder roasting joints bucked the trend with volumes up 5% year-on-year.